[Blindtlk] The Buzz Clip: Wearable Technology for the Blind

Danielle Ledet singingmywayin at gmail.com
Sun Oct 25 14:18:00 UTC 2015 

k. thanks!

On 10/24/15, Szostak, Christine via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi,
>   I got mine years ago so I am not sure where you can still purchase them.
> Doing a google search should get you to them. I think they are still being
> made. There are other versions, I think Maxi Aids, ILA, or S&S may have  it
> or similar products. Thus, I would start with these unless others hear know
> where you can purchase the device or something similar.
> HTH and sorry for not having more info  on where to get it:)!
> Chris
>
> Dr. Christine M. Szostak
> Assistant Professor of Psychology
> Department of Social Sciences
> Shorter University
> Rome, Georgia
> szostak.1 at osu.edu
> cszostak at shorter.edu
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Danielle
> Ledet via blindtlk
> Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2015 8:05 PM
> To: Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Danielle Ledet <singingmywayin at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Buzz Clip: Wearable Technology for the Blind
>
> Where can we get it when it's ready? Like if the campaign runs out before we
> can get it will it still be available?
>
> Chris I never heard of the Miniguide. Where can I find more information?
>
>
> On 10/24/15, Jasmine Kotsay via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hello,
>> 	I was wondering, are any more testers needed? I would be willing to
>> teverst one out! Also, hereow much is the device?
>>
>>  ----- Original Message -----
>> From: bin liu via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List <blindtlk at nfbnet.org Date sent: Fri, 23
>> Oct 2015 18:18:28 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Buzz Clip: Wearable Technology for the
>> Blind
>>
>> Hi Cindy and Dr.  Christine,
>>
>> The Buzzclip does use the same ultrasonic technology as the Mini guide
>> as well as other ultrasonic canes that have been around for decades.
>> It detects obstacles within a fixed range and distances and provides
>> vibratory feedback that changes with the distance of the obstacle.
>> Where we differ from the other devices is in the application of this
>> technology.
>>
>> A lot of effort was put into optimizing the user experience of the
>> device.  The limiting it to 1m and 2m modes reduces false positives
>> and only provide vibratory feedback obstacles or people that is in
>> your path or coming directly at you.  The 2 range modes allows more
>> flexibility depending on the density of objects or people in you
>> immediate environment, i.e indoors and outdoors.  The device goes to
>> sleep if you are at a fixed distance for over a few seconds so that it
>> doesn't constantly vibrate if you are talking to someone for example.
>> It reactivates again if the distance changes for more than 10-15cm.
>> So once
>> it is switch on, the user can simply carry on their usual routine with
>> out the need to operate the device constantly.  The battery will last
>> for a full days use on a single charge.
>>
>> The Buzzclip is not just another ultrasonic proximity detector.
>> The fact
>> that it is wearable and hands free makes it applicable in a lot more
>> use cases.  Some of our testers have been using it in line ups at
>> coffee shops to determine when the line is moving forward.  Some of
>> them have been using it as a way finder in tight spaces by walking in
>> the directions where the Buzzclip doesn't detect anything.  Some have
>> been using it as security by attaching it behind them, they would know
>> someone is sneaking up on them if the Buzzclip detects something
>> coming towards them and they don't hear anything.  Some have found it
>> useful as they would be able to tell if the person they are conversing
>> with got up to get water and when they get back.  It provides extra
>> information on the surrounding passively and users are constantly
>> finding new ways to use this extra information.
>>
>> Aside from the useability, a lot of thought was put into the design
>> and aesthetics as well.  The Buzzclip is slightly larger than a
>> lighter.  The enclosure is made entirely of aluminum so that it is
>> water resistant and durable and also very aesthetically pleasing.  The
>> devices consists of 3 main sections, a sensor arm that is circular and
>> smaller than the size of an iPod nano in terms of area and just a
>> little bit thicker.
>> it is
>> connected to the battery enclosure by a metallic spring clip that is
>> similar to the ones on pocket knifes and multi-tools.  The Battery
>> pack is in the shape of a rectangle with rounded edges and is roughly
>> the size of a USB drive.  The micro-USB charging port is on the side
>> of the battery pack.  At the back of the sensor is the vibration motor
>> arm with is elevated from the battery pack.  The entire unit has a
>> finish that is similar to the look and feel of the Apple TV remote.
>> When it is worn, the only portion that will be exposed is the round
>> sensor arm.
>>
>> I hope this explains it a little bit better.  Please do not hesitate
>> to contact us if you have any other questions.
>>
>> Best Regards
>> The iMerciv Team.
>>
>>
>> On 2015-10-23 3:02 PM, Szostak, Christine via blindtlk wrote:
>>  Hi,
>>     I think it is a version of the miniguide or mohat (sorry not sure
>> of spelling) sensor.  Basically, from the description it appears to be
>> a small device that clips to your clothing and vibrates when it senses
>> something that is ahead of you.  I am not sure how this differs other
>> than it is charged by a USB rather than just batteries that need
>> replaced and it has only a 1-2 m range where as the mini guide has 1-4
>> m ranges.  Thus, I am not sure what is ground-breaking about this as
>> the video says.  I think I am likely missing something that makes it
>> different from the others that have been out there for at least a
>> decade or two (e.g., miniguide).  Note that the miniguide...  also use
>> echolocation to detect objects.
>>  Happy Friday all!
>>  Chris
>>
>>  Dr.  Christine M.  Szostak
>>  Assistant Professor of Psychology
>>  Department of Social Sciences
>>  Shorter University
>>  Rome, Georgia
>>  szostak.1 at osu.edu
>>  cszostak at shorter.edu
>>
>>  -----Original Message-----
>>  From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>> Cindy Ray via blindtlk
>>  Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 11:13 AM
>>  To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List' <blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>  Cc: Cindy Ray <cindyray at gmail.com
>>  Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The BuzzClip: Wearable Technology for the
>> Blind
>>
>>  So what is this buzz clip supposed to do I wonder.
>>  Cindy
>>
>>
>>  -----Original Message-----
>>  From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>> iMerciv via blindtlk
>>  Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 9:48 AM
>>  To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>  Cc: iMerciv <info at imerciv.com
>>  Subject: [Blindtlk] The BuzzClip: Wearable Technology for the Blind
>>
>>  Dear Readers,
>>
>>
>>
>>  We wanted to share with some information with you about a new
>> revolutionary product that could really help people living with vision
>> loss all over the world.  The BuzzClip is currently live on Indiegogo
>> and while our campaign is promoting this cool new technology, it also
>> has a big social cause attached to it.  For more information please
>> check out our campaign page:
>>
>> https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-buzzclip-wearable-ultrasou
>> nd-for-the-
>>  blind/x/11673979#/
>>
>> <https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-buzzclip-wearable-ultraso
>> und-for-the
>>  -blind/x/11673979#/
>>
>>  Our device has been street tested here in Toronto, as well as the U.S
>> and India by hundreds of visually impaired individuals.
>>  We have working units at many organizations within Toronto that have
>> been testing our device with their clients and the response thus far
>> has been amazing.  You can watch the BuzzClip in action or hear what
>> some of our users have to say about it on our Youtube Channel:
>>  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnwSwEYIMD-bs8xOZM4tIQ
>>  <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnwSwEYIMD-bs8xOZM4tIQ
>>
>>  It would be great if you could share this information with anyone who
>> would benefit from using a device like this or anyone who may want to
>> order one for family and friends.  With the support of the public, we
>> can build a better product and can have them in the hands of people
>> that truly need them as early as the spring of 2016.
>>
>>  Please contact us if you have any questions and we really look
>> forward to hearing from you.
>>  Thank You & Best Regards,
>>
>>  The iMerciv Team
>>  _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
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>
>
> --
> Danielle
>
> Email: singingmywayin at gmail.com
>
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-- 
Danielle

Email: singingmywayin at gmail.com

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