[gui-talk] Fwd: New camera designed for the blind

[Steve Pattison]

From: Dave Ransley dave-ransley at netspace.net.au
To: vip-l VIP-L at softspeak.com.au

Hello,

You may find the following from the www.gizmag.com site 
interesting.

Dave.

  November 17, 2008 Capturing an image takes on a different 
meaning with the Touch Sight camera.  The device makes it 
possible for the visually impaired to take digital photos by 
using a Braille-like screen to make a raised image on the user's 
forehead of whatever the lens sees.
  Designed by Chueh Lee from Samsung China, the camera aims to 
provide a means of recording the mental photograph that the 
visually-impaired create of their surroundings using senses other 
than sight.  It records sound for three seconds after pressing 
the shutter button so that the user can then use the sound as a 
reference when reviewing and managing the photos and in place of 
an LCD screen, the camera has a lightweight, flexible Braille 
display sheet which shows a 3D image by embossing the surface.  
The sound and picture combine to become a touchable photo.  This 
image can then be saved on the camera as well as be uploaded to 
share with others--and downloaded to other Touch Sight cameras.
  The use of the forehead as the optimal position for the camera 
was uncovered by Chueh during his research.  An instructor who 
teaches a photography course for the visually impaired in Israel 
had discovered that holding the camera to the forehead is the 
easiest way to keep the camera still, and becomes almost like a 
third eye.  The instructor also found the visually impaired have 
no problems estimating distances, since their sense of hearing is 
especially sharp.
  The Touch Sight camera makes was recently named among Time 
Magazine's Best Inventions of 2008.

Regards Steve
Email:  srp at internode.on.net
Windows Live Messenger:  internetuser383 at hotmail.com
Skype:  steve1963