[Nfb-krafters-korner] Fw: camera for the blind

[joseli Walter]

since we're on about taking pictures I thought some of you might find this interesting.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Mark Lee 
To: joseli Walter 
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:33 PM
Subject: camera for the blind


This Camera is Cutting Edge

User holding the camera to her foreheadDesigner Chueh Lee has designed what may be the worlds first camera for the blind, the "Touch Sight".

"Touch Sight is a revolutionary digital camera designed for visually impaired people. Simple features make it easy to use, including a unique feature which
records sound for three seconds after pressing the shutter button. The user can then use the sound as reference when reviewing and managing the photos.
Touch Sight does not have an LCD but instead has a lightweight, flexible Braille display sheet which displays a 3D image by embossing the surface, allowing
the user to touch their photo. The sound file and picture document combine to become a touchable photo that is saved in the device and can be uploaded
to share with others-and downloaded to other Touch Sight cameras."

One interesting aspect discovered by Chueh in his research is that holding the camera to the forehead is the optimal position for this device. He learned
that an instructor who teaches a photography course for the visually impaired discovered that holding the camera to the forehead, like a third eye, is
the best way for them to stabilize and aim the camera. The instructor also found the visually impaired have no problems estimating distances, since their
sense of hearing is especially sharp. Every rustle of wind in the trees catches their attention and can be used to judge distances. Other senses come into
play as well. The heat of the sun or a lamp in a living room, for example, signals a direct source of light. They regularly use their non-visual senses
to feel the world and manifest it into a mental photograph."

Read more at
http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/08/13/this-camera-is-outta-sight/?nl=tech&emc=tech.