[Nfbf-l] Israeli news! invisible cane...

[Kirk]

This is really exciting news! originally sent out by  Paul Edwards... KH
Israel News

Yissum Research Development Company Ltd, the technology transfer company of 
the Hebrew University of Jerusalem presented a major new innovation - a 
virtual cane that will significantly improve the orientation and mobility of 
sight-impaired people.



The new device can assist blind people in estimating the distance and height 
of various obstacles. The invention was patented by Yissum, which is now 
seeking strategic partners for further development.





Dr. Amir Amedi from the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) 
and at Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) at The Hebrew 
University of Jerusalem and his team recently developed the device to help 
in spatial navigation for the blind.


Unlike a white stick that can give the blind input from only a meter away, 
the device can function at a much shorter distance and up to some 10 meters 
in all directions. Dr. Amedi said the device can also distinguish between 
smiling and sad faces and can be used for research on how the brain flexibly 
changes upon receiving input and on brain reorganization in the blind.



Amedi added that the blind user functions like a dolphin or bat, with 
sonar-type signals reacting to surroundings.


The invention, which was unveiled at the Presidential Conference last week, 
functions as a virtual flashlight and can replace or augment the classic 
white cane. The virtual cane emits a focused beam towards surrounding 
objects, and transmits the information to the user via a gentle vibration, 
similar to a cell phone vibration.


A Yissum press release noted that the cane incorporates several sensors that 
estimate the distance between the user and the object it is pointed at. This 
allows the blind person to assess the height and distance of various 
objects, reconstruct an accurate image of the surroundings and navigate 
safely.


The virtual cane is extremely small, easy to carry, accurate, can function 
for up to 12 hours and is easy to charge. Using the device is highly 
intuitive and can be learnt within a few minutes.


Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum said, "Dr. Amedi's promising invention can 
endow visually impaired people with the freedom to freely navigate in their 
surroundings without unintentionally bumping into or touching other people 
and thus has the potential to significantly enhance their quality of life."

Yissum is a Research Development Company of the Hebrew University and was 
founded in 1964 to protect and commercialize the Hebrew University's 
intellectual property

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4087693,00.html

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