Navigation devices to guide the visually impaired
From: DesignBuzz - 04/12/2012

Touch & Go - It comes with a tactile display and a wearable navigator. This
navigator can be strapped to the arm, belly or wrist. It first draws an
inference current position of the user and provides directions at 1:1000
scale. It uses the embedded ultrasonic transmitter-receiver to send signals
to the ear phone. The visually challenged person receives these commands as
auditory signals. Designed by Natalia Ponomareva, this navigation system is a
great tool for the blind.

Brainchild of Pia Weitgasser, Joe Muller and Kristina Chudikova, na:vi
promises to help the visually impaired to move without any aid or assistance.
It has a gyroscope that guides them to navigate with minimal effort. This
elegant and stylish system comes integrated with a laser range finder and a
3D user interface. This ensures a perfect and safe way of finding directions.

plan.b is a digital device that uses tactile version of maps to guide the
blind. It can also provide audio information when the user presses the dots
on the device. Other than this, it furnishes additional information on the
surroundings such as proportion of architecture, distance etc. This helps the
user to navigate safely and freely with minimal assistance.

GPS in a Hand Disk - This device in the shape of a hard disk uses GPS
technology to sense the current location of the user. The user can feel the
maps using the grid of movable 3D dots. It also has additional features such
a compass that can be zoomed along with search and voice command. Designed by
Allan Sejer Madsen and Lukasz Natkaniec, this hand held design ensures smooth
sailing for the visually impaired.

Jojo - This cool looking GPS device uses ultrasonic sensors to direct or
guide a person in a human voice. Tourists also can use this handy device. It
was designed by Inga Paukste-Urb promises to be a steady comrade of the
blind. They can travel with confidence and surety.

This GPS device, called the VIA (Visually Impaired Assistant) uses motion
detection technology. The device comes in two parts is worn on both the
hands. It does not obstruct the movement of the hand. It has four mini
cameras, walking stick and a GPS receiver that is voice operated.

Brainovi 3D Braille GPS navigation system - This navigation aid integrates
spoken instructions with contact display to assist the visually challenged
people while traveling. A person can issue verbal command about the
destination onto the device that gives a three dimensional map so that the
person can feel the routes to the destination. The user receives the
directions from the device through the blue tooth earphone. This guides the
person in reaching the intended location. It has an inbuilt compass to
provide the right direction.

Project Bee - This device in the form of a wrist band uses tactile feedback
to guide the user. The user can also use the audio feedback. The user inputs
the address of the location he wishes to reach and the device generates and
reads the destination details to the user using the speaker of the wristband.
Once the user confirms the destination, the device provides the route to the
location.

Thimble Finger glove is a cool aid for the visually challenged that can be
worn on the finger. Designed by Zack Bennett & Erik Hedberg, this device has
additional amazing features. The optical scanner in the glove confirms the
current location of the person with the help of the internet and the Braille
messages. This scanner has the capability of translating a paper text into
Braille messages. It also collects the brain signals and also interprets
them. Scanning camera in the glove helps to pass the scanned data to the
brain. They can play or listen to music in their smart phones using Thimble
Finger glove.

See these devices at:
http://www.designbuzz.com/10-gps-navigation-devices-guide-visually-impaired/

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WuFu glasses - WuFu is an open hardware and open source aid for blind people.
Its name derives from the chinese expression “five bats” which denotes a
symbol of luck and a long life. Like a bat, WuFu uses ultrasonic distance
measurements. These are carried out by sensors on opaque glasses and are
translated to vibrations of two motors. The motors are attached to the wrists
of the wearer. The glasses hence can be used to gain a tactile feeling of the
distances that make up the surrounding space. In addition, a compass sensor
is used to provide feedback on the direction the wearer is heading in.

Link:
http://interface.khm.de/index.php/art/projects/wufu/

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Mygo Cane Guides the Blind, Turns Them into Potential Superheroes

Sebastian Ritzler, a design student in Germany, has created a feature-laden
rolling white cane called the Mygo that will make the blind scoff at us
eyesies. The Mygo uses a sensor-camera combo to measure the ground below it
and give the user real time feedback via a wireless headset. The cane also
ends in a small wheel that uses a steering engine that helps the user steer
by providing feedback through the grip.

Link:
http://gizmodo.com/303236/mygo-cane-guides-the-blind-turns-them-into-potential-superheroes