Blind people may soon be using their tongues to 'see'
Electronic device that may allow blind people to "see" using their tongues...
Updated On: 9/7/2009
[Total Votes: 39, Hits: 373]  Print

In a groundbreaking innovation, Melbourne scientists have created an electronic device that may allow blind people to "see" using their tongues.

The extraordinary technology works by taking pictures filmed by a tiny camera, and turns the information into electrical pulses, which can be felt on the tongue.

Tests have shown that the nerves send messages to the brain, which turn these tingles back into pictures.

The tool, called the BrainPort vision device, resembles a pair of sunglasses attached by cable to a plastic lollipop.

Its users have revealed that they can make out shapes, and even read signs with fewer than 20 hours training only.

The scientists behind this innovation say that learning to picture images felt on the tongue is similar to learning to ride a bike.

The device, which collects visual data through a small digital video camera about 2.5cm in diameter, which sits in the middle of a pair of sunglasses worn by the user, could be available for sale later this year.

The information is then transmitted to a hand-held control unit, which is about the size of a mobile phone.

The unit converts the digital signal into electrical pulses and sends this to the tongue via the lollipop that sits on the tongue.

The lollipop contains a grid of 600 electrodes, which pulsate according to how much light is in that area of the picture.

The control unit allows users to zoom in and out and control light settings and electric shock intensity.

"At first, I was amazed at what the device could do. One guy started to cry when he saw his first letter," News.com.au quoted William Seiple, research director at Lighthouse International, which has been testing it, as saying.

Robert Beckman, president of US-based Wicab which is developing the BrainPort, said: "It enables blind people to gain perception of their surroundings, displayed on their tongue. They cannot necessarily read a book but they can read a sign."

Beckman is hoping that the device would be used to improve people's mobility and safety.

Related Words:
Melbourne scientists electronic device, Allow blind people, Extraordinary technology works, Electrical pulses, BrainPort vision device, Pair of sunglasses attached by cable, Plastic lollipop, Visual data through a small digital video camera, Hand-held control unit, Mobile phone, Electric shock intensity, William Seiple, Research director at Lighthouse International, Robert Beckman, President of US-based Wicab, Improve peoples mobility and safety, Blind, Brain, Tongue

Related Search:

Allergies [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 253, Hits: 10814]
A real case related to the allergy was encountered sometimes back when a woman had indeed become allergic to her husband...
Anil Aggarwal Updated On: 2/28/2007
Print | Read On...

Can you catch the non-smoking habbit [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 192, Hits: 4412]
How to handle the withdrawal effects
Updated On: 2/28/2007
Print | Read On...

Why Yawning is Contagious? [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 235, Hits: 5437]
We yawn to get more oxygen into our system or to rid ourselves of excess carbon dioxide...
Updated On: 2/28/2007
Print | Read On...

You need to Know - DTP (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) Vaccines [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 246, Hits: 5292]
It is recommended to use DTaP because it is likely to cause less reaction than DTP...
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Updated On: 2/28/2007
Print | Read On...

You Need to Know Hib [Vaccine] [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 249, Hits: 4946]
Better learn about Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine
Updated On: 2/28/2007
Print | Read On...

STEP THIS WAY AND FEEL GOOD [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 249, Hits: 5281]
Walking is nature's way to tune up
Updated On: 2/28/2007
Print | Read On...

Sweet Disease - Diabetes [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 339, Hits: 3674]
Studies have revealed that diabetic women suffer more than men...
Vandana Singh Updated On: 11/13/2008
Print | Read On...

Cold Summers Drinks [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 233, Hits: 2201]
Summer Sippers - Choose your drink to beat the heat!
Updated On: 3/27/2009
Print | Read On...

Soon, a pill that won’t let you forget [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 125, Hits: 935]
New Drug will help students prepare for exams, patients with disorders like dementia...
Updated On: 4/29/2009
Print | Read On...

Honey: The golden elixir [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 66, Hits: 604]
Honey is versatile. It has been prized as a sweetener, as medicine, as an offering for the Gods, as currency, and as a symbol of love.
Updated On: 7/22/2009
Print | Read On...

TOP

 • Thanksgiving Day Coloringbook
 • Thanksgiving Day Festival
 • Thanksgiving Day Greetings
 • Short Poems for children
 • Thanksgiving Sayings
 • When is Thanksgiving Day
 • Activities, History, Quiz
 • First Thanksgiving
 • Thanksgiving Feast, Art & Craft Ideas, Gift Ideas
 • Blessings
 • Calendar, Continental Congress National Thanksgiving Proclamations, Thanksgiving Turkey Presidential Pardon
 • 1777 Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1778 Thanksgiving Proclamation, Prayers, Catholic Thanksgiving Prayer, Family Thanksgiving Prayer