WEEK 4 => 27Aug - 2Sep

A white cane is used by many people who are blind or visually impaired.

§  Long Cane: This "traditional" white cane, also known as a "Hoover" cane, after Dr. Richard Hoover, is designed primarily as a mobility tool used to detect objects in the path of a user. Cane length depends upon the height of a user, and traditionally extends from the floor to the user's sternum. Some organisations favor the use of much longer canes.

§  Guide Cane: This is a shorter cane - generally extending from the floor to the user's waist - with a more limited mobility function. It is used to scan for kerbs and steps. The guide cane can also be used diagonally across the body for protection, warning the user of obstacles immediately ahead.

§  Identification Cane (or Symbol Cane in British English): The ID cane is used primarily to alert others as to the bearer's visual impairment. It is often lighter and shorter than the long cane, and has no use as a mobility tool.

Kiddie Cane: This version works the same as an adult's Long Cane but is designed for use by children.

History

In 1921 James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident and was uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible.

In 1931 in France, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement for blind people. On February 7, 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont symbolically gave the first two white canes to blind people, in the presence of several French ministers. 5,000 more white canes were later sent to blind French veterans from World War I and blind civilians.

-->> Citation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_cane

Wand for the blind with sensor

A smart innovation in wand for the blind.no more classic long stick. This wand is working by sensing the objects around.it can recognize the objects by distance sensor without pole which means easy to hand carry. This wand can help working utilizing the well developed tactile sense of the blind man.it will raise an alert for the blind to avoid any obstacles and allow time to be ready in advance.

-->> Citation: http://www.tuvie.com/wand-for-the-blind-with-sensor/

Munivo guide for the blind

How it works:

Ultrasound technology (remote sensing) forms the base of this trouble-free and handy device. Munivo sends information to the electronic control unit after measuring distance between the subject and the potential obstacles that is carried on two axes, X and Y. Moving on two axes; signals are transmitted to the subject, in the form of spheres through roller-type electromagnetic actuators, hence, giving instructions to the topic to steer clear of any hindrance. Actuators placed in the silicon films which are directly in contact with the palm gets control signals, after the device processes signals from sensors.

-->> Citation:  http://www.designbuzz.com/munivo-handheld-navigation-device-directs-the-blind-to-walk-free/

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