Video Headsets for the Vision Impaired? 28
"I have searched a few times over the past few years for a lightweight wearable video system for vision impaired people (Legally Blind). I am looking for a hardware and software configuration that allows people full
mobility around home and for short walks. Considering that, I am only talking about a good quality digital camera, video card, video-headset, external power/batter and maybe some firmware on the video circuitry for personal preference
configuration (I figure, maybe $300 to $800). The system would not be for replacing the seeing-eye-dog or cane-navigation, but neither can read and it is hard learning Braille at age 65.
A small good quality digital camera as input, to video circuitry
with firmware, allowing adjustments/configuration (contrast, color, magnification, etc) and flash-save of user requirements, with output to a good quality video headset (providing adjustable viewing maybe about 125cm@1.5m to
250cm@1m).
So, who has one ready? Please share their website with us, so I can pass the information to the friends, children, and grandchildren of some folks that I know. All of the websites I have visited show only NTSC/PAL/HDTV/camcorder systems for television, airline movies in first-class, virtual
environments, military simulations/games, and so on. Most configurations were structured around existing entertainment centers and VE
generators, none were appropriate for reading and looking at reality and/or for vision impaired people.
Thanks in advance, for all your helpful comments and
directions."
Wired for video (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:WARNING Tsarkon reports SLASHDOT TRACKS AC-IP-U (Score:1)
Re:WARNING Tsarkon reports SLASHDOT TRACKS AC-IP-U (Score:1)
What are you looking for? (Score:4, Informative)
The system would not be for replacing the seeing-eye-dog or cane-navigation, but neither can read and it is hard learning Braille at age 65.
Okay, so you need a document enlarger... My personal favorite would be anything from Optelec [optelec.com].
small good quality digital camera as input, to video circuitry with firmware, allowing adjustments/configuration (contrast, color, magnification, etc) and flash-save of user requirements, with output to a good quality video headset (providing adjustable viewing maybe about 125cm@1.5m to 250cm@1m)
Okay, so you really need a Video Telescope system. Here's one at AbleData [abledata.com], but good luck finding any system along these lines for less than $800.
As for a wearable monitor? The Jordy [enhancedvision.com] will probably be your best bet, and you can get a stand for it so that it's a document enlarger as well.
Ultimately, when in doubt, try the AbleData website. [abledata.com]
Re:What are you looking for? (Score:2)
I've seen custom "bioptic" eyeglasses that seem to serve the same function, here's a photo:
http://underreported.com/modules.php?op=m o dlo
Reply: What are you looking for? (Score:3, Interesting)
Thanks for your comment.
I looked at the emoscop. An emoscop adapter on a less expensive 2Meg or 4Meg pixel camera may be a very good way to reduce the cost of building a video headset for the Legally Blind. I'll be glad when I retire in a few (too many) years and have time to build a prototype (maybe someone will do it before me, ... I hope they won't
patent what I consider an obvious application of available technology). After I
retire ..., taking the SF farther may involve some of the concepts implie
Medicare? No way. (Score:3, Insightful)
Would USA Medicare and/or private insurance pay for such a medical device?
No. It's not medically necessary.
Just because something improves your vision doesn't mean it's covered by medical insurance. Contacts generally aren't covered, and neither is LASIK (vision correction surjery).
A hard row to hoe, (Score:1)
Are you serious about the $300-$800? You spend $300 on a good camera alone. Do you think the benefits are gonna outweigh the costs (try $1k+)?
As interesting as the idea sounds, I see alot of hurdles to get over, perhaps the greatest of which is training a 65yo how to use it.
Reply: A hard row to hoe, (Score:2)
Re:Confusing PCness... (Score:1)
no, he's not.
if you read the article again, he uses 2 terms. one is "vision impaired," the other is "legally blind." In this context they mean pretty much the same thing, but he used both for clarity. He IS talking about people with poor eyesight, and not people who are blind.
Re:Confusing PCness... (Score:1)
Re:Confusing PCness... (Score:3, Informative)
I've been researching this problem myself, since my little niece has detatched retinas due to a medical malpractice incident at birth, so she has no central vision, she can only see with her peripheral vision. She gets around pretty well in the real world, she doesn't need assistance like a cane or guide dog, but sh
tools for the impaired (Score:2, Offtopic)
However, I can wholeheartedly recommend the headphones that come with the Archos MP3 player for anyone who can't hear - I can't imagine that anyone who *can* hear would ever enjoy them.
What you are wanting... (Score:2)
You will be running into a classic problem of HMD design - you can have high-res, low field-of-view (FOV), or low-res, wide FOV - anything else either looks like ass, or costs megabucks (think LEEP optic sets). A large FOV promotes immersion (ie, the visual sense of being "ther
Trouble Reading (Score:1)
Is anybody else having a difficult time trying to read this? The type is far too small, and I can't see anything!
I had to do it. . .