INTRODUCTION:
The visually impaired rely on non-visual senses, primarily hearing, to help them locate and identify objects within their immediate and distant environment Although all of the senses are able to convey information pertaining to an object (i.e. texture, temperature, size), only the auditory system is capable of providing significant distance cues (coded primarily through intensity). Most objects do not emit sounds, however, they are capable of reflecting sound coming from other sound sources allowing the intensity of these reflecting sounds (echoes) to be used as distance cues. Although these echoes may provide information about an object's distance, sound emitting sources may not always be present.
In an attempt to imitate these natural occurring distance cues, several devices have been developed in which the distance of a person to an object is conveyed to the user through sound. Most of these devices make use of sonar in which an ultrasonic sound is emitted from the device and the time taken for the echo to return is directly related to the distance of the reflecting object. In the spring of '97 Professor Milios proposed that I investigate the conversion of distance of an object into audible sound as a summer research project. Distance measurements could be easily obtained using the Optech Laser Range Finder (a high accuracy infrared ranging device). Therefore goal of my project was to obtain these distance readings and convert them into audible sound ultimately leading to a product which will aid the visually impaired with their travel and mobility.
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