CSB #2 : Vision for the Blind

http://vision.wicab.com/media/V100system2.JPG
BrainPort technology that enables those that are blind to "see" by feeling patterns with the sense of touch on their tongues.

Definitions

blind - Being blind is being in a state of lacking the sense of sight.

RPG - An RPG is a rocket-propelled grenade, similar to a rocket launcher. It is a dangerous weapon used in warfare.

Summary

Being blind means losing one's vision, a serious problem for daily life. Blind people lose some control over their lives because they begin to depend on others to assist them. Craig Lundberg became blinded from an RPG while in the army, and now needs the help of Hugo, his guide dog, to get around. BrainPort is a new technology helping people "see" by using their tongues. Craig Lundberg decided to try BrainPort. He wears sunglasses with a mounted camera. The pair of sunglasses connects to a hand-held mechanism that translates the images from the camera into patterns, and sends signals to another device called the "lollipop," which Lundberg puts in his mouth. These patterns form on Lundberg's mouth and help him "see" what is in front of him. Lundberg says that "It's like licking a battery... electrical, tingly. You get lines and shapes of things; it sees in black and white so you get a two-dimensional image on your tongue." Put simply, the images from the camera are changed to patterns which are felt using the tongue. These patterns on the tongue help them see a two-dimensional picture.

Discussion

I chose this topic because blindness is a serious disability which affects many people. Although scientists have come up with brilliant ideas to try to counteract it, this technology is a big step in helping people recover from blindness. Many people that are recently afflicted with this disorder feel terrible because they require the help of others. Although this technology is not perfect, it will help those people transition. If this technology could be improved, it might even resemble real eyesight and become more effective than guide dogs.

Questions

1. BrainPort helps the blind view their surroundings in 2D. By incorporating depth perception, would 3D representation of shapes be possible?

2. Could the BrainPort be improved somehow so that the "vision" is not in black and white, but multicolored?

Resources
Original Article:  Hulick, Kathryn. "Blind Soldier Sees with His Tongue!" Odyssey. 14 Oct. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=12&sid=fe39adb0-57d2-4568-836c-4e12a5972a44%40sessionmgr10&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=sch&AN=53786779#db=sch&AN=53786779#db=sch&AN=53786779>.Picture of BrainPort set: http://vision.wicab.com/media/V100system2.JPG