CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing an audio reading device to be worn on the index finger of people whose vision is impaired, giving t
This article was accessed through Pinterest.com
3D printing...3D printing!! That is all that I ever hear about since I have been researching the topic for use in orthotics and OT intervention. Here, 3D printing is used to create a ring-like scanner that reads text and relays the information back to the person using it. The person simply moves their finger along a line of text, and the device does all the work. It even vibrates to give feedback to the individual if he or she starts to get away from the text line.
This device would be used for the blind, and it allows the person to be more aware of there environment, feel independence, and have increased participation in social activities and with products that they are not usual able to interact with. For example, if you were blind and wanted to go to a restaurant, yet the restaurant did not have a braille menu, the person can use this device to listen to the items on the menu and make an informed decision. Previously, a blind person might have to ask the person whom they are dining out with. Yet, problems arise in this situation because the person may only read the products that they think sound good or that they think their friend/S.O. would like. This technology gives the individual complete independence over choice and gives he or she the chance to interact with the product or experience.
The only thing that this product has issues with is the touch screen devices, which are dominating society today. If the person touches the screen, then that tactile input opens up whatever was hit. This is a limitation to this product, and I can’t think of way where they could disable the touch on a “touch screen” device because that is the way that you “use” the device. I am interested to see where this device is headed and any improvements that are made.