|
With the addition of the new GPS software and a small receiver, the
Braille Note becomes a powerful and invaluable device to assist blind and
sight impaired people to navigate their way independently.
The process begins by first entering a series of landmarks and other
specific pieces of information as 'waypoints'. One 'waypoint' might be the
user's front door, while another is the bus stop down the road. After the
initial entering of the data as 'waypoints', the map can be replayed to
act as a verbal announcement device that 'speaks' to the user.
"You end up with a verbal map of your environment, explains
Maurice Sloane, BrailleNote Product Manager of Pulse Data International,
the company that developed the Braille Note and is behind the introduction
of the GPS software in New Zealand.
"When users are walking down the street the software will tell
them that they are five metres away from an intersection, or that the
local grocery store is on the left."
The GPS software will be invaluable not only in terms of navigation,
but also for safety. Users will be able to enter notes to warn of
low-hanging branches, cracks in the footpath and other obstacles and
hazards.
The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (RNZFB) is thrilled with
the advancement, which will have a profound impact on blind and sight
impaired people's ability to live independently, empowering them to meet
the challenges of sight loss.
"The technology is going to give so many people so much more
independence, I can't wait to get my hands on one," says Chris Orr,
member of the RNZFB.
"There's so much information that sighted people take for granted,
like finding the nearest public telephone or public toilets, and specific
shops. But, now we'll have access to it too."
The GPS software was the brainchild of Mr Mike May, a sight impaired
American. In July of this year, Mr May approached Pulse Data with the
concept of combining the two technologies.
Since then the Christchurch based company has been working closely with
Mr May to develop the software, which is currently in the final stages of
development.
"Blind and sight impaired people have normally relied on the use
of canes, electronic obstacle detectors and Guide Dogs to assist them when
they're out and about, this new software is going to complement those and
offer a new richness of information," says Mr Sloane.
The GPS software has been trialled in the U.S. with huge success and
Pulse Data aims to release it to New Zealanders early next year.
In the future the software will have the ability to announce any points
of interest to the user, including any museums, parks or restaurants
within a half kilometre radius. This has been implemented in the U.S.
where points of interest files are readily available due to the growing
use of GPS navigation systems in cars.
Mr Mike May is currently visiting New Zealand to work with Pulse Data
and meet with RNZFB staff and members to demonstrate the new equipment.
|
