Familiarity with the best gadgets for the blind; On the occasion of World White Capid Day

Auxiliary technologies can now, perhaps more than ever, increase the independence and quality of life of the blind and visually impaired, and therefore the awareness of the special gadgets of the blind is important.

Types of Blind Gadgets

The daily lives of blind and visually impaired people can become more independent, easier, and safer by using auxiliary technologies. Technology -based gadgets often fall into several general categories.

Reading and distinguishing tools, faces, objects

These tools recognize the print or digital text using the camera, OCR scan and image processing, and read audio to the user. They can also identify objects, colors, faces or goods.

Finger reader
Credit: Fluid Interfaces Group Mit Media Lab

Smart navigation caps and devices

These types of digital devices include traditional upgraded cane and tools that have depth sensors, camera or positioning system (GPS) to identify barriers and determine the direction of movement for the user.

Braille’s displays and notes

Braille’s conceptual design
Credit: Fraunhofer Institute

These devices convert the digital text to the braille by changing the height of the special needles, or providing the Braille language notification, which is very useful for those who are more comfortable with braille. Even Braille special book readers are designed to display the text with the Braille line on a large page.

Wearable gadgets and intelligent visual assistance

These tools intelligently describe the environment for the user. For example, they detect scenes, posts or people and transfer to the user with sound.

Smart glasses of the blind
Credit: Cinvestav

Artificial Intelligence Apps and Services and Live Communication

Some features are only available with a mobile app. Among them are apps that read the text with the camera’s camera, or the services that connect the vision to another user with the ability to help him or her to help the blind via the camera.

Alternative sensory gadgets

There are also tools that give the user information instead of sound, shaking or touch feedback and expressing the necessary warnings such as the direction of movement or distance to the barrier. These types of gadgets are often still in the research and development phase.

It should be noted that in recent years, many of these technologies have gone beyond research and sampling and have become accessible commercial tools. Companies such as Orcium, Humanvir, Vivak and Microsoft are pioneering the development of these technologies, and their products have made a significant difference in the daily lives of the blind. Tools that have become more advanced in hardware, but also artificial intelligence and machine learning have been added to provide more natural and personal performance.

The best gadgets made for the blind

Orcam myye

Maiya Avir
Credit: Orcam

Orcam Myye is a small device mounted on glasses or clothing, reads printed and digital texts in the moment, identifies faces and announces the presence of objects or even colors to the user. This gadget is a great option for those who want to have quick access to the texts without looking at others. Double battery, audio control and support for different languages ​​are among the advantages of the Mai Our Orcome.

Wewalk Smart Cane

Smart cane
Credit: Cheyenne MacDonald, Engadget

This tool is actually an updated version of the classic white cane. Wevak is built by adding a sensor, navigation capability and mobile connection to identify obstacles earlier and provide voice navigation. This type of cane has been developed in particular to increase safety while walking and leading in urban environments.

For those blinds who prefer to have physical tools, but still want to receive instant data such as alerting barriers and navigation, the smart cane provides a good combination of classical and technology.

Smart wearable gadgets

Envygen glasses
Credit: Sadjad Frogh

In recent years, several glasses or headsets have introduced artificial intelligence apps, describing text, scene and people. Including the Envision glasses or headsets that support the Seeing AI app. These gadgets are great for situations where the hands should be free or the user wants to have a quick explanation of the environment.

Braille displays

A sample of braille display
Credit: Orbit

For deep reading, writing and working with computers or mobile, braille displays such as Humanware and Freedom Scientific are still essential. These devices convert the text to the Braille line, and some models even have independent keyboards and note -taking capabilities. If as a blind or visually impaired, you need a long reading or professional work, these gadgets are important auxiliary tools.

Smart apps and services

Microsoft’s Seeing Ai app
Credit: CNET

There are important companies operating in this area, including the following.

• Microsoft Seeing AI: Microsoft’s free mobile app that uses the camera, text, people, objects and scenes audio. This tool is very useful and free.
• Be My Eyes: This app is also very popular and connects the blind to international volunteers to get visual explanations through the video. Artificial intelligence features and commercial features have just been added.
• Aira: A professional service with apps and wearable devices that connects the user to trained visual translators and is very useful for sensitive applications such as drug use, airport routing and even shopping.

Navigation and location devices

Turkler’s location tool
Credit: Humanware

Brands such as Humanovir also produce navigation devices for the blind. Including the Trekker series, which is very popular. These blind gadgets provide voice positioning, pre -planned paths and guide information and are very useful for independent travel.

Special technology of the blind in public gadgets

Although different gadgets have been developed for the blind, they may not be easily accessible to everyone. However, famous companies with available tools have also been active in this field. Apple should be the leader of accessibility technologies for the blind. The Voiceover tool on the iPhone, iPad and Mac reads the page content in a natural sound, and users can control the device with touch moves. The iPhone and iPad also compare with many braille displays, and the Magnifier app can turn the device’s camera into a text -recognition digital magnifying glass that provides a practical and personalized experience for blind people.

Using Apple’s Voiceover tool on iPhone
Credit: CNN

Microsoft and Samsung have also provided a variety of tools for the blind. Microsoft with the Narrator and Seeing AI app allows text to read, detect objects and intelligence with the environment, and collaborating with Be My Eyes provides a combination of artificial intelligence and human support. Samsung, with voice assistant, Bixby Vision, high contrast modes and automatic explanation TVs provide an efficient experience for the blind and visually impaired, and the company’s smart watches and gadgets also enjoy audio and vibration feedback.

Xiaomi and Google have also provided good accessibility. Xiaomi provides text and quick magnification with tools like Talkback and Accessibility Shortcut, and provides gadgets with audio and vibration feedback. Google on Android with TalkBack and Select to Speak and audio access and Lookout enables to read text, detect objects and surroundings with audio, so that blind and safe users interact with modern technologies.

The choice of the most appropriate gadget of the blind

To choose the best and most suitable gadget for the blind, you must first determine the daily needs and use. Do you want to use gadgets to read, move outdoors, work with a computer or a set of them? Then consider the budget and the maintenance cost. Braille displays are usually expensive, and app -based services may be low or even free.

Consider the ability to sync with different phone and services. Apps such as Seeing AI or Be My Eyes can be a good complement to hardware tools. Finally, check the support and warranty. World -renowned companies such as Orcium, Hyoumir and Vivak have good support and training network, and in the middle of the road, they do not leave the blind user alone.

Conclusion