The Blind Shall See
Dateline: 01/20/00
Since losing his vision some 36 years ago, "Jerry" has been in a world of darkness. In a stunning course of events, researchers at the Dobelle Institute announced that through the use of an innovative device, Jerry can "see."
Jerry doesn't "see" in the conventional sense but with the device he is able to make out shapes. He can discern objects based on white dots on a black background similar in many respects to a photo negative.
The device is composed of:
- A pair of sunglasses with a built-in distance measuring device in one lens and a pinhole camera in the other.
- A "wearable" computer attached to the glasses worn on the user's belt that receives and processes information from the devices in the glasses.
- A second computer that sends signals to electrodes directly on the brain's surface.
- Wiring connections from the computer to the surface of the brain.
Jerry wearing glasses with attached camera. Electrodes are attached to the surface of the brain.
In a previous demonstration of the device, Jerry has been able to place a black hat (hanging on a white wall) on the head of a mannequin.
A total of six patients have been tested with the device.
Interestingly enough, the applications of this technology are not confined to helping the blind to see. Since the techniques used involve nerve stimulation, the researchers have used the underlying technology in a variety of situations.
The researchers hope to have an improved version of the device for commercial use later in the year.
What do you think? How long do you think it will take before we have the technology to simulate full sight? Do you think that ultimately the technology will be affordable so that we won't have haves and have-nots? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions and feelings. Till next time...
For additional information see:
Artificial Vision System For The Blind
Science Daily Report
