CRI听力:New Device Help Visually Impaired

A visually impaired makes his way to Lodz Technical University seemingly unaided ... He doesn't even have a dog.

He's receiving instructions in a hidden ear piece from a remote guide.

The man's carrying a forward facing camera, a GPS tracker and a mobile telephone. Data is sent wirelessly to the guide.

Back in the university Maciej Polanczyk uses his laptop to send clear and precise directions.

"You are going to turn right, the entrance to the library is in front of you, there are more doors behind these."

Pawel Strumillo of Lodz Technical University explains.

"This device is the size of a cell phone. The visually impaired person hangs it around their neck so the camera see what is in front of them. There is a digital camera, cell phone and GPS unit inside the device. The data is sent to the remote guide using an internet connection. The guide, using his computer or other mobile device, can see everything in front of the person wearing the device and can warn them of any obstacles ahead and give directions. The remote guide can also see the location of the person on a map."

Strumillo says the system is designed for visually impaired people traveling somewhere for the first time, when a guide dog can't be used.

"This system comes in handy especially when the person gets lost or is learning a new route. Even a short communication session can help substantially."

Polanczyk says the system was first tested last month in Paris and has already received several awards.

"We can see what the visually impaired person would see and we also see where the person is located. This information is crucial if the person gets lost. Then we can easily use a map and direct them to their destination. We can also help with shopping by reading the price and expiry dates of products."

This new technology means visually impaired people can gain a little more independence and safety.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.