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Alice band to let blind people ‘see’ as device relays info via earpiece

  • Scheme being tested on a group of eight blind people in Reading, Berkshire
  • Although small-scale at present, if
    successful then cities and transport networks around the country could
    be connected to its network

By
Rebecca Evans


Published:
18:21 EST, 13 July 2014

|
Updated:
04:49 EST, 14 July 2014

15

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comments

All the best people use Google Glass: The Prince of Wales uses the latest technology

Technology giant Microsoft is secretly trialling a new computerised headband that could help blind people ‘see’.

The device, which resembles an Alice band, is similar to Google Glass in the way it relays information about its wearer’s surroundings.

But instead of being in the form of glasses, the ‘smart’ band uses an ear piece for instructions and updates.

In addition to helping blind people, it is claimed the band will have a dramatic impact for all by ‘revolutionising the urban experience.’ 

The scheme, which is being tested on a group of eight blind people in Reading, Berkshire, will be visited by the Queen on Thursday.

It has been used to help them find their way around Reading train station, a busy warren of staircases, escalators and ticket barriers.

Tim Gebbels, an actor who is blind and has tested early versions of the technology for Guide Dogs, a charity for the blind, hopes it will enable him to navigate towns and cities ‘as easily as anybody else’.

Guide Dogs chief executive Richard Leaman said: ‘This project hits right at the heart of the daily challenges blind people face in our urban landscape.’ 

Although small-scale at present, if successful then cities and transport networks around the country could be connected to its network, providing information on public places such as restaurants and museums.

The device works by bouncing information from sensors mounted on any item such as buildings or train carriages to a receiver in the wearer’s headband. 

The user is able to receive personalised instructions, such as how to get to the airport on time if a train is delayed.

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    Comments (15)

    what you think

    The comments below have not been moderated.

    ukip-hater,

    Cesspit to the left of France, United Kingdom,

    6 hours ago

    Never mind the Google Glasses, I’m in love with the girl modelling them.

    Spheres41,

    Charleston, United States,

    7 hours ago

    Wonderful news!

    Yan,

    Warsaw,

    11 hours ago

    The problem is people will think they are wearing normal google glasses and smash them.

    YampyGramps,

    Cannock, United Kingdom,

    11 hours ago

    I am blind in my right eye, will it help me?

    Charlotte Francis,

    Peterborough, United Kingdom,

    13 hours ago

    AMAZING idea! Will help so many unfortunate people see our beautiful world!

    2 of 4 replies

    free4all,

    Wiltshire, United Kingdom,

    10 hours ago

    Actually it will! – most ‘blind’ people have some sight and the first to go is peripheral vision but technically we are still registered as being blind.

    Joani,

    In peace and quiet, United Kingdom,

    5 hours ago

    My son has RP, so I’m well aware that being registered blind doesn’t mean a person has no sight. My understanding of this device is that relays instructions through an earpiece. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

    roger,

    wales, United Kingdom,

    13 hours ago

    Now that is a good idea, far better application than nosy google glass. It’ll have a long way to go to beat a seeing eye dog though, for starters the dogs batteries don’t go flat and it doesn’t need an Internet connection either!

    timarajane,

    London,

    14 hours ago

    Star Trek did it first

    2 of 3 replies

    Miss Havisham,

    Satis House, United Kingdom,

    11 hours ago

    Just about to say the same thing….STAR TREK did EVERYTHING first….still love it and watch the repeats…sad?? maybe..but who care hey??!!

    Mutts2020,

    Vulcan,

    10 hours ago

    Actually the first props were spray painted Alice Bands

    heatherlbullock,

    Cincinnati, United States,

    17 hours ago

    Now there is some needed technology! I hope it tests well!

    TwinkleTwinkleLittleStar,

    Night Sky, United States,

    17 hours ago

    Wow. That should be amazing.

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