MIT's $4,000 "seeing machine" for the legally blind
By Ryan Block 
posted June 11th 2006 5:15PM
posted June 11th 2006 5:15PM
posted June 11th 2006 5:15PM
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That is a fantastic use of technology. Technology that can improve someones quality of life as much as this sort of device could is really exciting.
Tom
helloooo the future of video games. sony, microsoft, nintendo...are you paying attention?
Caption: "Mary cursed the Windows powered 'seeing machine' as the 3dPipes screensaver kicked in on the pedestrian crossing"
Seriously though:
Congratulations to Elizabeth and MIT, keep up the good work!
Sorry, but whatever that guys looking at is creepy as hell. i'd rather be blind, thanks. Of course I suppose after being blind seeing anything is good...
Definitely very cool, and I agree with you Tom. You do hear a lot of people (not here of course) complaining about science and technology and the various negative aspects of it - but I think something like this really shows how important and great technology can be, in that it can really improve the quality of life for people.
Hello, Mr. Ryan Block.
May I ask if you know the MIT's web site which introduces the technology and its laboratory?
Can I get the professor's or researcher's email address to contact?
That's "discreet"...
Actually "View", discreet is a different word. The article means there are specific seeing abilities the device will impart. Notably it does not yet claim to allow you to see, say, what's in front of you.
The technology is pretty cool but the fact that it helps people who can't see use technology just makes it even cooler.
unfortunately, most don't really have any clue how the eye works. From what I've heard of this device, you need a functioning retina for this thing to even work, which most blind people don't have. And how exactly are you going to get people who have a poorly developed visual cortex to interpret the signals being sent to it? lots and lots and lots of problems, some that need better tech and some that are, sadly, almost impossible to replace.
not downplaying the idea, but there is a lot of unwarranted hope in "sighting the blind" whenever technology like this comes up.
Anyone ever seen City of Lost Children? With the Cyclops? Welcome.
Wow, it's the prototype for the next Nintendo console! Maybe they could call it the Wii-C (as in "we see").
I don't understand why it is that many individuals tend to view some potentials of technology as threatening. In light of news concerning possibilty for more people to experience sight, few are those who would see harm.
Is it just me, or does the inclusion of technological evolution to any concept present a challenge to some that is difficult to ignore?