MIT's $4,000 "seeing machine" for the legally blind

MIT's got a new machine in the works that will offer some discrete seeing abilities to the 1.3 million legally blind in the US without the need for invasive retinal implants. Though it's not portable and doesn't (yet) support video feeds, the 12 x 6 x 6-inch "seeing machine" developed by Elizabeth Goldring, a senior fellow at MIT's Center for Advanced Visual Studies, enables users to control virtual 3D environments, view images, or read documents by way of an LED eyepiece that projects images directly onto the retinas of those with limited vision. (An example of what Goldring apparently see is blown up onscreen above.) We assume the consumer application of such a device is only eventual, but for now it remains with at MIT for development, so, um, keep an eye out.

[Tom @ Jun 11th 2006 5:45PM]

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

[adam fuller @ Jun 11th 2006 6:01PM]

helloooo the future of video games. sony, microsoft, nintendo...are you paying attention?

[TC @ Jun 11th 2006 6:05PM]

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!

[Alex @ Jun 11th 2006 6:40PM]

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...

[Zadillo @ Jun 11th 2006 7:19PM]

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.

[JongAm Park @ Jun 11th 2006 8:17PM]

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?

[View @ Jun 11th 2006 8:44PM]

That's "discreet"...

[Theelven @ Jun 11th 2006 9:07PM]

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.

[nojok3 @ Jun 11th 2006 9:55PM]

The technology is pretty cool but the fact that it helps people who can't see use technology just makes it even cooler.

[orangezero @ Jun 11th 2006 10:13PM]

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.

[prophet @ Jun 11th 2006 10:34PM]

Anyone ever seen City of Lost Children? With the Cyclops? Welcome.

[asurroca @ Jun 12th 2006 12:58AM]

Wow, it's the prototype for the next Nintendo console! Maybe they could call it the Wii-C (as in "we see").

[intel @ Jun 12th 2006 2:42PM]

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?