Look with sound

A camera will scan the field of view ahead. The image is then converted by the computer into a characteristic sound. ( Photo: NewYorkTimes ) The audio-visual system called vOICe works on the principle of transferring images obtained from a camcorder into an audio that describes things, which helps the visually impaired visualize everything around them. .

A camera will scan the field of view ahead. The image is then converted by the computer into a characteristic sound. (Photo: NewYorkTimes)
The device was developed by Dr. Peter Meijer of the Philips Research Department in the Netherlands.

The sound that vOICe emits is not in the form of words but in the form of specific sounds. Before use, the visually impaired must learn the sound principles of this system. For example, a brighter spot on a scene will be represented by a louder sound. The device also allows visually impaired people to read books and newspapers, and even watch television. Readers can visit http://www.seeingwithsound.com/voice.htm to download the device's audio-learning program for free.