Electronic aid for blind

Press, 15 July 1976, Page 16

Electronic aid for blind

A hand-held electronic device which vibrates to warn blind persons of objects in their path is being developed by a Christchurch manufacturer of electronic aids for the blind.

The device, called a sonar sensor, was invented four years ago by an Auckland man, Mr Geoff Mowat.

The Christchurch company, Wormaid International Sensory Aids, is now developing the prototype to the production stage so that it can be exported to agencies for the blind in the United States, Australia and Britain.

Earlier, when it was a division of the Christchurch electronics firm. Wormaid Vigilant, the sensory aids company developed the sonic guide, another aid for the blind

which became popularly known as “sonic spectacles.” This New Zealanddeveloped and produced aid is now being exported to blind agencies in America and Australia.

The battery-powered sonar sensor is about the size of a pocket radio, and emits high frequency signals which bounce back when obstructed by a wall, a tree or other objects. The signals are translated into vibrations within the device. The speed of the vibration indicates the distance from the object.

Experts from the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind have already evaluated the prototype aid.

The manager of Wormaid International Sensory Aids, Dr Russell Smith, of Christchurch, said that the

experts believed the aid would be invaluable for blind people who were also deaf.