News
Friday 28 November 2008
'Virtual cane' leads the way to help blind people
A graduate who is blind has designed a ‘virtual cane’ to help people with visual impairments build confidence by navigating their way through computer environments. Having just graduated with a Master of Research degree in Computer Science from Nottingham Trent University, Allan Ridley has won acclaim for his part in developing a system which harnesses Nintendo Wii technology.
Allan has collaborated with Nottingham Trent University Software Engineer Steven Battersby, to design the interface. Using the control devices from a Nintendo Wii for pointing and directing motion, users can travel through recreations of real world buildings whilst receiving auditory and vibratory feedback to assist them.
The project could enable other people who are blind to practise in the virtual world before they visit places on their own. Allan is now developing aspects of his work while working towards a PhD with the university’s internationally-renowned Interactive Systems Research Group (ISRG), which specialises in using the potential of videogames, virtual environments and the Internet to address issues such as social inclusion.
He said: “There has long been a lack of access to virtual reality for people who are blind. Through this system, I hope people can learn in a safe environment and improve their skills and self-assurance when tackling mobility training. Using Wii technology has many advantages as it is mainstream, easily available and affordable. Also, the system can be modified - with both audio and vibratory feedback - for people with other disabilities to enhance their learning experience.”
Allan’s research will aim to promote greater accessibility within computing and raise more awareness of how software should be designed to suit all needs from the outset.
He said: “Disabled people have a huge untapped skills base to offer the world of industry and commerce. By using information technology in more creative ways, we can help them develop their skills and put them to good use.”
Allan was the first student to enrol for the Computer Science MRes course at Nottingham Trent University. As well as gaining a distinction, he has been awarded the Research Masters Project Prize - a remarkable achievement considering how difficult it is for him to produce long documents. The external examiner had no idea that the writer was blind.
ENDS
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