Eye Music for the Visually Impaired

I found the following article quite interesting:

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new device that converts images into music to help individuals without vision reach for objects in space.

Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) use sound or touch to help the visually impaired perceive the visual scene surrounding them. The ideal SSD would assist not only in sensing the environment but also in performing daily activities based on this input. For example, accurately reaching for a coffee cup, or shaking a friend’s hand.

In a new study, Hebrew scientists trained blindfolded sighted participants to perform fast and accurate movements using their new SSD, called EyeMusic.

The EyeMusic employs pleasant musical tones and scales to help the visually impaired “see” using music. This non-invasive SSD converts images into a combination of musical notes, or “soundscapes.

The device was developed by the senior author Prof. Amir Amedi and his team at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) and the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada at the Hebrew University.

[For the full report, click report_new-device-can-help-visually-impaired-see-using-music_1711345 ]

Thanks to Rolling Stone Reports where I got the email from re this matter.

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