White cane, the mobility aid used by the visually challenged, has got a smart makeover, thanks to the research conducted by IIT, Delhi. The ‘smart white cane’, as it is called, incorporates a small electronic device mounted on the cane. The detachable device, with an inbuilt rechargeable battery, can detect objects three metres away and provide signals to the person using it.
The smart cane lets off vibrations in different patterns which can be recognised by the visually challenged with some training, says Girish Keerthi, coordinator of a smart cane training programme, to be conducted here soon.
The programme is being organised by the Society for Rehabilitation of Visually Challenged (SRVC), a non-governmental organisation.
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The new device will be of immense help to the visually challenged in identifying buildings and trees on their way. It will also help a person with visual impairment to change direction to avoid physical contact with human beings, vehicles, or animals on their path.
The simple device, having a lithium-ion battery, will be helpful in identifying objects above knee height. The battery can be charged as in the case of a mobile phone.
The device costs around Rs.3,000. The SRVC is making efforts to provide the device at a lesser cost. The device was developed by IIT, Delhi, as an alternative to the devices available abroad that cost above Rs.60,000.
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The SRVC provides computer training, incorporating non-visual desktop access software, to enable the visually challenged get jobs in various sectors.