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Alternative use for a parking sensor
Mark Allanson - 23/12/09 at 10:53 AM

A good friend of mine's mother is 98% blind due to macular degeneration.

I have just fitted a set of parking sensors to a BMW M5 and only 1 of the sensors is actually broken, so I have a working sensor.

Is it impossible to make a small battery powered parking sensor to help a blind person 'scan' an environment to give them some idea of its layout or proximity of objects.

If it is possible, could someone draw out a wiring diagram for an electrically challenged person to follow?

Thanks
Mark


tegwin - 23/12/09 at 11:03 AM

Interesting idea... but I dont think they are accurate enough for that sort of thing... a decent stick would be more effective at working out distances and shapes!


splitrivet - 23/12/09 at 11:31 AM

The sensors the easy bit Mark its the control gubbins that does the work.
Cheers,
Bob


blakep82 - 23/12/09 at 11:48 AM

i suspect the whole system would be very bulky


Mark Allanson - 23/12/09 at 11:59 AM

The aftermarket systems seem very compact see fficial%2 6sa%3DN%26um%3D1" target="_blank">these, I would only want to use 1 sensor.


britishtrident - 23/12/09 at 12:17 PM

You can buy parking sensor systems very cheaply off ebay the range varies greatly some start working at 3 metres other at 1.5. the minium range also varies on the good ones the minium range is 0.5m .

However I am sure the RNIB have much more developed utrasonic aids for the blind and those with very poor sight.


Findlay234 - 23/12/09 at 12:35 PM

Theres a guy that does this with his tongue.... makes a clicking noise and can cycle down a road with parked cars.... totally blind.


Mr Whippy - 23/12/09 at 12:39 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Findlay234
Theres a guy that does this with his tongue.... makes a clicking noise and can cycle down a road with parked cars.... totally blind.



hmmmmm....


pinto - 23/12/09 at 12:53 PM

Blind kid link


Confused but excited. - 23/12/09 at 04:31 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Findlay234
Theres a guy that does this with his tongue.... makes a clicking noise and can cycle down a road with parked cars.... totally blind.


Strange but true. I saw the program on the telly.
They are teaching blind people to use those tin clickers to do the same thing. Bit like bats but at normal audio frequencies and a lot less resolution.
It was absolutely amazing.


02GF74 - 29/12/09 at 04:08 PM

is it april 1st already?

I cannot see how he can "click" fast enough to be able to locate a ball on the table footoe table and there is no 3-D info ffrm a TV screen for the video games.

anyone wish to elaborate?


jeffw - 29/12/09 at 05:13 PM

Use the force Luke...


carpmart - 29/12/09 at 10:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
is it april 1st already?




LOL!