Lance Corporal Craig Lundberg was blinded by a rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol in Basra, Iraq, during 2007. But thanks to a groundbreaking new device that could revolutionize treatment for blind patients, Craig can now perceive his surrounding environment using his tongue.
The BrainPort miniature video camera and sensory equipment works by converting visual images into a series of electrical pulses which are relayed to the wearer via their tongue. Different images are then built using different strength pulses, allowing the wearer to navigate around objects or even pick them up.
How the BrainPort Device Works
The BrainPort device is currently in its prototype stage and sends information to 400 points on the tongue. The designers plan to increase this to 4,000 points, which will provide a much clearer image in the future. The device consists of a small video camera mounted on a pair of sunglasses, which captures visual information. This information is then processed and converted into electrical signals that are transmitted to a lollipop-like device placed on the tongue. The tongue, being highly sensitive, can interpret these signals, allowing the brain to form a visual map of the surroundings.
“It feels like licking a nine-volt battery or like popping candy,” Lundberg explained. This sensation is due to the electrical pulses that stimulate the tongue, creating a tactile representation of the visual world. Over time, users can learn to interpret these signals more accurately, improving their ability to navigate and interact with their environment.
Potential Impact and Future Developments
The BrainPort device has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for blind individuals. By providing a new way to perceive their surroundings, it can help them gain greater independence and confidence. For example, users can learn to recognize shapes, avoid obstacles, and even read large print. The device could also be used in conjunction with other assistive technologies, such as guide dogs or white canes, to provide a more comprehensive solution for navigating the world.
Future developments in the BrainPort technology could include increasing the resolution of the electrical signals, making the device more comfortable to wear, and integrating it with other sensory inputs, such as auditory cues. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of using similar technology to help individuals with other sensory impairments, such as hearing loss.
The BrainPort device represents a significant step forward in the field of sensory substitution, offering new hope for individuals who have lost their sight. As the technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform the lives of countless people around the world.
Via BBC
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