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issue 2 january-february 2005
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Headlines : INTERNATIONAL news
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Gadget to help easy mobility for visually-impaired persons

The Malaysia Star; December 2004

Iris Corporation B.h.d. < link to: www.iris.com.my> has launched Vision Palm, a handheld computer designed by Italian firm Cydid Italia S.R.L., which could help visually-impaired people and perhaps even replace guide dogs.

The handheld PC is equipped with a G.P.S. (global positioning system) receiver and a detachable micro-camera.

It comes bundled with facial and textual recognition software, and also an elementary form of "people recognition and obstacle detection," Cydid claimed.

"It uses existing technologies like GPS and converts text data to voice. It will help visually-impaired persons move better by using the power of a microprocessor, camera and computer," said Iris managing director Datuk Tan Say Jim.

"The camera stores maps and images. It will tell the person where to go and is able to identify a person," he told reporters. The Vision Palm was conceived by Cydid project director Muccinelli Fabrizio, who said it would be cheaper than having a guide dog.

Tan said the Vision Palm will be the first such device in the world and the prototype is expected to be available by mid-2006.

"We have a budget of five million euros (RM 25 mil) and hope to have the real product out by 2007," he added.

Iris was involved in the design and implementation of Malaysia's electronic passport.

Other World News stories in this issue:
Rock Hall open Ray Charles exhibit
Help for visually impaired jobseekers offered by online mentors
At Perkins School for the Blind, new museum is accessible to all
Device helps blind persons keep up-to-date
British disability swimming performance director nominated for the BBC Coach of the Year award

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