Now, what I want to know is whether this sensory substitution is different from SEEINWITHSOUND where we have to associate various characteristics of sound to visual attributes. In other words, I want to know whether brain interprets electrotactile signals as visual on its own or we have to voluntarily nudge it into doing so by stipulating various parameters, as for instance like pitch with brightness and so on?
-----Original Message----- From: AccessIndia [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of Asudani, Rajesh Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 1:14 PM To: AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues concerning the disabled. Subject: [AI] Brainport I think it has been shared, but I found this now, so sharing: Wicab Press Release 3-19-2013.pdf BrainPort Technologies Logo Wicab Announces European Market Approval for its Non-Invasive Assistive Aid for the Blind Photo of woman wearing the BrainPort V100 device. Middleton, WI, March 19, 2013- Wicab, Inc. announced today that the BrainPort(r) V100 device has been approved for sale in the European Economic Area. The BrainPort V100 is a non-surgical, non-invasive assistive aid which translates visual images of the user's environment into electro-tactile signals displayed on the user's tongue. With supervised training, users learn to interpret the electro-tactile signals to perceive shape, size, location, and motion of surrounding objects. The BrainPort V100 is intended for use as an electronic assistive device for individuals who are profoundly blind (light perception or no light perception). It is specifically indicated for use as an aid in orientation, mobility, object recognition, and spot reading. The device is limited to investigational use in the United States. Robert Beckman, Wicab CEO, indicated the BrainPort V100 will initially be available in Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy. The company plans to establish a demonstration program so that prospective customers can try the device for up to several days at a nominal cost, with no obligation to purchase the device. Wicab is simultaneously seeking philanthropic partners to help make this technology available to potential users that otherwise cannot afford to purchase the device. "After over 15 years of research at Wicab, we are very excited to be able to introduce the BrainPort V100 to the general public in the European Economic Area," stated Mr. Beckman. The technology behind the BrainPort V100 was first developed by the late Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita, Wicab's co-founder and former University of Wisconsin-Madison professor, who is widely known for his work related to brain plasticity and sensory substitution. "Potential advantages of the BrainPort V100 are that it can be used regardless of the cause or duration of blindness, and does not require an intact optic nerve in order to function," explains Mr. Beckman, "Individuals blinded by congenital and acquired causes may use the BrainPort V100". According to Mr. Beckman, "another potential advantage is its simplicity. Our non-surgical solution allows users to save their eyes, in case future developments in stem cell research offer better alternatives for people who are totally blind." Additional information related to Wicab, Inc. and the BrainPort V100 device can be found on the company website, www.wicab.com. Any specific questions related to sales or distribution of the device should be directed via email to inf...@wicab.com . Wicab, Inc. is a Wisconsin-based medical device company dedicated to providing innovative assistive devices for the blind based on sensory substitution technology originally developed by Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita at the University of Wisconsin. With thanks and regards (Rajesh Asudani) Assistant General Manager Reserve Bank of India Nagpur (In youth you want things, and then in middle-age you want to want them.) ________________________________ Caution: The Reserve Bank of India never sends mails, smses or makes calls asking for personal information like your bank account details, passwords, etc. It never keeps or offers funds to anyone. Please do not respond in any manner to such offers, however official or attractive they may look. 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