PROGRESS: Completed Project	PROJECT REF: NA
PROJECT TITLE: Electronic Bat Ears – Navigation Technology for the Visually Impaired
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Description: In the wild nature, bats are born partially blind. However, this does not have any impact on their survival. They can survive in the dark with ultrasound sensitive ears assimilating innovative radar, ultrasounds measurement and search techniques. “Bat Ears” is a new echo-location device developed by PolyU which employs the unique characteristic of ultrasound. The bouncing signal of the ultrasound will be translated into a low frequency sound which a normal person can hear and bear. Subjects are able to generate a mental image of the surrounding after receiving short training. The ultimate goal of “Bat Ears” is to provide an effective navigation system similar to that of a bat for visually impaired persons. Specialty : • See with sound. Achieving the practical use of “Bat Ears” by eliciting human spatial knowledge and memory through a series of training in mental imagery • Subject can distinguish the amplitude, frequency, and the quality of the sound and form a mental image of the surrounding area. This will facilitate in attaining a high level of mobility in the real world for the visually impaired persons • Much like a normal sun glasses, the “Bat Ears” is convenient to wear and easy to operate • The competitive cost of the “Bat Ears” will enhance its popularity in the market Applications: Replacing the traditional walking stick, “Bat Ears” may be the navigation tool for the needy people in the future.
FOCUS AREA(S): Consumer Electronics, Health product
KEYWORDS: Visually impaired, navigation
MODE OF COLLABORATION: consultancy, licensing
STATUS PATENT: Patent_Pending	PATENT NO: NA
ORGANIZATION: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
CONTACT PERSON: Dr. He Jufang	EMAIL: rsjufang@inet.polyu.edu.hk
TEL: (852)-27666741	FAX: (852)-23308656
WEBSITE:	DATE: 30/12/2004