Description
The white cane is a constant companion and extended sense of sight for blind people. However, conventional models can only identify things near the ground. Things at head height or further away inhibit free and safe movement or even become a hazard. Also for orientation indoors, a conventional cane is oftentimes more of an additional challenge than a useful support for people with visual impairment.
ORTO uses a continuous wave radar to scan the environment and then transmits it to the blind user via a vibration feedback. As a handle for the cane, ORTO detects things at head height. In addition, the handle can be removed from the cane and thus used as a mobile aid for indoor orientation.
Therefore blind people thus not only gain freedom of movement, but can now experience environments that were previously hidden from them.
