[accessibleimage] Blind Zen interview, Viper vision, promanade

Hi,
Sending link to a very interesting interview of the author of the book Blink 
Zen. Article about book etc also follows
www.chinastrategies.com/bzinterview.mp3
Otherwise interesting idea about heat and pictures and article from Blackpool.
Regards,
Lisa




NewScientist.com news service
Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Invention: Viper vision

By Barry Fox 

For over 30 years, Barry Fox has trawled through the world's weird and 
wonderful patent applications, uncovering the most exciting, bizarre or even 
terrifying new ideas. His column, Invention, is exclusively online. Scroll down 
for a roundup of previous Invention articles.

Viper vision

Vipers "see" by sensing the infrared radiation emitted by the heat of their 
prey using sensitive organs on their head. Inventor John Stapleton of New Jersey, US, 
thinks same trick could enable the visually impaired to better sense the world around 
them.

Stapleton's device uses an ordinary digital camera light sensor to capture a 
scene which it converts into a mosaic of light spots. An array of infrared LEDs 
then transforms this mosaic into a pattern of heat points which can be 
projected onto a user's forehead.

As the human forehead is very sensitive to temperature change, Stapleton 
believes subjects will be able to translate the heat projection into a coarse 
image in their mind. The technique could also be used to relay Braille 
messages, he says.

The patent contains more theory that practical test results but says initial 
trials make the idea look hopeful, affordable and non-invasive, unlike retinal 
implant surgery.

Read the viper-vision patent here.

http://tinyurl.com/btkk7

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8723






BBC News, UK
Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Seaside visitors hear sculptures

CAPTION: Glam rocks is among the pieces with audio effects

Visitors to sculptures on Blackpool promenade will soon to be able to hear the artwork as well as see it.

Three of the features of the resort's Great Promenade Show have been given sound effects.

The "speaking" installations are Glam Rocks - three glittery pebbles, the Frankenstein Submarine, and Water Wings, which gives changing views.

The most famous seafront sculpture is the world's largest mirror ball, called "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"

'Stop and listen'

Blackpool Council said it hopes the audio effects will help link the South Promenade artwork together and provide an enhanced experience for visually-impaired visitors.

The sounds are amplified through tailor-made speaker systems which are designed to protect against theft, vandalism and bad weather.

Councillor David Owen, cabinet member for culture and leisure said: "The Great Promenade Show provides a really interesting walkway and is a popular attraction.

"This latest initiative will hopefully draw more people to stop and listen and encourage people to pass from one artwork to another." 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/4712998.stm






www.ChinaStrategies.com
Wednesday, February 15, 2006

"Blind Zen" author Stefan Verstappen interviewed for Book Radio Network

Blind Zen Author A Case Study of Sensory Enhancement for the Blind and Vision Impaired Latest News!

Stefan was recently interviewed by Mark Vidas for the Talking Book Radio Network on his book Blind Zen. You can listen to the entire 30 minute interview by downloading the file here:

www.chinastrategies.com/bzinterview.mp3 

Either click on the file and wait for your browser to download the entire file( No 
streaming available yet) Or right click and "Save File As" to your computer and 
listen to it anytime. Download time with a 56K modem is about 18 minutes.

New Webpage

True Inspirational Stories of Blind Martial Artists Here are some stories of blind and visually impaired martial artists.

http://www.chinastrategies.com/blindnews.htm
Now Available as a Free Talking Book!

The Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network recently recorded a talking book version of Blind Zen. Narrator Jenny Grill has done a terrific job using her clear and pleasant speaking voice to accurately convey the tone and character of the book. This recording is now available at no cost to people who are blind and visually impaired. Contact your state office of the National Library Service (NLS), inform them that the book is available through the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and your state office will arrange the transfer. If you are not familiar with the NLS, the website is

http://www.loc.gov/nls/.

For more information about the The Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network, see their website at

http://www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb/ 

Is it possible for a blind person to follow the Way of the Warrior?

Blind Zen tells the story of how a blind woman's efforts to learn self defense 
led to a unique experiment to adapt martial arts and eastern philosophy to 
develop new skills and increase self confidence.

This book includes descriptions and scientific explanations of the unique Zen 
inspired exercises that anyone can learn and provides a fresh new approach and 
exciting possibilities to improve the quality of life of the vision impaired.
This manual provides 23 practical easy-to-learn exercises that teach how to:

Improve your sense of balance Improve your sense of proprioception

* Refine the sense of hearing and create an auditory map of your surroundings

* Train the sense of smell to gather information from your environment 

* Overcome the numerous fears associated with blindness

* Become more aware of the unconscious sensory information known as synesthesia

* 13 Practical self defense techniques anyone can learn

Size: 7.5" X 9.25" Trade Paperback high gloss soft cover 160 pages Over 75 Illustrations Includes Bibliography End Notes and References. ISBN 1-891688-03-0 Library of Congress Control Number: 2004095543 Red Mansion Pub, SF, 2004 US $24.95


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