Gadgets and toys equipped with cutting-edge technology for people with visual impairments are attracting attention in Japan, and more and more companies are adopting inclusive designs that are easier for many people to use.
Last year, Sony Corporation released a digital camera that uses laser technology to project objects captured by the device onto the user’s retina, allowing visually impaired people to see through the viewfinder and take photos.
The camera “DSC-HX99 RNV Kit” developed jointly with laser equipment manufacturer QD Laser Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) uses a method that does not rely much on the focusing ability of the eye.
The Tokyo-based electronics giant said the two companies have donated about 200 such cameras to schools and facilities for the visually impaired across Japan to help people feel the joy of self-expression through taking photos. said.
A student at the Tokyo Metropolitan Hachioji School for the Blind holds a camera designed for the visually impaired on April 24, 2024 in Hachioji, Tokyo. (Joint)
Students at Tokyo Metropolitan Hachioji School for the Blind in western Tokyo were excited to use the cameras.
“I could see things clearly. I could even take pictures,” one student said after experimenting with the product last month.
Principal Yukiko Tajima said, “New technology will give students richer experiences. We would like to think about how to utilize the cameras.”
In April, Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy launched a program to help visually impaired players control their cars using a number of voice commands such as “Turn left” and “(Rival’s car) is in the center.” A driving game has been released.
The device allows users to participate in a variety of scenarios, such as chasing down thieves or racing other cars on a circuit. The company says it will also provide audio instructions explaining the rules of each game.
In 2020, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. launched a wristwatch that can tell the time by touch, to help users who are concerned about disturbing others by using a watch that tells the time by sound.
The product was developed in collaboration with a school for the visually impaired in Thailand, and the watchmaker says it will take the school’s input into account when designing the new product.
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