Audio Aquarium Lets Blind “See” Fish
As brightly colored fish dart in and out of the rocks scattered in a small aquarium, a bewildering melody follows each of their movements.
The audio aquarium, is a contraption dreamed up by Georgia Tech scientists as a way to let blind people experience sea life. The researchers say they wanted to help people with disabilities do something that’s more fun than functional.
It works through a camera that uses recognition software that tracks objects based on their shape and color. The software then links each movement to different instruments that change in pitch and tempo as the fish patrol the tank. Fish that move toward the surface have a higher pitch. The faster they move, the faster the tempo. [Via]
This reminds me of the game of chess that Marcel DuChamp and John Cage played way back in 1968, where each move was linked to a sound and a particular light source – resulting in a phenomenal light and sound show.
Pic via here.
