Pictured: Electric lollipop that allows blind people to 'see' using their tongue

An electric lollipop that allows the blind to 'see' using their tongue has been developed by scientists.

The extraordinary device converts images captured by a tiny camera into a series of electrical tingles, which can be felt on the tongue.

Nerves then send these messages to the brain, which turn the tingles back into pictures.









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After only a day's practice, those using the machine were able to make out shapes, movement and read signs. Some were even able to interpret objects after just 15 minutes of training.

One blind man, who was testing the device, is reported to have cried when he read his first letter.

The BrainPort device, which is expected to go on sale later this year, is unlikely to replace guide dogs or walking sticks, but could dramatically improve the lives of those with sight problems.

Dr William Seiple, of vision healthcare and research organisation Lighthouse International, which has been testing the device, said four blind volunteers had quickly learned how to find doorways and the buttons on a lift, pick out knives and forks, and read letters and numbers.



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They were also able to pick out cups and forks at the dinner table without having to fumble.

Dr Seiple said: 'At first, I was amazed at what the device could do. One guy started to cry when he saw his first letter.'

Robert Beckman, of Wicab, which is developing the BrainPort, said: 'It enables blind people to gain perception-of their surroundings, displayedon their tongue. 'It enables them to identify objects, like a ball or distinguish letters of the alphabet. They cannot necessarily read a book but they can read a sign.'

The BrainPort is made up of an inch-long video camera hidden in a pair of sunglasses, which the user wears. Signals from the camera are sent along a cable to a handheld control unit, about the size of a mobile phone, and then to a lollipop shaped stick, which is placed on the tongue.

The control unit converts the image into a low resolution black, white and grey picture, which is then recreated as a square grid of 400 electrodes - around the size of a postage stamp - on the lollipop.

Each of the electrodes pulses according to how much light is in that area of the picture. White areas have a strong pulse, grey areas have a weak pulse while black areas give no signal.

The control unit allows the user to zoom in and out, and adjust the contrast of the picture and intensity of the tingle.

Although users initially 'feel' the image on their tongue, with practice the signals activate the 'visual' parts of the brain for some people.

Aimee Arnoldussen, a neuroscientist with Wicab, said: 'It becomes a task of learning, no different than learning to ride a bike. It's similar to how a baby learns to see.'

Wicab, based in Middleton, Wisconsin, is submitting the BrainPort to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval this month.

It could be approved for sale in America by the end of the year and will cost about £6,000. If the tests are a success, it could be on sale in Britain next year.

Watch video footage of the BrainPort Vision Device at work...