The inability to discriminate color is an ongoing problem for the visually impaired and those with color blindness. We propose a portable color discrimination unit that communicates color information to users in verbal messages and sound. The unit states what color the target is and, by scanning its surface, transmits a continuous musical tone corresponding to color variations in the scanned area. The targetive is to make color patterns and the target layout recognizable, requiring 1) colorimetric stability, 2) translation of colorimetric information into an appropriate color name, and 3) setting of a relationship between color and sound. We propose using automated calibration and developed a colorimetric unit with high environmental robustness. Colorimetric data consists of RGB data, which does not lend itself readily to color discrimination, so we developed a way to convert RGB data to 220 color names. To develop easy-to-remember color-sound correspondence, we propose using the Shepard Tone Method, in which Shepard tones are mapped onto color hues. These are combined so users scan a target and hear a continuous sound and, if necessary, a color name, to recognize the target鈥檚 overall color pattern, somewhat akin to how a visually impaired person recognizes a sculpture by touching its surface.
Wheelchair users need lifts to climb up/down steps at entrances with limited space. Lifts driven by motors or hydraulic equipment are large and expensive. They also need switches to start/stop actuators. The aim of our study is to develop a compact nonpowered lift for wheelchair users. We propose a lift driven by the wheels of a wheelchair on it. Coil springs are installed in the lift to decrease driving torque and some mechanisms are attached to the lift so that the small front casters of a wheelchair can cross the lift stage and the large rear wheels can drive the lift. After the lifting speed, driving force, and conditions for driving the rollers were analyzed and a prototype lift was designed and fabricated. The developed lift succeeded in raising a wheelchair with a user, and a continuous motion of a wheelchair from entering to exiting the stage was executed smoothly.
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