[Cyborg] ultrasonic echolocation device

[Eric Boyd]

I've been reading the PhD that David found on ultrasonic echolocation in humans (see it here https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Image:Audification_of_ultrasound_for_echolocation.pdf).  On page 39 (55 in the PDF), she mentions a product called "sonic pathfinder", check it out here:

http://web.aanet.com.au/~tonyheyes/pa/pf_blerb.html
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/fall98/waytogo.htm

"The Sonic Pathfinder is a head mounted ultrasonic mobility device designed for outdoor use in conjunction with either a long cane, dog guide or residual vision. The Sonic Pathfinder gives the user advance warning of objects which lie within the travel path. The distance and position of a detected object is signaled via the ear pieces using the eight tones of the musical scale. Price: $1695, plus $20 shipping & handling."

That price is probably old (fall 1998 webpage!), but this is still an indication of where the state of the art is.  This device actually looks pretty cool and is probably actually useful, even though it throws away nearly all of the information.  Why does it require 2 days of training?  Probably because that is there they make their real money...

Eric