Seeing Chemistry Through Sound: A Submersible Audible Light Sensor for Observing Chemical Reactions for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
By Supalo, Cary A.; Kreuter, Rodney A.; Musser, Aaron; Han, Josh; Briody, Erika; McArtor, Chip; Gregory, Kyle; Mallouk, Thomas E.; Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 110-116Publication Date: Fall 2006
Paper describes a hand held device designed to output light intensity as an audible tone, enabling students with visual impairments to observe chemical changes in solutions. The submersible audible light sensor (SALS) creates an audio signal by which one can observe reactions in a solution in real time. The SALS is based on a photocell that measures light intensity changes. The photocell is encased in a transparent wand that is small enough to allow measurements to be made in ordinary test tubes or beakers. The test tube or beaker is placed over a light box, an inexpensive white light source normally used for tracing or drawing. As a reaction proceeds, the varying light intensity at the tip of the sensor wand is converted electronically to an audible tone. The chemical change, such as how cloudy or dark the solution becomes, is indicated by a change in pitch. The SALS may be used in conjunction with a camera phone which has unique software, the Mobile Color Recognizer, that works with Mobile Speak. The user takes a picture of the solution and the phone, via the speaker, announces the color. The SALS device can be further refined to provide vibratory outputs.
Assistive Products Discussed: MOBILE SPEAK
MOBILE COLOR RECOGNIZER AND LIGHT DETECTOR
Published by: Special Education Assistive Technology Center, Illinois State University (Website:http://www.seat.ilstu.org/)
Assistive Technology Industry Association (Web Site: http://www.atia.org. )
Link to text: http://www.atia.org/files/public/atobv3n1articleEIGHT.pdf
