The Detection and Localization of Objects by the Blind with the Aid of Long-Cane Tapping Sounds

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Abstract
The aim of the investigation was to study the usefulness of long-cane tapping sounds for echolocation by blind people. Ten long canes that differed in the spectra of their tapping sounds were selected for the experiment. The task of the three blind subjects when walking was first to detect an object and then to localize it more precisely. The following results were obtained. (1) Objects could be detected and localized with the aid of the long-cane tapping sound alone, but the task was difficult. (2) The results varied with the size of the object. (3) Differences in the spectra of tapping sounds had no behavioral effects.

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