FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 26 FEBRUARY 2002
SOUND ALERT TECHNOLOGY PLC
(OFEX)
Business: Directional Sound Systems
SOUND ALERT SUBSIDIARY ANNOUNCES
"BATCANE" IS READY FOR USER TRIALS
Sound Alert Technology plc ("Sound Alert") is pleased to announce that the "Batcane", a revolutionary product developed by Sound Alert’s subsidiary Sound Foresight Limited ("Sound Foresight") in conjunction with Cambridge Consultants Limited ("CCL"), is ready for user trials.
The Batcane is designed to help blind and partially sighted people build a "mind map" of their environment and so aid independent mobility. It looks like a conventional white cane, but is much safer as it enables the user to detect obstacles in front of, around and – vitally – above or at the user’s head height. The concept behind its development is based on the way a bat "sees". Through a process known as Echolocation, the cane emits ultrasound pulses and then "listens" to the echo to determine the location of objects in the immediate vicinity. The Batcane requires no programming and runs on only a set of AA batteries. Further details of how the Batcane works remain confidential at this time.
CCL has delivered a number of prototype models to Sound Foresight for trials that will be conducted in the UK, US, Canada and Germany in conjunction with established bodies such as Guide Dogs for the Blind (UK), the American Council for the Blind (US) and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Results of the tests are expected by the end of April.
Graham Cooper, Chairman of Sound Alert, said: "The tireless efforts of Sound Foresight and CCL over the past six months has produced something to which all involved with the project are justifiably proud. The potential to help the lives of so many visually impaired people has been the driving factor throughout the development period. We are looking forward to what we are sure will be a successful trial period, and to announcing the results of the tests in due course. We anticipate the Batcane could become available some time in the third quarter of this year"
Ends
Editor’s Notes
Cambridge Consultants Limited
(CCLÒ ) designs and develops innovative new products, processes and systems. We enable clients to turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether launching first-to-market products, or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers and scientists, we are able to offer solutions across a diverse range of industries including healthcare, telecoms, industrial and consumer products, automotive and aerospace. CCL is the European technology centre for global consulting firm, Arthur D. Little.Sound Foresight Limited was created in 1998 as a result of informal contacts between researchers within the University of Leeds who had an interest in the use of ultrasound. Product potential was explored with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry in the form of a Smart Feasibility Award. In early 2001, Sound Alert Technology plc, also a Leeds University spin-off company, acquired the University of Leeds’ majority shareholding of Sound Foresight and has provided the investment funding for this development contract.
Enquiries:
Jane Fowler 01765 676076
Marketing Director Email: janef@soundforesight.co.uk
Sound Foresight Limited
Patrick Pordage 01223 420024
Marketing Communications Manager Email:
patrick.pordage@camcon.co.ukCambridge Consultants Limited
Michael Lunch 01372 456037
Managing Director
Sound Alert Technology plc
Maxine Barnes 020-7 430 1600
Barnes and Walters Limited