NEWRON vol I issue X (4-20-07)

Edited by: Natan Davidovics

Retinal Implants May Be Significantly Enhanced With New Software

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070412113210.htm

Neural computation scientists at Bonn University will introduce a software system at the Hanover Fair that is hoped to change this: with the aid of this software, the visual prosthesis "learns" to generate exactly those signals, which are expected and can be interpreted by the brain.

DARPA to Build Star Wars Binoculars

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/04/soldierportable.html

The wild folks at DARPA have a plan to build some super-duper Star Wars binoculars that true to the original movie, would allow soldiers to see miles off into the distance, day or night, warning them of potential threats almost immediately. They've even dubbed the technology "Luke's Binoculars ," though the official name is the more staid " Cognitive Technology Threat Warning System."



Getting in Touch: Virtual Maps for the Blind

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=BDC29B20-E7F2-99DF-3C6EC4B5008F1FE9
Scientific American (04/07) Ross, Rachel

Researchers in Greece have developed a new system that converts video into virtual, touchable maps for the blind. The three-dimensional maps use force fields to represent walls and roads so the visually impaired can better understand the layout of buildings and cities.