Smart car product helps blind passengers 'feel' the landscape

Car manufacturer Ford has developed an LED-based smart car window solution, enabling blind or partially sighted passengers to visualise passing scenery through touch.

According to the company, Feel The View - which is currently in its prototype stage - takes pictures during the journey, subsequently turning them into high-contrast monochrome images. These are then transmitted to the glass, where they are communicated to passengers via numerous levels of vibration. The solution also includes an IP-based AI vocal assistant which describes the images, thereby putting them into context.

Speaking of the technology, Ford spokesperson Mac Alù Saffi said: "Feel The View was conceived and developed by our team in Italy and GTB Roma in collaboration with Aedo, a local start-up that specialises in devices for the visually impaired.

"We seek to make people’s lives better and this was a fantastic opportunity to help blind passengers experience a great aspect of driving. The technology is advanced, but the concept is simple – from rolling hills to mountain ranges, views make any road trip memorable."