O’Finder is an obstacle recognizing instrument for the visually impaired. It is a small device that can be worn on the finger which detects the obstacles and feeds the information through the haptic sensor. The user can direct the device to the spaces in front and it will create a vibration pattern depending on the space utilization in the space. It has the ability to detect obstacles in a range up to 4 meters and will allow the users to sense the obstacles that they may come across in the navigation. The system is also empowering the users through an audio feed allowing a clearer background understanding. The O’Finder is enabled in indoor and outdoor navigation and will allow the users to move more freely and safely in the community. The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon together with the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) launched the “O Finder” device at the EFC ICT Graduation held at the Sri Lanka Foundation in November 2017. The expert team members were, Mr. Anuradha Jayakody, Mr. Janith Jayasinghe, Mr. Kavindu Jayasundara, Mr. Binujaya Rajatheja, Mr. Chamod Oshan and Ms. Manique Gunaratne.
Picture description for vision impaired persons:
Launch of the O Finder device.
Manique Gunaratne
Manager – Specialise Training and Disability Resource Centre of The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon
