Image recognition software tracks fish, generates music for blind

Sindya Bhanoo — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:20:00 -0500

It's not easy to appreciate sea life if you're blind.

Now, scientists at the Georgia Institute for Technology are trying to change that. Bruce Walker, a researcher at the university's Center for Music Technology has created an "audio aquarium," the Associated Press reported.

The aquarium contains a camera with image recognition software. The software tracks objects, in this case fish, based on their shape and color. It then links the movements of different fish to instruments that change in pitch and tempo as the fish swim around. Fish that come closer to the surface have a higher pitch, and the faster a fish moves the faster the tempo.

The result is a sort of psychedelic symphony.

It's an attempt to create something for the blind that isn't purely utilitarian.

"Many of the things we do help them solve basic problems — shopping, working, brushing their teeth," Walker told the Associated Press. "There are very few assistive technologies that help them do the fun stuff."

The recognition software can track the movements of other creatures too -- like ants and four legged animals, and even children.

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Image recognition software tracks fish, generates music for blind