The Vistac cane consists of two components:-
The handle which houses the laser beam unit;
The cane shaft and in-built roller tip.
The moulded handle is a more conventional design than the Ultracane, with the laser beam emitter/receiver located on the top of the handle facing up and outwards. The beam covers an area that expands vertically above the cane, out to an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. The laser beam length is 1.4 metres, which covers the area above the cane out to the cane tip.
One of the main principles and differences between the Ultracane and Vistac cane is in the responses received from the sensors, the Ultracane will provide a pulse of varying speed depending on how far away an object is located; The Vistac cane gives one response for any contact that is identified, no matter how far away an object is from the cane. Responses on the Vistac cane are identified by vibration in the handle, this vibration is quite ‘violent’, and is abit uncomfortable on the hand. The laser beam unit is powered by a rechargeable battery unit.
Cane shafts are made from lightweight aluminium and come in a telescopic design, adjusting cane lengths to individual needs is very easy. A roller tip comes as standard fit.
Comparison and conclusion
Both these canes are different in their principles, the technology and the skills required to use them, both have their strengths and weaknesses. The use of these gadgets as a mobility aid, does not take away the need to use the skills of a long cane. A hi-tech mobility aid is primarily still a long cane first, and a gadget second. It is important to remember that you can always turn a gadget off, giving choice but also meaning that you do not become totally dependent on the hi-tech element of this type of device.Orientation and Mobility specialists now have a wide range of equipment options previously not available to them. The Ultracane and Vistac cane will not suit everyone, therefore it is recommended that you have a mobility assessment. This is a step forward in terms of mobility choice for visually impaired people.
Love or hate them, hi-tech mobility devices such as the Ultracane and Vistac canes, do have a significant role to play in the future.
The handle which houses the laser beam unit;
The cane shaft and in-built roller tip.
The moulded handle is a more conventional design than the Ultracane, with the laser beam emitter/receiver located on the top of the handle facing up and outwards. The beam covers an area that expands vertically above the cane, out to an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. The laser beam length is 1.4 metres, which covers the area above the cane out to the cane tip.
One of the main principles and differences between the Ultracane and Vistac cane is in the responses received from the sensors, the Ultracane will provide a pulse of varying speed depending on how far away an object is located; The Vistac cane gives one response for any contact that is identified, no matter how far away an object is from the cane. Responses on the Vistac cane are identified by vibration in the handle, this vibration is quite ‘violent’, and is abit uncomfortable on the hand. The laser beam unit is powered by a rechargeable battery unit.
Cane shafts are made from lightweight aluminium and come in a telescopic design, adjusting cane lengths to individual needs is very easy. A roller tip comes as standard fit.
Comparison and conclusion
Both these canes are different in their principles, the technology and the skills required to use them, both have their strengths and weaknesses. The use of these gadgets as a mobility aid, does not take away the need to use the skills of a long cane. A hi-tech mobility aid is primarily still a long cane first, and a gadget second. It is important to remember that you can always turn a gadget off, giving choice but also meaning that you do not become totally dependent on the hi-tech element of this type of device.Orientation and Mobility specialists now have a wide range of equipment options previously not available to them. The Ultracane and Vistac cane will not suit everyone, therefore it is recommended that you have a mobility assessment. This is a step forward in terms of mobility choice for visually impaired people.
Love or hate them, hi-tech mobility devices such as the Ultracane and Vistac canes, do have a significant role to play in the future.
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