Tactile vision substitution system (TVSS). Scientist giving the TVSS matrix to a young child. The TVSS is a sensory aid for the blind. A camera attached to a pair of glasses captures the scene infront of the blind person. A mini-computer then transmits the scene as electrical impulses to the matrix, which is worn on the persons lower back. These electrical impulses travel up the spine and give the blind person a 'picture' of what is in front of them. Photographed at the perceptual and emotional systems research laboratory, Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg, France.