Reading device for blind or visually impaired persons with a scanner reading normal script

摘要

Previously known methods and devices for outputting characters in a manner so that they can be read by blind people were implemented in conjunction with computers in relatively large stationary units. The blind person depended on the representation of the reading matter in braille, on the output of characters on a braille printer, on a reader, or on artificial voice output in conjunction with a relatively large stationary computer. The device which is presented picks up characters in accordance with the scanner principle, which characters are again emitted by a signal processing unit on a braille line of the input device, so that the blind person can feel the text which has just been covered by the input device, virtually simultaneously with the same hand which is used to move the input device over the text, on the braille line integrated in the device. This device makes it possible for the blind or visually impaired person, in conjunction with a portable computer, to "read" normal books using normal character fonts e.g. in a public library. Using suitable software, the output is also provided as speech. Depending on the price of the device, this device, at least in its basic configuration, is to open up the possibility for the individual blind person to read normally printed literature (especially specialist literature).