Kurzweil Portable Reader for Blind
June 26, 2006 | by Geoff Duncan
A new handheld document reader from Kurzweil can "speak" everyday documents like receipts, tickets, schedules, menus, cards, and more for the visually impaired.
Kurzweil and the National Federation for the Blind have announced the Kurzweil-National Federation for the Blind Reader, a handheld reader which can take pictures of everyday printed materials and read those items to visually impaired users using a combination of character recognition and speech synthesis software.
Users just hold the reader over the printed materials, and in a few seconds the reader takes a picture of the item and begins reading back the document. The reader can store thousands of printed pages (expandable via SD memory cards) and can transfer files to both computers and Braille notetakers, and read files transferred to it from computers and other devices; the reader also sports a headphone jack so users can more easily hear the reader over background noise, and use the system without disturbing others.
A handheld reader for the visually impaired opens up a world of everyday possibilities that sighted individuals often take for granted: the ability to check receipts, glance at business cards, reader restaurant menus, confirm tickets, and much more. The Kurzweil portable reader was demonstrated at the June 2005 conference of the NFB; this year, the unit will actually be available for sale, albeit at a price which would startle most consumer electronics aficionados: retail pricing is expected to start at $3,495, with availability scheduled for July 1, 2006.
Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, said:"The world of the printed word is about to be opened to the blind in a wayit has never been before. No other device in the history of technology forthe blind and visually impaired has provided quicker access to moreinformation. The NFB promotes a positive attitude towards blindness, andthis Reader will make blind and visually impaired people dramatically moreindependent. The result will be better performance at work, at school, athome, and everywhere else we go. This Reader substantially improves thequality of life for the growing number of blind and visually impairedpeople."
Post Your Comment...Comments
Kristina Wadia on Jun 27th, 2006 at 6:41 AM:
This machine is amazing. I have personally seen it in action. The price seems steep, but the truth is that all "adaptive technology" for the blind is very expensive. Even the talking software, JAWS, which allows the blind to use a regular computer, costs around $800. There simply isn't a big enough market to be able to reduce prices much. It is a sad but true fact of being disabled in any way- adaptive technology is expensive. But think of the possibilities! Think how many perfectly capable blind people will have a better chance of being hired for a job if they had a $3000 piece of equipment that lets them read print portably! This technology will open so many doors. Blind and visually impaired people will benefit so tremendously from this technology, it is really amazing.
Gadisi Milton on Jun 28th, 2006 at 1:09 AM:
I am so glad that Technology designed to liberate the visually impaired is sky rocketing. We have been inhibited to access information for so long. Thanks to Kurzweill Technology. At least we are now going to be more independent than ever. Unfortunately when the tool riches our country South Africa, It will double the price. I wish I could explore this device as soon as possible.
Gadisi Milton on Jun 28th, 2006 at 1:09 AM:
Thanks to Kurzweill Technology. They are absolutely liberating the visually impaired people than ever. Unfortunately the privces of this devices double their prices when they rich our country South Sfrica.I am working at the University of Venda, in limpopo Province South Africa. My duty is to assist students in selecting devices that will suit tem in their studies. So this is one of the device I shall explain to them. If possible, send me one device which shall be a demo. I will send it back if required.
Gadisi Milton on Jun 28th, 2006 at 1:19 AM:
I am a visually impaired person. Partially Sighted. The device invente will just be a magic to many blind persons. I wish I can have a hands on exploration .
Send me the prototype so that I can display it to my students at the University of Venda in South Africa Limpopo Province.
Catherine on Dec 17th, 2007 at 8:02 PM:
My husband is legally blind and on daily dialysis. If we could afford to buy this product it would change his life. What a pity its so costly I am sure there are many others who can't afford this.
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randa boukhari on Jun 27th, 2006 at 2:37 AM:
this is very important to be able to read without holding laptops or scaners thank you for what you are creating for us we are the blindsbut you should take care of the prices a little bit moreranda