Researchers
at MIT have developed a new technology that enables blind and
vision-impaired people to read any printed text without the use of
braille.
The
"FingerReader" is a 3D-printed, ring-like device fitted with a small
camera that scans and reads words out loud in real-time, as users follow
text with their finger. It is "a tool both for visually impaired people
that require help with accessing printed text, as well as an aid for
language translation," according to the FingerReader's website.
The
device offers an experience like "reading with the tip of your finger"
to people who cannot see, according to Pattie Maes, an MIT professor
involved with creating the prototype. "It's a lot more flexible, a lot
more immediate than any solution that they have right now," she told the
Associated Press.
Other
Optical Character Recognition devices exist, including Text Detective
and Say Text, but the FingerReader is unique in its mobility and
adaptability, according to developer Roy Shilkrot. It is the only
wearable device of its kind that allows blind and vision-impaired users
to read with the "well-practiced gesture of using the index finger to
trace written text," he said.
The
FingerReader is geared toward reading multiple words and entire lines
of texts. It connects to a laptop or mobile phone, allowing users to
take the device with them to read items such as restaurant menus,
business cards or any other text that is larger than 12-point font. The
FingerReader also gives vibration-based feedback to users if they stray
from the text's baseline.
The
device, which took three years to design and develop, is currently just
a prototype. However, researchers said they hope to attract investors,
and soon produce an affordable, marketable device for the public.
"Almost
3% of the population is visually impaired, so that is the market size
for the FingerReader," according to MIT. "Down the road, we think it has
potential to assist not only visually impaired persons but also the
elderly, children, language learners and tourists."
Posted by : Gizmeon
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