low vision technology: keeping up with the latest advances ike presley american foundation for the...

Low Vision Technology: Keeping Up with the

Latest Advances

Ike PresleyAmerican Foundation for the Blind100 Peachtree St., Suite 620Atlanta, GA [email protected]

ObjectivesIdentify low tech and high tech

tools useful for people with low vision

Identify advantages and disadvantages of various tools

Brainstorm ideas about keeping updated on low vision technology

Large Print Publications Point size: 14, 16, 18, 24

Large Print Publications Font: Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, APHont

Enlarging Photocopying Machines

Stop gap/get by method11 x 17 paper

Difficult to handle135-150% enlargementPoor quality at higherdegrees of enlargement

Natural LightingControl with

Blinds / shades / curtains

Natural LightingLight Filtration SystemsNoir / Solar Shield

% VisibleLower % = less light

% UV protection% Blue light protection

Artificial LightingOverhead

IncandescentFluorescentHalogen

Artificial LightingTask lighting

Desk/Table lampsPortableBattery powered

Floor lampsOther

Task LightingVerilux Travel Lamp

Natural Spectrum Rechargeable Task Lamp with 11 Bright LED Bulbs"Portable Light Uses A/C or

Rechargeable Batteries"

Other LightingFlashlights

Non-optical Devices

Reading/Book Stands

Non-optical DevicesCopy Holders

Adjustable articulated arm

Optical Devices

SpectaclesContact lens

Optical Devices

Hand held magnifiersIlluminatedNon-illuminated

Optical DevicesStand magnifiers

Non-illuminatedDome - BarIlluminated (font)

Optical Devices

Clip-onSpectacle mounted

Optical Devices

TelescopesHand-heldSpectacle mounted

Video MagnifiersBeen around since the ’70s (CCTV)Video Magnifier – more descriptiveRelatively easy to use

Training will improve efficiencyKey to training; start with high-interest

materialsBasic components

CameraDisplayX/Y table ???

Types of Video MagnifiersDesktop models, $1,500 – 4,000Flex-arm camera models, $2,000 – 4,000Portable models with hand held cameras,

$99 – 1,000Electronic pocket models, $250 – 2,100Head mounted display models, $3,000 –

4,000Digital imaging systems - $2,500 – 5,500

Video MagnifiersDesktop models

AdvantagesBest for longer reading

tasks – continuous textEasier for handwriting

Working in two planes?Highest magnificationColor / PolarityMasks/Occluders

Lines/BlindsFriction brakeMargin stops


Adding Additional featuresUpgrade to colorRemote controlPage locator buttonPreset magnificationClock/calendar/

calculatorComputer compatibility


DisadvantagesLack of portabilitySpace requirementNo distance viewing


Desktop models that fold for transport


Desktop models that offer monitor positioning


Desktop models that offer distance viewing


Desktop models that offer NearIntermediateDistance viewing

Video MagnifiersFlex-arm camera models

AdvantagesDistance & near

viewing


AdvantagesSome portability

Video MagnifiersFlex-arm camera modelsAdvantages

Smaller footprint


DisadvantagesSet-up timeLack of X/Y tableRequire monitor

Video MagnifiersPortable models with hand held cameras

AdvantagesBetter for short reading

task/spot reading


AdvantagesLightweight / Easily

transported


AdvantagesConnect to TV or computerOften less expensive


DisadvantagesManipulating the cameraSome require external

monitor


DisadvantageDifficulty handwriting

Video MagnifiersElectronic pocket models

LargeMediumSmall


LargeLarge, angled screenWriting option

Video MagnifiersElectronic pocket modelsLarge

Not so pocket-able


MediumCamera

Side Center

Video MagnifiersElectronic pocket modelsMedium

Fold-out Handle


MediumDistance viewing


Variety of models


MediumVariety of models


Variety of models


SmallLess expensive


SmallTruly pocket-able


Smalli-vu Solo

from Clarity3.5-12X3” screen5 ozWriting ???5 high contrast modesFreeze frame4 hrs


SmallMaggie Handheld

Electronic Magnifier4 levels: 4x, 6x, 8x and 11x Full color and b/w Image freeze3.0 wide screen LCD

(measured diagonally) Rechargeable battery,

USB/wall charger and cable

Video MagnifiersElectronic pocket modelsHandwriting


AdvantagesBetter for short reading tasks / spot

readingEasily transported Less expensive


DisadvantagesCamera movementDifficult for

handwriting Magnification range

Video MagnifiersHead mounted display

modelsAdvantages

PortabilityNo monitor

DisadvantagesExpenseAppearance

Video MagnifiersHead mounted display

modelsAdvantages

Some can be connected to a monitor

DisadvantagesWeight becomes an

issue after extended use

Video MagnifiersDigital imaging systems

AdvantagesPortability – “lugability”

PrompterColumn mode

TickertapeRow mode

Single wordWord mode myReader


DisadvantagesPrice - $4,995

Sale $3,995Loose graphicsDifficulty with

color backgrounds

myReader2


AdvantagesLightweight camera &

standWorks with laptop PCNo X/Y table needed

Zoom-Ex


Zoom Ex Modes Live camera Cursor key navigation

Retains graphics Word wrap

No L/R moving, no graphics

Editable text Audio assisted reading

Pairs synthesized speech with highlighted text

Zoom-Ex


Zoom-TwixTwo camera / Two poundsSwitch between

distance and near viewing

Use with Zoom-EXfeatures

$2,500 - 3,500


MobilEyesHandheld Portable Reading Machine Performs functions

of nine different devices 9 inches wide 5.5 inches high 3.5 inches deep 4 inches deep while

actively taking picturesWeight is 2.5 lbs.


MobilEyesMagnification; near & distanceScan & read with optional scannerPlay music and audio booksDigital recorderScan barcodes

$5,500: total system


Readit Scholar Portable, near and distance viewing $3500


Readit (Digital Capture System) Distance & near viewing Scroll image for viewing Magnify, capture,

read aloud and store


Readit ScholarViewing modes

Image viewOverlay


Readit ScholarViewing modes

HorizontalVertical Column


PEARL – FSPortable reading solutionLive camera modeVirtual X/Y tableWord wrapUses OpenBook 9

SpeechHighlights spoken text

No option for distance


PEARL – FS $2190Shipping in May for $1195, cameraOpenBook 9 – $995

Upgrade - $150Half-off introductory

$600 until 7/15/2010No distance viewing

www.freedomscientific.com/News/Pressroom/2010/PEARL-introduced.asp

http://thebatchannel.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/freedom-scientific-introduces-portable-reading-solution-for-the-visually-impaired/

Tools for Accessing Print/Electronic Information Visually – E-book Readers

Kindle 2 – Kindle DX / AmazonScalable fontsSpeech Easy ordering

Kindle 2Kindle DX


Kindle - Accessibility featuresLimited to text only, not menusPage navigation onlyPoor contrast on keyboardControls require good

fine motor skillsOrdering process not

accessible

Tools for Accessing Print/Electronic Information

Visually – E-book ReaderSony E-reader

Limited text sizes


“nook”Barnes & Noble

Dual screensNo apparent accessibility


ClassMate Reader

Multipurpose ToolsIntel Reader

Some adjustable text sizesOCR & synthesized speech

Multipurpose ToolsIntel Reader

Some adjustable text sizesOCR & synthesized speech

Screen Magnification Technology


Hardware OptionsLarge MonitorsHardware Screen Magnifiers


Hardware OptionsFlex-arm Monitor Stands

Screen Magnification Technology – Software

Adjustments to Windows OSDisplay Properties

SettingsScreen area (Screen Resolution)

800 X 6001024 X 7681280 X 10241600 X 1200

Colors256 colorsHigh color (16 bit)True color (32 bit)


Adjustments to Windows OSDisplay Properties

AppearanceScheme

High Contrast #1 (extra large, large)High Contrast #2 (extra large, large)High Contrast Black (extra large, large)High Contrast White (extra large, large)Windows Classic (extra large, large)Windows Standard (extra large, large)

Item Icons, Menus, Tool Tips


Adjustments to Windows OSMouse pointer

Control Panel, Mouse, Pointer Scheme

Black, Inverted, Standard (large, extra large)

Accessibility WizardMicrosoft Magnifier

Adjustments to Mac OSZoomVoice Over


Mouse Pointer Enlarging SoftwareCursor Café

www.cursorcafe.comSymbols

Big Arrows (some flash)

Big Cursor Stuff

In the mid 90’s reservation centers had the operator using a computer with a mouse, while the employees who were blind used keyboard only interfaces. Once the companies realized that the keyboard users were 20 percent more efficient, they cut the mouse from those applications. Of course they left the mouse for solitaire as it is slow dragging cards via a keyboard.

Pat FischerBrailleArt.com – The Art you Touch

www.keyboardhelpers.com/timestudy.html

Keyboarding


Screen Magnification SoftwareShareWare and FreeWareCommercial Screen Magnifiers

Lunar (Dolphin)MAGicZoomText


Screen Magnification SoftwareCommercial USB Screen Magnifiers

Win Zoom / iZoomLightning /w speechSystem Access To Go

Serotek


Screen Magnification SoftwareLite Versions <$100

WinZoom LiteMagnifier & reader, 1.5x-

4x, 2 view modes, mouse enhancements

ZoomText ExpressUp to 2x, 2 view modes,

pointer and cursor enhancements


Screen Magnification Software FeaturesView modes

FullLineLensAreaHorizontal splitVertical split


Screen Magnification Software FeaturesMagnification levelsForeground/background colorsCursor enhancements

Mouse pointerInsertion cursor

Hot spotsShortcut keysSpeech support

Reading modes

Assistive Technology Demonstration Videos

Video Magnifiers – Part 1Desktop and Flex-Arm Models

Video Magnifiers – Part 2Head Mounted Displays and Portable

ModelsScreen Magnification TechnologiesScreen Magnification Software

www.afb.org/at

Brainstorming

How can we keep up?What resources would you

like?How would you like to

communicate with others?What level would you pay

for?

Low Vision Technology: Keeping Up with the Latest

Advances

For additional information go towww.afb.org/at

low vision technology: keeping up with the latest advances ike presley american foundation for the...

Documents

portable models

electronic pocket models

head mounted display

low tech

low visionidentify advantages

rechargeable batteries

bright led bulbsportable

high tech tools useful