Kurzweil-NFB Reader a Hand-held Reading Machine for the Blind
Published: Jun 23, 2007
The Kurzweil-NFB Reader is the world’s first hand-held reading machine for the blind.
The device was developed by the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore (NFB) and Kurzweil Technologies Inc. converts digital images of text into synthesized speech. Weighing only 13-ounce, the device is a combination of a 5-megapixel Canon digital camera with an ASUS A730 personal digital assistant (PDA) that are held together by a 6 inches by 3 inches by 2.5 inches vinyl case.
The Kurzweil-NFB Reader functions with nine buttons and receives voice prompts from a tiny speaker or earphones.
The reader helps people who are blind to grasp an image quickly, even in the dark and read it on their own, without any assistance. Researchers will continue to improve the software so that it can read a larger variety of complex material. The device is expected to cost less than $3,000 USD.
Source: Rehabtach
