SBIR Phase II: Design of a New and Improved Print Reading Machine for the Blind

*** 9801554 Blazie Blazie工程公司的小企业创新研究第二阶段项目将进行研究，最终开发出三台用于盲人的新型印刷阅读机的工作原型。截至1996年初，世界上现有的唯一能从小型手持相机产生触觉图像的设备Optacon已不再由其制造商生产。在第一阶段，研究人员展示了将新技术应用于一种新的印刷阅读机的可行性，这种机器更容易使用，学习更快，更便宜，并且对更大的市场有吸引力。设计了一种新的触觉屏幕，可以显著降低成本并提供更清晰的触觉图像。新的摄像头设计加上内置的合成语音将使该设备更容易学习和使用，加上适当的配件，该设备将吸引更大的市场。第二阶段的工作包括：新触觉阵列的详细设计、建造和用户测试；研究和设计一种新的相机，以产生更好的触觉图像；内置语音合成和培训计划的能力；开发可在电脑屏幕上进行触觉成像的软件；以及允许未来扩展的硬件设计（包括用于额外摄像机/扫描仪的多用途接口，允许内置训练功能的硬件功能，以及用于未来扩展到市场的通信端口和通用串行总线）。Optacon印刷阅读器使盲人有机会学习数学和科学。如果这项研究取得成功，将产生一种采用新技术的改进的、成本较低的商业产品，使这种获取不仅成为可能，而且对更广泛的人口更具吸引力。这种为盲人设计的新型印刷阅读器将增加他们的就业机会，使他们能够自给自足地完成家务管理任务，并能够与印刷材料进行交互

*** 9801554 Blazie This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from Blazie Engineering, Inc. will conduct research leading to the development of three working prototypes of a new print reading machine for the blind. As of early 1996, the only existing device in the world that can produce a tactile image of print from a small hand held camera, the Optacon, is no longer being produced by its manufacturer. In Phase I, the researchers demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating new technology in a new print reading machine which make it easier to use, quicker to learn, less expensive, and attractive to a larger market. A new tactile screen was designed which should significantly reduce costs and provide a clearer tactile image. A new camera design coupled with built in synthetic speech would make the device easier to learn and use and, with the proper accessories, the device would appeal to a larger market. The Phase II effort includes the following: detailed design, construction and user testing of the new tactile array; research and design of a new camera to produce a better tactile image; built-in speech synthesis and capability for training programs; development of software to allow tactile imaging of a PC screen; and design of hardware that allows for future expansion (including multi-purpose interface for additional cameras/scanners, hardware features to allow built in training features, and communications ports and universal serial bus for future expansion to market). The Optacon print reader enables blind individuals to have access to the study of mathematics and science. If this research is successful an improved, lower-cost commercial product incorporating new technology will result which make such access not only possible but also more attractive to a wider population. This new print reader for the blind will increase their employment opportunities and self-sufficiency to perform household management tasks as well as their ability to interface with print material s. ***