Last month, we compiled a list of some ingeniously designed Braille accessories for visually impaired people. And while doing so, we came across the starting statistical figure that suggested around 13 million Americans (aged 40 or over) will face some form of visual impairment by the year 2050. Unfortunately, the commercial realm is still oblivious to the predicaments faced by this population segment (for example – only 7 percent of books in Britain are available in large print, audio versions or Braille). But as always, technology and resourcefulness do have their values, and this time around the innovation alludes to the fascinating FingerReader device.
Designed (by MIT researchers) like a large ring, the gizmo can be worn on your finger while you browse through the lines of text in a physical book or on a screen. And, while you do so, the gadget smartly ‘gets hold’ of the text via its built-in camera. This text is simultaneously processed, and then read aloud for your auditory senses.
Now, we did mention the term ‘smartly’. This is because the device can comprehend and alert you (via audio feedback that sounds like a dial tone) if you deviate from the original line of the text. Moreover, the contraption can also ‘understand’ and consequently respond when you reach the end of the individual line.
Interestingly, the FingerReader is not only envisioned for people who have visual impairment. It can potentially have other uses, like translating a text in another language. The predicament of the innovative endeavor however is not related to the technology, but rather how this technology can be made affordable and feasible.
Currently, the reading device is in its prototype stage, with developments still made in various avenues, like the form-factor, wireless features and even connected attributes when tethered to a computer. In any case, we will keep our fingers crossed for the FingerReader to make its conscientious commercial debut.
Via: TechCrunch
