That's true, Dan. But, recall, it wasn't an organization for the blind
that created the Optacon to begin with. It was Dr. John Linville, a
professor at Stanford. He did it because his daughter, Candace, was
visually impaired. Organizations for the blind or civic groups who
worked with the blind as a community project got on board later. In the
21st century, some mainstream technologies are replacing specialized
systems for the blind. This list has talked about iPhone apps that do
it. For my part, I just purchased a HP Color LaserJet Pro M478F printer.
Its scan capability is totally accessible to JAWS V 19. That is in text
only output for a refreshable braille display. This printer has wiped
out the need for an OCR capability on my system. A nice benefit for a
mainstream product.
Maureen
On 11/18/2019 3:57 PM, dan.tevelde@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
In my case the topic is relevant. I learned to read print with the optacon
with my left hand but have always been able to read print with both hands.
Now I only remember basic block letters. Since I don't use an optacon
anymore, I forgot things like numbers, punctuation, and different fonts.
With Braille I can only read with my right hand.
I would think that any possible newly-developed optacon would allow the user
a hand preference. The device should have a wireless option which I think
would be desirable. This might help the user reach places where
conventional OCR won't go.
I'm just curious if a project to develop a new optacon is still alive. With
all the advances in camera, OCr, and tactile haptic technology I would think
development would be relatively easy. The most difficult things would be
the tactile array and the software. We already have high resolution
cameras. It's a shame no organization of the blind is remotely interested.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On
Behalf Of peter wilkins
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:34 PM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: Braille Users, a bit off-topic
I use my index finger on both hands to read Braille. The index
finger on my left-hand also is used for the Optacon, which I
still use every day. However, with Optacon II you can use other
fingers and even your right hand if you wish because the array is central.
Peter
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