Video magnifier

A screen reader, camera reading system or outdated television reader, is an electronic visual aid. It accepts documents or other "small" things with a camera and this is greatly magnified on a monitor.

Be used screen readers for visually impaired persons for whom reading large amounts of text with optical vision aids can be tedious. Which is later than the case when more than one 8 times optical magnification is required to see characters. It makes sense to be camera - reading systems but also at elevated contrast requirement.

The object to be read (eg a document ) is placed under a camera on a moving mechanical stage which can be moved by hand horizontally or vertically. The recorded excerpt is transmitted in real time on the screen. Depending on the type of visual impairment magnification, contrast and brightness can be varied. In addition, for most devices, the text and background color can be selected. This can be partly compensated for example, a color blindness.

Using screen readers can read books, letters and other documents. But newspapers, leaflets, maps and bank statements can be enlarged. If there is sufficient distance from the work surface can be written under the camera or hand- worked. Screen readers are available in different designs and for special purposes.

Device types for different usage situations

Basic version: screen readers are generally out of the elements as camera, monitor and cross table. The latter supports the management of the grapes under the camera. In most cases, camera and mechanical stage are connected, the monitor is freely adjustable. The operation of these screen readers is usually easy and meets the needs of seniors.

Devices with PC connection: Especially in the work area camera systems are used, which can be connected to a PC. The captured image is then transferred to the computer monitor. Most devices allow a split screen, that is, the monitor display will be divided one or more camera images into a PC and. Some devices with PC connection have a scan function with which the originals being scanned can be stored and processed. This also provides the opportunity to begin reading longer text by voice output.

Devices with remote camera: The so-called panel Readers enlarge distant objects in space, such as the blackboard at school. For this purpose, a panning camera or an additional remote camera is used either.

Portable equipment for use on the go: Portable CCTVs are independent of mains operated with battery. Portable devices are usually equipped with flat screen TV and handheld camera or be connected to a laptop and using the keyboard.

At present ( 2012) is the so-called electronic or digital magnifying glass at the end of the miniaturization. Here screen and camera (along with lighting, spacers, etc.) in a single unit that has approximately the dimensions of a mobile phone. The electronic motion is not a substitute for a screen reader. Both types of devices have their pros and cons.