There are numerous devices available for people who have deteriorating vision, but OrCam Technologies has now released a new device using artificial intelligence, which provides a novel approach to reading assistance.
The company’s handheld reader is designed for people with reading difficulties stemming from mild to moderate vision impairment, reading fatigue, dyslexia, aphasia, and other conditions, as well as for those who read large volumes of text, empowering them with real-time responsiveness.
The personal AI reader seamlessly – and instantly – captures and reads aloud in real time, from any printed surface or digital screen.
“The device brings back the joy of reading, as it instantly reads aloud full pages or screens of text,” explained Dr Yonatan Wexler from OrCam.
“It can be challenging for a wide range of people who need reading support for work, academics, or for simply delighting in the pleasure of it.
“Using the computer vision technology that OrCam pioneered creates an enjoyable reading experience. This ability to instantly hear text relieves the burden of reading and enables focusing on the content with ease.”
The reader’s algorithms enable intuitive point-and-click operation activating two precision laser guidance options, to read the entire highlighted text or target where to begin reading.
The wireless device provides instant audio playback, communicating text from newspapers, books, computer and smartphone screens, product labels and other surfaces.
“People with mild to moderate vision still retain some functional vision,” said optometrist Dr Bryan Wolynski. “For these people, OrCam Read offers a new opportunity for increased independence through access to text.”
The reader is fitted with a modified 13-megapixel smart camera and is both bluetooth and wifi-enabled, allowing users to connect the device to wireless headphones for private reading, and for periodic software updates.
A high-intensity LED light automatically illuminates reading in low light conditions.
Watch how the device works below:
Do you have problems reading? Would you consider using a reading assistance device?
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