This Finger-Mounted Device Offers Reading to the Visually Impaired

These days most of us have tampered with the invention of speech-to-text — a relatively novel software revelation that allows users to text hands-free. But what if that software could be reversed in an effort to bring words to life for the visually impaired? That’s what researchers at the MIT Media Lab are trying to achieve through their new finger-mounted reading device that works to convert written text into synthesized speech in real time. The new prototype uses software to provide feedback, either tactile or audible, that can guide the user’s finger along a line of text while reading out the corresponding words in real time. The group of MIT researchers created two variations of the device that will help guide the user’s fingers over the words as they read. The first iteration used two haptic motors, one on top and one below the finger, to help guide the user’s finger via vibrations. When the motor on top of the finger vibrates, it indicates to the user to lower the device as they scroll across the page. When the motor beneath the finger vibrates, it indicates to the user that the tracking finger needs to be raised. The second iteration uses audio feedback rather than haptic motors to help guide the tracking finger. This version uses a musical tone that increases in volume once the tracking finger begins to drift away from the line of text. So far, trials haven’t provided a clear indication from users over which iteration is more successful, but the researcher...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: R & D Source Type: news