Re: a wish list
- From: "Harry Bassler" <HBassler@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 08:25:30 -0400
Catherine, thanks for the Wish list.
I've been out of touch with Optacon users for some time, how long has this
Optacon-l list existed?
Harry Bassler of Pennsylvania
----- Original Message -----
From: "Catherine Thomas" <braille@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2006 6:41 AM
Subject: a wish list
> One of our listers did some research in the list archives (or personal
> files) and came up with the message below which appeared on the list a few
> years ago. It compiles most of the wishes expressed in the surveys we are
> currently receiving. I am posting it as-is especially for you engineering
> and software experts.
> Here is the message.
> Subject: optacon features
>
> Here's a list of wished-for optacon features which the list
> had discussed several years back.
>
> 1. The optacon should be as portable as possible, without
> compromising its usefulness and its features.
>
> 2. Some users have suggested a one-handed optacon, whereby the
> camera and display would be contained in one hand-held, ergonomic
> unit.
>
> 3. The optacon should have user-accessible, user-replaceable,
> batteries.
>
> 4. The batteries should be rechargeable, and of an enduring
> quality, such as Nickel Metal-Hydride. NiMH batteries would fit
> into an off-the-shelf charger.
>
> 5. The optacon could recharge its batteries.
>
> 6. The optacon should have a daily battery charge to allow for
> extended working hours, minimizing the need to change batteries.
>
> 7. The optacon's tactile display should be at least as large,
> and as fine in resolution as the R1D's display. In fact, the
> overwhelming agreement is that using the optacon II's display,
> with is coarse resolution and its "mushy" feel, would be a
> regression. The users' general rule of thumb to follow is: the
> larger the display, and (not or) the finer the resolution, the
> better the display. A number of users favour a display larger
> than that of the R1D. A larger display would enable the reading
> of some graphic displays, while a smaller image can be zoomed in
> on, when preferred.
>
> 8. The ergonomic design which allows the user to read with left
> or right hands, as with the optacon II, should be retained.
>
> 9. The setting on the optacon II which negates the pulses, felt
> on the display when reading monitors, should be retained.
>
> 10. Inverse video mode should be retained.
>
> 11. Threshold adjustment must be more responsive than the optacon
> II's; and even more sensitive than the R1D's threshold adjustment.
>
> 12. The camera cable should come from the front of the optacon,
> which is not so with the optacon II. this would improve
> portability, and expose the cable to less stress.
>
> 13. The camera cable should be a standard, detachable and
> replaceable cable. Such a cable would lessen turn-around time
> for repairs. Users could have spare cables when needed, and
> would not lose the use of our optacons for want of a damaged
> camera cable.
>
> 14. A fibre-optic cable was proposed, which would conduct light
> images to an internal camera. this approach would increase cable
> and camera durability. The only power conductors needed would be
> for the lights.
>
> 15. Everyone had something to say about the camera, and our need
> for greater camera flexibly in order to meet diverse reading
> needs. We all want very wide range of adjustment in camera
> focus. The camera should allow us to enlarge very tiny
> characters to make it easier, or even possible, to read. Some
> tiny characters are impossible to read, even with the
> magnification lens (which was not adjustable) sold by T.S.I. In
> addition, we need to reduce in size some very large images.
>
> 16. Some users said it would be convenient not to change lenses
> as we read, but have the extended zoom range switchable on the
> machine or camera, itself; not necessary, but nice.
>
> 17. The optacon should be able to handle a wide variety of
> colour contrasts. It should also be able to handle faint print.
> Users on the list defined colour combinations which were hard or
> impossible to read.
>
> 18. The optacon should come with a tiny, slim camera or
> attachment. We need the ability to read in some hard-to-reach,
> tight places where the standard camera either cannot fit, or
> cannot be held flat. Some specific examples given by users are:
> reading labels on various objects; reading displays on small
> consumer products such as cellular phones, home entertainment
> equipment, measuring instruments; reading the writing on printed-
> circuit boards and between their components; reading the tiny
> writing and markings on electronics components such as ICs,
> diodes, etc; reading the controls on consumer products such as
> VCRs, CD players, stereo controls, etc; reading laboratory
> instruments. These specific examples are ones we face virtually
> everyday.
>
> 19. The optacon should give us the ability to read a variety of
> displays: CRTs, monitors, LCDs of various sizes and strengths,
> LEDs, etc.
>
> 20. The optacon should feature bi-directional communication
> facilities which interrace with computer-based equipment such as
> personal computers, and laboratory equipment. Serial ports are
> still standard for some lab equipment, and USB ports are common
> for computers.
>
> 21. Some users debate whether or not to include "image
> processing" in a new optacon. Some users feel that this feature
> would make some print easier to read, by thinning lines to the
> smallest number of vibratory pixels, and by enhancing fonts, etc.
> Other users feel that even if this were an option which can be
> switched on and off, the implicit digital approach would
> compromise or eliminate the optacon's most valuable asset--its
> transparency--its simplicity, What It Sees Is What You Get.
>
>
> 22. Some users recommend an OCR feature, with high-quality
> speech, and an optional, automatic tracking aid.
>
> 23. An optional, automatic tracking aid would fulfil at least
> two needs:
> (A) It would allow for automatic scanning to occur, whereby the
> data can be stored or sent to another device, as with common
> scanners;
> (B) it would greatly enhance the training of optacon use; help to
> lessen the learning curve.
>
> 24. A streamlined, in-built training option would make it easier
> for users to learn the optacon, especially since we are spread
> throughout the world. Most often, potentials users do not have
> the option to go to a learn centre for training. The Braille
> Blazer is one such example of built-in tutorials.
>
> 25. A multimedia, or multisensory approach could be taken to
> help users learn both the optacon, and their letters. Here is
> what one list member writes and he expresses it so well:
> "One way to improve the prospects for the Optacon would be to
> make it easier to learn how to use. Other modalities - speech
> and large character display - should be integrated for people
> with hearing or low vision respectively,
> to help them learn the Optacon. Thus as you scan printed text,
> OCR could recognize the letters and speak them out to you, and
> the character under your finger could be displayed on a screen.
> For most people who become blind, or who are blind and go deaf,
> it doesn't happen suddenly, and they should have a chance to
> learn the Optacon before completely losing their sight or their
> hearing."
>
> 26. For deaf users, any menu-driven functions, or spoken
> messages, must be tactually accessible.
>
> 27. The buzzing sound which the optacon makes when the camera
> senses a visual contrast is useful when assessing page format.
> However, a silent optacon would be useful in settings where the
> buzzing is a disturbance. Therefore, the optacon should have
> silent and buzz modes (likely doable using sine and square-wave
> array signals respectively).
>
> 28. If the optacon is of a digital, a computer-based design, we-
> -the users--must not be removed from our kinaesthetic approach.
> Remember, that the information on the display is what we read,
> and the information we derive as we move the camera about is
> equally important. The list was overwhelmingly vehement on this
> point: the optacon must retain its transparency. Moving a
> tracking ball, or cursor-like camera along a screen of virtual
> print is not the same as moving a real camera along a page of
> real print, even with a tactile output. This would be as silly
> as believing that using a Braille display is merely tactile
> speech with format. Therefore:
>
>
> 29. No matter which bells and whistles are added, under no
> circumstances should the optacon lose its uniqueness, its main
> purpose. The optacon is truly invaluable because it give
> transparent access; What It Sees Is What You Get. this
> transparency, this simplicity of access, is the only single
> reason why we would use the optacon.
>
> 30. The optacon should be so equipped as to easily and
> conventiently interface with the Windows platform. The mouse in
> such an interface would essentially act as the optacon's camera.
> The optacon could be one input/output component as part of a
> multimedia work-station.
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
> -Catherine Thomas
> braille@xxxxxxxxx /
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
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