While I understand the need for product certification, it seems to me that some
of the restrictions are a bit strange. What harm would come from 200 volts as
long as it is "boxed up" inside a case where you cannot get in contact with it
unless you do something stupid such as disassemble the product yourself. From
my experience with pipe organs, I knew of one case where an organ was to me be
installed with cables of many wires running from the console to the pipe room.
One nasty electrical inspector told the technicians that they had to install a
fuse in each of the individual wires. His claim was that it is required
because the setup was a particular signaling-type system which the local
electrical code mandates that every signal path had to be fused. Never mind
that the voltage was only around 15 volts! I believe the organ company had to
go to some length to get an exception to that requirement; otherwise, they
would have needed to install around 2000 fuses!
There are many pieces of equipment with high voltage or other hazards "inside
the box"; but you don't touch them. Those microwave ovens we take for granted
these days are a notable example of a potential hazard "inside the box." I
don't know why anyone would worry about the voltage inside a unit as long as
the shielding is proper and it is well enclosed. I have opened the cases of a
few pconsumer electronic items, and I know that the makers are going a long way
to protect consumers from high voltages. One amp I opened had the transformer
right against the power-cord's entry into the unit; everything you could touch
was a low voltage of around 15 volts. For that matter, I opened up an Optacon
charger one day when somehow a nut holding a chip to its heatsink had come off
and was rattling around inside the charger. Not wanting it to short out
something and damage the charger or Optacon, I opened the case, found the nut,
attached it back and tightened it firmly enough so that it didn't come loose
anymore. But had I been stupid and had the charger energized with my hand
inside, I would likely have gotten a bad shock, and I might have deserved it if
I had been silly enough to open the charger while it was energized.
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf
Of wpg67 (Redacted sender "wpg67" for DMARC)
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2021 10:54 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: abtim reading device
The vibrotactile display on the optacon III project used up to about 400
millivolts, and it gobbled up to more than 6 amps. I had looked at about half
a dozen power reduction strategies. It produced a lot of electrical hash, not
a big deal, but it did have a magnetic interference that would have needed to
be taken care of. Likely shielding using Mu-Metal or Permalloy. At times I
could feel an "aura" around the display close up. Not harmful I think, but
peculiar.
The videotim's pins have a tenth inch spacing, similar to the tolerances of a
braille display's cell. the optacon is less than half that. The optacon's
display must vibrate to have that make and break contact with the finger. The
video tim's display does not vibrate like the optacon's.
If one wants a videotim-like device rather than an optacon-like device and its
unique display, the dot View (dv-2) from Japan imight be an option if they
still make it.
Charles
On 2021-01-14 8:49 p.m., David wrote:
FCC in the Americas, C.E in Europe. They are both restrictions thatto view the list archives, go to:
has to be met. As of old, I was informed that the Braille displays
back then, would not meet the CE requirements of Europe - even if they
were mainly manufactured inside the continent. The reason that was
given to me back then, was that the Piezo units that lift the pins,
will work on something like 200 volt, and due to you sitting with your
hand right on top of the cells, and them mainly being laid open
(through the
pin-holes) - this is not considered "safe" according to the CE
specifications. Besides, how often would you even sit with a portable
Braille display more or less directly in your lap. So one dealer told
me, they somehow had got an exception from the requirements, due to
the Piezo technology being the one and only available for Braille displays.
And sure, you could move such an application, on behalf of all the
thousands of blind users on the continent, that would benefit from the
technology - even totally depend on it.
a bit different story, when comes to a reading device. How will we
ever claim that the job it does, cannot be handled by alternative
means? OK, so I guess the modern Braille displays have managed to meet
the requirements, and as such the Piezo technology might no longer be
the bottle-neck. And I have no reason to think that the VideoTim would
not meet the requirements. As a matter of fact, that is one of the
questions I raised in my contact with the developer, since without
such requirements met, it would be impossible to import it locally.
They told me they would be back with some more info in the coming, so
let's not jump to any conclusions on the very matter.
I did point this out, when Charles was working on his Optacon 3
project, as one of the cliffs that has to be climbed. Since there are
slight differences between the FCC and the CE, the product will not
just have to pass one test, but might be the target of several testing
regimes.
Don't even know, if they have a similar requirement in Australia or
Asia. It sure is to bad, as many technical solutions you have in the
Americas, will not be available in Europe, simply due to the
manufacturer not being able to prove the equipment to meet the CE
requirements. And as you pointed out, things from Europe never make it
to America, due to the FCC.
As a matter of fact, the product might well enough be build in such a
way that it totally and completely meet the requirements, but that is
not enough. You will have to get it certified, and that does cost money.
In the late 90's I checked to have a clue. I asked how much would it
likely cost, just to get a torch certified. Honestly, you by a
certified switch, battery holder, and a bulb. Then you connect all
these certified parts. And still, you have to get the final product
certified. Back then, they estimated that it could cost anything from
1000 and up to the three thousand dollars, just for such a simple product to
get through.
Now imagine today, with a by far more complex unit like the VideoTim.
The requirements locally even got tightened a little more than a year
ago. Now, I have an Optacon that could do with some servicing. In
Europe I know of David in the UK, who could do the service. But to
ship it to him, I have to prove the product to meet the CE
requirements. And unless some of you could point me to some document
that states to what extent the Optacon was manufactured in line with
any such requirements, the unit would not even be allowed to leave my
country. Who knows what it needs to meet to get into the UK. Would be
happy if someone has any experience and could point me to such documentation.
Like you stated, someone with a rather deep pocket will have to
prepare the VideoTim for importing into each country. Now, that pocket
might be as deep it needs to, but once emptied, it likely will have to
be refilled. Hence, who do you expect will take the end-bill? Of
course, the importing dealer will simply pass that cost on to the
end-user, and might as well speckle it with some extra earnings of
his. With an initiating pricing of 13500 dollars when the unit leaves
Germany, I don't even want to perform the calculation of what the
end-price would be in the Americas, or in Australia. All I am thinking is
this:
How much does it cost to hire a person, to do all the reading you ever
need, for the rest of your life?
I mean, imagine you do not want to use things like "Be My Eyes". Even
if you paid the person a hundred dollars an hour, you might have his
service for quite a while, right? That is why I am puzzled that the
developer even launched his product. It honestly surprises me, when he
tells they have been in business for something like two decades. Good
enough, back when they started, there did exist little and no
alternatives. But today, with all the scanners and "we want to help
you out"-apps?
I imagine that a foreign-made device would have to "pass muster" not
only with Homeland Security but also with FCC. FCC has a "finger in
the pie" because of possible RF radiation from the device. They will
want to know that such radiation is at a low enough level to do no
harm to established communication and that any such radiation is not
in a frequency band forbidden by them to consumer electronics. I doubt
that we will see one of those reading devices anytime soon unless the
maker can find a company or person with deep pockets willing to "go to
bat" to get the device in here and then push it to consumers or people
on their behalf with money to buy the devices.
to view the list archives, go to:
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
On Behalf Of dan.tevelde@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 11:58 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: abtim reading device
Part of the problem with devices from foreign countries is that they have to
be approved for import. I think this is a requirement of the Department of
Homeland Security. The next hurdle is finding reliable sales and technical
support. We've seen European products appear and disappear from the U.S.
market before. Both Baum and Papenmeier left the U.S. market for a variety
of reasons. Unless the inventior of the Abtim can get distribution channels
here, the device won't go anywhere.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
On Behalf Of Judy Jones
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 11:43 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: abtim reading device
Yes, I sent in info, I believe back in 2016 when it was the VideoTim.
Unless a way for financing is found, this device will ever stay on the
shelf, no matter how good it is.
Judy
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
On Behalf Of David
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:03 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; Alain Bardet <alain.bardet3@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: abtim reading device
Listers,
I just wanted to let you know, I received a message from the developer
regarding the ABTIM device. It is actually called VideoTim.
Apparently they have released a new version, a bit more than a year
ago
- version 4. Some good news to share:
According to the info I received, the unit is quite small, with a tiny
enough camera. It supposedly should be able to read modern displays, and
they tell it to even work on smartphones. The camera cable has a USB
connector, and they say both the power-supply and battery should be
mainstream, and easy to replace.
One thing I did feel was a bit sad, was that it weighs approx 1 kilo, or
some 2 pounds. In the old days, compared to the Perkins Brailer that we
carried from one classroom to the other, this seems pretty light-weighted.
But in the modern world with cellphones and tablets weighing only a
fraction, i wonder what makes it such heavy. Unless it would be the display
itself. They tell it to be Piezo-driven. Someone on the list, a while back,
claime that the Piezo would not keep up with the necessary speed of
vibration, to make a good reading experience. Well, the VideoTim seemingly
does work without the vibrating pins we are used to.
Here are the dimentions that I was given:
Main unit: 65 mm (2.6 Inch) high, and has a size of 133 mm (5.32 inch)
width, x 225 mm (9 inch) length.
Camera: 45 mm (1.8 inch) high, x 26 mm (1.05 inch) width, x 80 mm
(3.2
inch) Length.
Apparently the newest model should offer the user even better adjustments
for crisp reading. And so far, it sounds pretty promising.
Now some challenges.
No dealers outside Germany, so if you want the unit, you will have to face
the challenge of shipping and importing the unit. That might be an obstacle
to many. And if you now are ready for the real shock, here it is. Price is
some 11 thousand Euros, or what seems to equal to just about 13500 American
dollars. Who has a savings account they want to share? Smiles. Imagine the
price, once you have shipped the unit, and paid whatever taxes will be
needed to get it into your country.
Unfortunately, this lines up with most assistive technology - on the "too
expensive" shelf.
Remember, we have discussed the possibility of having some organization join
the costs in developing a new Optacon? Well, with such a pricing of the
end-product, I do see why noone wants to get their feet wet. If each product
manufactured will cost that much, what would be the development cost of the
project as a total? And why would anyone develop what seemingly already does
exist? Quite disappointing, but not unexpected.
At least, now we know a bit more about the unit. Still, it was interesting
to look into the stuff.
Of course, I have not had my hands on the unit, so won't be able to tell
anything as to its functionality in real life. But I am afraid most of us
will have a hard time in convincing any new user, that this price is what
they need - so as to perform some simple reading around the house, in their
daily living.
David
On 1/14/2021 12:44 PM, Alain Bardet wrote:
Hi thank you very much for your replies regarding the abtim.to view the list archives, go to:
Well let us see the further development. The price is prohibitive
especially when we think of what is available now.
All the best
Alain
Le 12/01/2021 à 20:09, Steve (Redacted sender k8sp for DMARC) a écrit :
It appears from their website that the device is available for saleto view the list archives, go to:
in Europe.
VideoTIM3
READING DEVICE for the BLIND
Applications of VideoTIM
Picture: Tactile display TIM shows the character A
Picture: VideoTIM1 with hand-held video camera on a book page
VideoTIM devices are in use for over ten years in different jobs
and in the private sector.The most common forms of use include the
reading of printed documents and reading books.
Many VideoTIM users were previously OPTACON users. The OPTACON is
an older, no longer produced device with the same scope. The main
differences should be mentioned here: The VideoTIM device
generates, in contrast to OPTACON, neither interfering noise or
vibration. The image on the TIM display is much clearer. VideoTIM
shows much more pixel. As an OPTACON user the familiarization period is
between four hours and two days.
Picture: VideoTIM1 with hand-held video camera on a newspaper
Picture: VideoTIM1 with hand-held video camera on a newspaper
Picture: VideoTIM1 with hand-held video camera on a medicine
package
Picture: VideoTIM1 with hand-held video camera on a medicine
package
Picture: Hand written number 7 on the TIM display
Picture: Hand written number 7 on the TIM display
Picture: Hand-held video camera of VideoTIM looks onto notes
Picture: Hand-held video camera of VideoTIM looks onto notes
Some people use the VideoTIM devices but also for other
applications,eg for newspaper reading, the reading of medicine
packages, hand written notes and foreign letters.
Picture: Business grafic on the TIM display
Picture: Letters A, B and C on the TIM display
Picture: Business grafic on the TIM display
Picture: Letters A, B and C on the TIM display
Picture: Scissors symbol on the TIM display
Picture: Windows symbol for minimize on the TIM display
Picture: Scissors symbol on the TIM display
Picture: Windows symbol for minimize on the TIM display
The Video TIM device can represent more than just writing and
numerals. Some people use the pen-shaped camera to work on flat
screen displays (PC monitors or smartphone displays). This way some
software programs can be used.
The VideoTIM can also present graphics. For example it can show
simple business charts, curves, icons and page layouts.
Picture: TIM display shows a moving hand
Picture: Hand movements in front of a video camera
The pictures above show an example of how a video camera captures
the movement of a hand against a white background. The hand
movements are shown live on the TIM display.
table with 18 columns and 25 rows
table with 6 columns and 1 rows nesting level 1 home home (e) the
videotim techn. data usage contact table end nesting level 1
VideoTIM3
READING DEVICE for the BLIND
Technical Data
Picture: VideoTIM3 with mini hand-held video camera on a text
document
Version: VideoTIM3
list of 18 items
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Plumlee (Redacted sender "knobman" for DMARC)"
<dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 1:06 PM
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: abtim reading device
I had not heard of the abtim reading device until you mentionedto view the list archives, go to:
it; that device might be interesting and worthy of further
exploration because it appears to be able to put a blind person
back in contact with the actual printed page. As much as I hate
to see the Optacon "move off-stage," it is happening - slowed only
by those of us who are confirmed Optacon users who still use this
device. I would like to see the abtim reading device explored in
greater detail especially for the sake of young blind persons in
grade school and high school who do not have direct contact with the
printed page these days.
I would like to see more information on it - its technical
specifications, price, and the like. As I see it, one "weakness"
of the standard Optacon which would make it a "hard sell" for use
in schools these days is the fragile cable between the retina and
the box. We who are experienced Optacon users get along pretty
well with the unit because we have been taught now to take good
care of that cable; but knowing what I hear about kids these days
- the way they have to rush around and carry a lot of stuff with
them - putting a standard Optacon in their hands would be trouble waiting
to happen.
Nowadays, with multiplex technology very well developed, it might
be possible to have wireless digital communication between the
camera and the box. I understand that modern pipe-organ makers
use data multiplexing to connect the organ console to the pipe
room so that they can now have a cable with far fewer wires than
the cables of old which could sometimes be the diameter of a fire
hose with maybe a few hundred wires in it. Today's multiplexing
works fast enough that you wouldn't detect any delay in the
response of the organ compared to what it would be if you had
hard-wire connections for everything in the instrument. A similar system
might be possible to "cut the cord" between the camera and the "box."
The bottom line in my opinion is that my hat is off to anyone who
can develop a sustainable reading system that would put students
and adults in intimate contact with the actual printed page. Such
intimate contact would be great for showing relationships that
sighted people see on a page and take for granted. I can envision
how complex equations might become more intelligible if they could
be examined on a page the way they are laid out on that page. And
we won't even talk about electronic schematics and similar types
of diagrams. Any reading device which would work as well or
better than a standard Optacon would probably have merit in
reading that type of material. The key is that the human mind needs to
be the "motor controller" and "image decoder" to gain greatest benefit.
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Alain Bardet
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:32 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] abtim reading device
Hi all,
I am a French optacon user and I still enjoy the device!
Have some of you heard about the abtim reading device? What do you
think of it?
Cheers stay well and happy new year!
Alain from Paris
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