SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase 1 project will test a new design of a print reading machine for the blind and ultimately replace the 25-year-old Optacon reading device for which manufacturing and support has been discontinued. Blazie Research, Inc., together with its consultant team, responding to extensive interest among blind consumers, will investigate the feasibility of a new reader improving on Optacon functionality through the application of current technologies. The research target is a reading aid that is easier and quicker to learn to use. Such a reading aid will also make feasible faster reading speeds, be less expensive, and have an expanded range of uses. This research effort has the potential of creating a new hybrid audio/tactile/haptec tool to allow students, especially in the sciences and mathematical studies, to explore and understand symbols and graphics and spatially arranged text. The research plan will test modifications to the tactile images to make them easier to read, using image processing algorithms for improving letter quality and letter spacing. The work plan will apply new technologies for building the tactile array envisioning the "comb" array structure of Piezo Systems, Inc. as a promising development for lowering the cost of manufactured goods. Strategic advantages for blind readers will be tested by Blazie Research, Inc. through accessorizing the reading aid for the classroom and the market place. The proposed new reading aid for the blind will facilitate improved reading speeds, and has expanded potential as a new hybrid audio/tactile/haptec tool to enable reading mathematical symbols and graphics. The reading aid fills the void for immediate access to print materials by the blind reader in a variety of settings and in almost any language. Blazie Engineering, Inc., in concert with the newly formed research company, Blazie Research, Inc., expect to test, productize, and manufacture the new device and present it for sale to a worldwide market of visually handicapped consumers.

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from Blazie Engineering, Inc. will conduct research leading to the development of three working prototypes of a new print reading machine for the blind. As of early 1996, the only existing device in the world that can produce a tactile image of print from a small hand held camera, the Optacon, is no longer being produced by its manufacturer. In Phase I, the researchers demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating new technology in a new print reading machine which make it easier to use, quicker to learn, less expensive, and attractive to a larger market. A new tactile screen was designed which should significantly reduce costs and provide a clearer tactile image. A new camera design coupled with built in synthetic speech would make the device easier to learn and use and, with the proper accessories, the device would appeal to a larger market. The Phase II effort includes the following: detailed design, construction and user testing of the new tactile array; research and design of a new camera to produce a better tactile image; built-in speech synthesis and capability for training programs; development of software to allow tactile imaging of a PC screen; and design of hardware that allows for future expansion (including multi-purpose interface for additional cameras/scanners, hardware features to allow built in training features, and communications ports and universal serial bus for future expansion to market). The Optacon print reader enables blind individuals to have access to the study of mathematics and science. If this research is successful an improved, lower-cost commercial product incorporating new technology will result which make such access not only possible but also more attractive to a wider population. This new print reader for the blind will increase their employment opportunities and self-sufficiency to perform household management tasks as well as their ability to interface with print material s.