The study investigated ways of increasing reading rates by nine blind adults using the Optacon (Optical to Tactile Converter), a portable reading aid for the blind that converts the image of the printed letter into a pattern of vibrating rods. Ss' reading rates were examined when using instructional materials emphasizing linguistic structure, the…

The bibliography lists books, articles, reports, and other materials on devices that convert print to speech, braille or other tactile output for use by blind persons. The material has been published since 1975. The bibliography is divided into three sections: (1) general works, including background information, history, works treating several…

A project summary and 20 related papers are presented on the Argonne Braille Machine, a device which produces braille-equivalent information on magnetic tape rather than embossing dots on paper. The summary traces the machine's development while 10 papers cover such issues as user reactions, evaluation proposals, use and care of the machine, the…

The author, who is congenitally blind, describes two training programs with a Tactile Vision Substitution System, including a mobile version of the device. (Author)

An independent engineering evaluation was conducted of the Optical to Tactile Converter (Optacon), a reading aid for the blind which senses the contrast of printed text and converts the information into a tactile presentation. Tasks performed included: user evaluation, optical, electrical, mechanical, production costs, life tests, reliability, and…

Presented is a report on the 5-year project to develop the Optacon, an electronic device which allows the blind individual to read ordinary printed matter directly and independently. Chapter (1) provides and introduction and overview of the Optacon Project. Summarized in Chapter (2) is a chronological account of the Optacon Project which traces…

The paper reviews the effects of absence of vision on perceptual functioning and considers ways in which a modified Optacon (which translates images into tactile presentations) can help visually impaired persons acquire critical cognitive and perceptual knowledge. Background research with the Tactile Vision Substitution System, a system for…

This document summarizes the activities conducted by Telesensory Systems, Inc. (TSI) from July 1974 to July 1975. During this time, TSI worked on maintenance and updating of the Optacon (Optical-to-Tactile Converter) and Optacon peripheral equipment. The Optacon is a direct-translation device which allows the blind to read normal printed…

Reviewed is an American Institutes for Research (AIR) study to identify predictors of Optacon success and to develop and field test appropriate Optacon training materials for use by 112 blind elementary and secondary students in 15 U.S. public and residential schools. Potential use of the Optacon (an optical to tactile conversion device that…

The report details the development and design of a mechanical hand for communicating with deaf blind persons. It is explained that the device, which looks and functions like the human hand, forms the symbols of the one-hand manual alphabet upon command from a standard electric typewriter keyboard. The report addresses the following topics (sample…

Provided in the manual are 15 units of sequential instructional materials designed to teach blind elementary students to read standard print through the use of the Optacon, an optical-to-tactile converter manufactured by Telesensory Systems, Inc. The materials allow for individualized rate of student progress, integration of numeral and letter…

The instructional materials packet contains 15 units of sequential activities designed to teach blind secondary students to read standard print through the use of the Optacon, an optical-to-tactile converter manufactured by Telesensory Systems, Inc. The materials help the teacher monitor student progress on a unit to unit basis; diagnose reading…

The proceedings include papers on computer translated braille (grade 2, display devices, recent developments), the new braille translation program and research at the American Printing House for the Blind, the braille electric typewriter, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology braille embosser, the braille reader, and braille transmission for…

Telesensory Systems, Inc. (TSI) was awarded a contract to design, develop, and test Optacons (Optical-to-Tactile Converter) and perepheral equipment. Optacons are direct-translation reading aids for the blind. The text summarizes the engineering design, manufacturing activities, field test procedure and results, and it provides recommendations for…

Research sought to test the utility of the Optacon (an optical-to-tactile converter, which enables the blind to read ink-print materials), to identify predictors of success with the Optacon, and to observe the Optacon's effect on student attitudes. Matched groups of blind students in grades 4 through 8 and 9 through 12 received instruction…