(TechnAbility Exchange - Tom Dekker)

Text Readers

OCR Text Scanning Reading And Manipulation

(Revised May 20, 1999)

We have come a long way since the introduction of the first stand-alone reading machines. What with high-speed, multi-tasking computers, these have pretty much been replaced by software which is as simple to install as putting in the CDROM and closing the door. With a recommended, commercially available scanner hooked to your computer, you're in business.

Your "virtual reading machine" is then available as part of your work station. Your OCR package can be busy converting images to text while you browse the net, check Email or compose a document in your word processor. Also, these new products will often support a braille display or operate in conjunction with braille translation software.

There are two major players in the North American market who have pretty much run Neck in neck. The original Kurzweil product was the first commercially available text-to-speech reading system. Click here for the latest Kurzweil information.

Arkenstone was the next serious competitor in this market, and they've just released the new OpenBook Ruby, a complete rewrite of the original Open Book. Click here for Arkenstone.

Robotron Corporation of Australia also markets reading systems here in North America. They have stand alone systems and other products as well. Click here for the Robotron home page if you want more information.

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© Copyright 1999 by Tom Dekker
Access Technology Consultant for the Blind and Reading Disabled
Houston, Texas, USA
Telephone: (281) 988-8982
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Email: Dekker@concentric.net