Abstract: A magnification system which allows viewing a magnified representation of an object is provided. The magnification system includes two main components: a handheld device and a base station. The handheld device is provided with a camera module, a processing unit and, optionally, a display unit. The base station has a frame structure and, optionally, a monitor. The frame structure includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device. The handheld device can function as a stand-alone device and can be carried around for use outside of the home or office or, generally, away from the base station, or it can be mounted on the base station where images of documents or other objects disposed on a workspace of the frame structure can be acquired by the camera module of the handheld device and shown on the monitor through the processing unit.

Abstract: A cartridge for use by print-disabled users to play digital audio content and a player having a receptacle for receiving the cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes a random-access digital storage device storing the digital audio content and having a connector providing access to the digital audio content; and a casing permanently housing the digital storage device and allowing access to the connector of the digital storage device. The casing has a form facilitating handling of the cartridge by the print-disabled users which includes bevelled edges, and has dimensions comparable to dimensions of a standard compact audio cassette. Preferably, the cartridge has a hole extending through the casing at its back end and a sloped surface on the bottom side of the casing at the back end. The receptacle has a form and shape facilitating insertion of the cartridge therein. It has a lower surface defining an elevated ramp along which the cartridge slides as it is inserted into the player.

Abstract: The adaptation of a regular pocket size computer for use by a visually impaired person is provided. A framework is firstly provided for building adapted applications, having adapted input and output services, a system resources library including tools for interacting with these adapted services and an adaptation library. A tactile keyboard is further provided to allow data entry through the screen interface of the computer. The tactile keyboard includes a membrane having raised keys on one side and corresponding screen activating tips on the other. Means for mounting the keyboard above the computer with the screen activating tips positioned in contact less alignment with the corresponding selected areas of the screen interface are also provided.

Abstract: A user interface for an audio book player is provided. The user interface includes a number of primary keys for accessing primary functions of the player, the primary keys disposed in a primary zone of a top surface of the player, a number of secondary keys for accessing secondary functions of the player, the secondary keys disposed in a secondary zone of the top surface, and a tactile separation element separating the primary zone from the secondary zone. Each of the primary and secondary keys may have a specific tactilely-recognizable shape and label associated with it.

Abstract: A cartridge for use by print-disabled users to play digital audio content and a player having a receptacle for receiving the cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes a random-access digital storage device storing the digital audio content and having a connector providing access to the digital audio content; and a casing permanently housing the digital storage device and allowing access to the connector of the digital storage device. The casing has a form facilitating handling of the cartridge by the print-disabled users which includes bevelled edges, and has dimensions comparable to dimensions of a standard compact audio cassette. Preferably, the cartridge has a hole extending through the casing at its back end and a sloped surface on the bottom side of the casing at the back end. The receptacle has a form and shape facilitating insertion of the cartridge therein. It has a lower surface defining an elevated ramp along which the cartridge slides as it is inserted into the player.

Abstract: The adaptation of a regular pocket size computer for use by a visually impaired person is provided. A framework is firstly provided for building adapted applications, having adapted input and output services, a system resources library including tools for interacting with these adapted services and an adaptation library. A tactile keyboard is further provided to allow data entry through the screen interface of the computer. The tactile keyboard includes a membrane having raised keys on one side and corresponding screen activating tips on the other. Means for mounting the keyboard above the computer with the screen activating tips positioned in contact less alignment with the corresponding selected areas of the screen interface are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for orienting and guiding visually impaired pedestrians. The system combines a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to a dead reckoning unit that compensates for GPS imprecision and loss of signal. The system is highly portable: it is based on a handheld portable computing platform that communicates wirelessly with a self-powered strap containing the GPS receiver and the dead reckoning unit. The system also uses wireless protocols to receive additional orientation information from a remote location server or operator accessible through the internet.

Abstract: A portable tourist guide and guiding service. The portable guide has a GPS positioning module for determining its precise position, and a portable computer system. The computer correlates the device's position with relevant touristic information of multimedia format, including digitized audio and visual data. Updatable data storage is provided so that the relevant information is stored in the device and may be updated as needed. A user interface is provided to gather instructions from a user and provide this user with the touristic information.