so, no read by word or spelling words or reading by letter. seems a pretty poor device without these *basic* screen reading features for two grand.
On Feb 10, 2010, at 10:04 AM, East, Robin wrote:
Hi, sorry, I had posted more then twice yesterday and I was rejected by the server, weird...
So here is an in progress evaluation I have been working on that gives some of the information you are seeking...
Eye-Pal Solo
Version 1.3
Model: European Model
1.0 Recommendation
The Eye-Pal SOLO is a self-contained motion activated reading device that instantly reads from any book or printed material.
The EyePal solo is recommended for CRA employee use.
For recommendations on other devices, please read Obtaining an assessment section for information on requesting an assessment.
2.0 Overview
The Eye Pal SOLO will virtually read to you on its own .There are no buttons to press, no menus to set up, no prior instructions to read, no training required, and, lastly, no connection to a PC. Eye-Pal SOLO is easy to use. The set up takes just a few minutes. Just insert the camera stand, connect to the camera's USB port, insert the power cord into a wall outlet, press the Power button to power On and finally connect the keypad to the unit. then place the document under the camera, and within a few seconds the Eye-Pal SOLO will begin reading aloud.
The eye-Pal Solo comes with many languages including English and French.
3.0 Installation
Step 1- Place the Base on a flat surface with the front panel, the one with buttons, facing you. Connect the two parts of the power supply together. Then, plug the correct end into the power outlet and the other end into the back of the Base on the left side.
Step 2- Firmly press the bottom of the Neck into the hole on the top surface of the Base so that the camera extends directly over the middle of the Base. It only fits one way. When properly inserted, the Neck will not be able to twist.
Step 3- At the bottom of the Neck, now attached to the base, there is a short USB cable. Plug this cable into the USB port located on the back of the Base.
Step 4- Plug the end of the Keypad cable into the USB port located on the right side of the base.
4.0 Usage
The Eye-Pal Solo has a base that is 8.5inches by 11 inches by 2 inches. The neck or rod that holds the camera at the back of the base is 16inches high from the desk and 14 inches high from the top of the base and the camera is centered over the base.
Once you turn the power you will ehar musical tones. Once the tones stop the eye-Pal Solo will be ready for use. Simply put a document on the base making sure that it covers the center of the base. Within two seconds or so you will hear a camera shutter sound and in another three seconds the document is being read out to you.
- Hand motion activated controls:
You can use hand motion to pause, resume, or go back to the previous sentence. A wave of the hand from left to right under the camera will pause the reading, then with another wave of the hand the Eye-Pal SOLO will resume reading the text where it had stopped. A hand wave from right to left under the camera will begin reading from the previous sentence. Just wave again and again to go back one sentence at a time until you return to the desired sentence.
Front Panel controls::
There are five buttons located on the front of the base and one dial button that controls the same functions as the hand wave motions mentioned above. Also, you can press the Speed button to increase or decrease the reading speed, turn the Volume dial to increase or decrease the voice level, enable or disable the hand wave motions, Reset the unit,and Power On and Off the eye-Pal.
There is an optional keypad that allows you to control the Eye-Pal as described above.
5.0 Other
5.1 Security
Users must beware of the information being listen to. Since the eye-Pal solo allows the user to listen with or without ear phones a situation could arise in which the user uses the device in areas where person(s) could overhear what
was being listened to.
In situations where confidential or sensitive information could potentially be overheard by a nearby individual, the use of earphones is recommended.
Since this device can use a USB Memory stick, the following should be adhered:
List of 4 bullits
* The USB memory stick can be connected to a CRA designated work computer bia a USB port.
and Files can be transfered to the PC. Please consult the Security Volume policy.
* Files saved on the USB memory stick must be deleted as soon as possible.
* The USB memory stick card must be stored in a locked cabinet.
* If lost, a report must be submitted to the local Security office.
list end
6.0 Known Issues
list of 2 items
1. An USB memory stick can be used with the eye-Pal solo..
2. Caution is warranted if the USB memory stick is left in the Eye-Pal Solo. as files can be saved on the USB memory stick.
list end
7.0 Conclusion
This stand alone Eye-Pal Solo unit is completely accessible for blind and partially sighted employees. It is important to note that a USB memory stick must be purchased in order to save files that can be transferred to a PC.
8.0 Product Information
Product Name: Eye-Pal Solo
Version: 1.3 Model European
Company Name:
ABISee, Inc.
77 Powdermill Road, Acton, MA 01720
1-800-681-5909 or +1-978-461-0007
www.abisee.com
ABISee, Inc.
Supplier:
Certification Status: In progress
9.0 System Requirements
Operating System(s): N/A
Processor Type / Speed: N/A
Recommended Memory: N/A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last updated:
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-----Original Message-----
From: Marcia Yale [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: February 9, 2010 4:45 PM
To: East, Robin; [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?
To Robin or anyone else that can answer, the one thing I cannot remember hearing about the Eye-pal is how big the actual unit is. Can someone please try to describe it in terms of relative size to something familiar--sorry, I've never been great with actual linear measurements!
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of East, Robin
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 10:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?
Do not forget to purchase the optional key pad. You may want to consider the Eye-pal solo European version 1.3. It has the book scan built in and saves to a thumb drive. Also, you may want to ask for Quebec French to be put on the flash card that will hold up to five languages. I have requested American English, British English, Quebec French, and France French. There seems to be no extra cost for the European version of Eye-Pal.
robin
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John DeWitt
Sent: February 5, 2010 11:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?
I very much agree with Terri. The Eye-Pal Solo is a really neat product and is versatile and very accurate from my testing of it last August.
Will buy soon in 2010 now that we have a new budget.
John De Witt
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Terri Hedgpeth
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 9:17 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?
An excellent stand alone system is the Eye-Pal Solo. It uses a camera and has jesture recognition built-in. This means that you can wave your hand under the camera while it is speaking the captured text and pause the reading. A simple wave in the same manner, and the system will resume reading. We just purchased two of these units in our university DRC and our students love using them. The Eye-Pal Solo has a much smaller foot-print then a scanner-PC, and is a completely stand alone system. They cost just under $2,000.
Terri Hedgpeth Ed.D.
Director, Disability Resource Center
PO Box 873202
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-3202
Assistant: (480) 965-3366
Direct: (480) 727-8133
Fax: (480) 965-0441
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Pietruk
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 6:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?
I agree that the computer system setup is more cost efficient than the stand alone machines.
However, for some, there may be another consideration. PCs can and do occasionally run into boot up problems, programs get misconfigured, desktops and start-up presets accidentally are modified or deleted, et al.
I am guessing that the typical person preferring the stand alone unit seeks simplicity and convenience over and above cost effectiveness.
Sometimes, those of us who have no difficulties with pc applications forget that others do; and they may be more than willing to pay for that convenience.
I might not myself opt for the stand alone unit these days, but I can see why some do.
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
--proverbs 16:9
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