Just in case anyone is interested in a more detailed description of the
Talking Money Identifier, here is an article that appears in the Summer
issue of Vision Enhancement.

---snip---

Talking Color Identifier



"ColorTest",  a talking color analyzer for people who are blind or
color-blind is an innovative new hand-held device which helps you
distinguish colors independently. It uses a clear human voice to announce
the color of any object placed in contact with its sensitive detector.
ColorTest is able to sense a wide spectrum of colors and report the results
through its built-in speaker. It senses up to 150 different nuances of
color. It also detects patterns, brightness, and contrast.

ColorTest has a great variety of uses.
It enables people who are visually impaired to select their own wardrobe.
It can be used to determine the color of a shirt or find out if it is
bright, dark, plain or patterned. ColorTest can help you shop for a product
according to the color of its packaging, or differentiate a ripe fruit or
vegetable from an unripe one. In an office setting, ColorTest can be used
to differentiate such items as colored folders, forms, or floppy disks.

ColorTest can also identify:
*       intensity of brightness
*       sources of light
*       natural versus artificial light

How does ColorTest work?
ColorTest has an "artificial eye" that senses color and can identify 150
nuances of it. The "eye" of the ColorTest consists of a small lamp and
several sensors. The lamp emits a light-beam when the measuring button is
pressed. If the opening is covered by the object, some light will be
absorbed and some will be reflected. The light reaches the sensors where
they detect the predominant color of the light reflected.

Additional features
ColorTest will also report the general tendency of a color such as
"dark-blue, with tones of gray." In addition, it provides a detailed color
analysis which includes specific values of brightness, hue, and saturation.
ColorTest recognizes brightness and contrast then reports results by means
of about 1000 varying tone signals. After about five seconds the device
shuts itself off automatically with a deep tone-signal. Other features
include the users ability to check the status of the rechargeable battery
and adjust the speaker volume to four different levels.

Included with each new ColorTest is a leather carrying case, a cassette
instruction manual, a quick reference of button layout and function,
battery charger and a color chart.  Each unit is covered by a one year
full-warranty extending from the date of the invoice. The American Printing
House for the Blind (APH) will either repair or replace the device free of
charge. Warranty does not apply in cases of customer modification, misuse,
or abuse of APH products.

ColorTest (Item #1-03950-00) costs $595.  (Print instructions (Item
#8-03950-00) and Braille instructions (Item #6-03950-00) are available at a
cost of $2.50 each.

To place an order or secure more information, contact:  The American
Printing House for the Blind, Inc., 1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
U.S.A.  Tel:  Tel:  502-895-2405.  Toll Free Customer Service: 800-223-1839
(U.S. and Canada).  Toll Free Marketing/Sales: 800-572-0844 (U.S. and
Canada).  Fax:  502-899-2274.  E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]  Web:  www.aph.org


Pat (Patricia) Price, President
Vision World Wide, Inc.
Tel:   317-254-1332 or 800-431-1739
Fax:  317-251-6588
E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]
Web:  www.visionww.org