Non Optical Devices
The main drawback for most of these units is their
lack of portability, although some systems claim to be portable.
A recent advance in the field of electronic devices are distance
viewing units in which a CCD miniature digital camera system is
mounted on a head band frame. A magnified image is then projected
onto small LCD screens within the head-mounted device. As with the
CCTV units, digital technology allows for high levels of distance
magnification although the devices are used solely for personal
use.
An extension of this type of device is the talking
book. Access to the vast libraries of talking book cassettes has
become easier of late and the quality of production is such that
many normally sighted people gain pleasure from listening to them
as well.
There are a vast number of other everyday devices
that may be adapted and employed for use by the visually impaired.
Combining these with the commercially available, task specific devices
will enable the visually impaired individual to retain a large degree
of independence, limited only by their imagination.
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