TeleSensory

Optacon II System
A portable and versatile reading device

TeleSensory introduced Optacon in the early 1970's as a print reading device for people who are blind. Almost 25 years later, it's still the most versatile portable reading aid available.
Optacon II weighs less than two pounds and operates on battery power for up to eight hours. It reads any style print, anywhere. With Optacon II, users can read prices or labels in stores, letters, bills and more.

How Optacon II works
Optacon II consists of three major components
-  camera
-  control unit
-  tactile array (1" x 1/2")
Optacon II converts print or computer output into an enlarged, vibrating, tactile form. To read, the user moves the Optacon camera across a  line of print with one hand, while placing the index finger of the other hand on the tactile array. As the camera moves across the letter, the image is simultaneously reproduced on the tactile array by vibrating rods. The person perceives the vibrating image with the index finger.
Optacon II is not limited to reading letters. Any graphic image viewed by the camera is reproduced on the array. And, unlike other optical scanning devices, Optacon reads inverse (white on black) print.

Applications
Almost Limitless
Most blind people require assistive devices to compete on the job and for personal enrichment. While no single device fulfills every need, Optacon II provides access to a wider variety of information than any other - from text to charts and diagrams, regular or inverse print. No other reading device matches Optacon's portability, versatility, and affordability. On the job, at home or on the road, users are never "tied down" to a single location.

Optacon training

Available by PC
Like most high-tech devices, proper use of Optacon II requires adequate training. TeleSensory has many years of experience in providing quality training for Optacon students and teachers alike.

Training System and CourseWare
TeleSensory's Training System software for the IBM compatible PC lets teachers create drills and lessons for Optacon at their computer keyboard. Longer lessons can be created using a standard word processor.
Training System CourseWare modules include a complete Optacon II curriculum - over 60 hours of computer-assisted training in letter recognition, text reading, and speed building. Lessons incorporate speech prompts and reinforcement. The Training System automatically records students' responses to questions for review.
Menus and commands can be spoken via synthetic speech to facilitate use by blind teachers. Lessons may be modified and reinforced using PowerBraille refreshable braille displays.

Training accessories
Visual display
The visual display enables a sighted teacher to monitor students' tracking, letter size, and adjustment of controls. Its array of light-emitting diodes corresponds to the vibrating rods in the tactile array.
Repeater cable
The repeater cable enables blind teachers to cable two Optacons together to monitor tracking, letter size, and adjustment of controls. Or several Optacons may be cabled together to train students simultaneously.
Portable line scanner
The portable line scanner can be used with either the Optacon II or the original Optacon to help build speed and reinforce proper letter positioning. The electrically operated scanner accommodates single sheets of paper. The camera automatically tracks a line of print at the selected speed. The teacher performs centering and line changes manually.

Specifications
Weight
-  2 lbs (0.9 kg)
Dimensions
-  6.3" x 5.5" x 1.1" (16.5cm x 14.1cm x 2.8cm)
Power
-  6V DC, sealed NiCad, user serviceable
-  AC powered adapter/battery charger (110 or 220V)
-  3W max. power consumption
-  battery operation:  minimum 4 hours each
Camera/Tactile Array
-  camera: silicon photo diode
-  tactile array: piezo electric bimorph (5 columns x 20 rows)

Customer support
TeleSensory's  unparalleled customer support includes local sales representatives, factory service and a toll-free customer service number. For technical support, we provide both a hotline, 1-800-286-8484, and direct fax, 415-960-0464. When you purchase a TeleSensory product, you purchase more than 25 years of experience, support and reliability.

Product Warranty
All Optacon hardware comes with a one year warranty against manufacturing defects. Software warranty is 90 days.

About TeleSensory
TeleSensory continues its 25-year mission to help people access print and electronic information through synthetic speech, optical character recognition and tactile systems.
For  more information about any TeleSensory product, call toll free (within the USA):
1-800-286-8484.

TeleSensory Corporation
455 N. Bernardo Ave.
Mountain View, CA
94043-5237
Phone:  415-960-0920
1-800-286-8484
Fax:  415-969-9064

All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
