Information Access for Everyone

Arkenstone _ Your Partner in Independent Reading

Our Mission

Information Access for Everyone

Together, we live in the communication age, when
information and knowledge can be transmitted in mere
seconds.  Yet for people who have difficulty reading, the
information contained in books, magazines, maps, or on
computer screens may often seem "out of reach."  At
Arkenstone, we believe that blindness, low vision, and
reading difficulties shouldn't interfere with one's
ability to read, learn, work, or travel independently.

Our mission is to provide easy-to-use and carefully-
crafted access products, products that give people with
visual or reading challenges the opportunity to obtain
information easily and  independently.  Access technology
can be as simple and convenient as an appliance that
reads your favorite book or recipe aloud, simply by
pressing one key. It can be as familiar as your  personal
computer, loaded with software that makes the letters on
the screen larger and easier to read. Or, it can be as
innovative as a talking map that uses satellites to guide
you from your house to your office.

Access technology is a growing, dynamic field, with
unlimited potential. The following pages describe
Arkenstone's innovative products to help people read
effectively - personal computer tools, reading machines,
low-vision reading systems, talking maps and orientation
tools, speech-driven personal  digital assistants, and
more.

James R. Fruchterman
President and CEO

About the cover:
This watercolor painting is an interpretation of our logo
created by graphic designer, Mary Ford.
Table of Contents
Our Mission             1
Contents                2
Helping you read       3-10
Build a reading tool    3
An Open Book Unbound    4
If you are blind        5
DectalkTM Speech Synthesizers      6
Scanners                6
If you have low vision         7
Sound Blaster           7
Magnification Software        7
If reading is a challenge     8
If you don't want a computer       9
What is a reading machine     9
An Open Book           10
Helping you use a computer    11-14
WebSpeak               11
ArkenClone             12
Screen Access Products        13
Speech                 13
Braille                13
VisAbility             14
ZoomText               14
Magnum                 14
Helping you travel     15-16
What is an orientation tool?  15
Atlas Speaks           16
Strider                16
Who we are          17-22
The First Reader       17
Supporting You         18
Our Staff              19
Easier reading, for everyone       20
Our corporate supporters      21
Books!                 22

Call us at 800/444-4443

No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time
has come. Victor Hugo

Helping you read

Build a reading tool to satisfy your needs...

For people who are experienced with personal computers,
creating a reading system to suit your specific
requirements is a simple matter of assembling the correct
components.  Whether you are blind, low vision, or simply
find reading more challenging than you would like it to
be, Arkenstone offers a full range of reading components
which can turn a personal computer into a full-featured
reading tool.

To build a flexible reading tool, start with these basic
components:
*    An Open Book Unbound: reading software, the
  foundation of our reading products. This innovative
  software uses a scanner to take a picture of the page,
  then sends it to the PC to translate the picture into
  understandable text. Software that reads!
*    A Personal Computer: To ensure compatibility with
  other access tools, use a standard 386 (or better) IBM-
  compatible PC.
*    The Scanner: This takes a picture of the page and
uses software and an interface to enable the computer and
scanner to communicate with each other.

Next, add any of the appropriate enhancements to tailor
the basic tool to meet your specific reading needs:
*    A Speech synthesizer or Braille display to hear or
  "feel" the scanned text.
*    Screen Access programs that let your other software,
such as Word Perfect, talk.
*    A standard PC monitor coupled with magnification
software.

Voila!  The perfect reading tool for you!

A personal computer, equipped with the right software,
can provide a versatile tool to help you master a myriad
of reading challenges.

Helping you read

An Open Book Unbound
Version 3.0
Recognition Software

Using a scanner and a 486 or PentiumTM PC (with at
least 16 Megabytes of memory), you can scan and read a
page in less than a minute - in English or in more than a
dozen other languages.  An Open Book Unbound's flexible
interface and detailed online Help make it easy to start
reading, using just one key. And you can modify the
voices, save settings, and build a library of your
favorite materials.  New features in Verison 3.0 include 
background scanning, and the ability to read nearly any 
word processing or document file.

Successful reading starts with successful scanning, so An
Open Book Unbound uses automatic contrast control to
adjust for the best possible scan. Don't worry if your
page is on the scanner straight - the software determines
if the page is sideways or upside down, and corrects up
to 10o of page skew. Used with a flatbed scanner, An Open
Book Unbound is ideal for scanning books, magazines, and
business mail.  Or, partner your scanner with an
Automatic Document Feeder to read multiple pages quickly
and easily.

An Open Book Unbound supports a variety of synthesizers,
Braille displays, access devices, and scanners. For more
information on products that work well with An Open Book
Unbound, see pages 6, 7, 13, and 14.

All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.
Leonardo da Vinci
Helping you read

..if you are blind

To access An Open Book Unbound's scanned text, you'll
need it spoken aloud, or shown on a Braille display.
You'll enjoy the software's scanning flexibility and
voice options, and appreciate An Open Book Unbound's
ability to directly run other software applications.

The basic reading tool - An Open Book Unbound, a PC, and
a scanner - can
help you read independently, give you instant access to
most types of information and provide a high degree of
accuracy.  And, if you want to use your PC with other
software, such as Word Perfect, you'll want a screen
access program to make that   software talk. Screen
Access products are described on page 12.

Access to information is no longer difficult and
restricting for people who are blind. Our reading
products make books, letters, maps and many other
publications easy to read and enjoy.

Helping you read

DECtalkTM Speech Synthesizer

Sit back and let your PC do the talking!   With the
DECtalk Speech Synthesizer, printed text that has been
converted to an electronic PC format can now be heard
loud and clear.  Using a wide range of distinctive
voices, DECtalk provides life-like sound and inflection.
DECtalk gives you complete control over volume, speed,
pitch, and pronunciation.

The DECtalk speech synthesizer works with all DOS and
Windows-based software applications. For more information
on other supported speech synthesizers, see page 13.


Scanners
Seeing the page

A key component in reading technology is the scanner.
The scanner takes a picture of the page and sends it to
the reading machine or PC, which then translates that
picture into understandable text.  The better the
picture, the more successful the translation.  Arkenstone
reading tools work with a variety of    scanners,
including Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Ricoh, Panasonic,
Fujitsu, and Epson.  Due to their quality, durability,
and capabilities, Arkenstone recommends scanners from
Hewlett-Packard.
Helping you read

..if you have low vision

Is print getting too small to read?  Do you find using a
magnifier fatiguing?  You're not alone.  Vision changes
are something many people encounter - especially as they
get older.  But diminishing vision doesn't have to mean
an end to reading!

If you have low vision, you'll appreciate An Open Book
Unbound's flexible screen display, which lets you enlarge
the text up to one inch. Is black text on a white page
difficult to see?  Our software offers you a variety of
text, background and cursor colors.  And, if you choose,
you can augment the visual display with speech. This
allows you to continue reading when your eyes get tired.

To make our basic reading tool - An Open Book Unbound, a
PC, and a scanner - work for you, simply add a standard
color monitor. If you want speech as well, include a
speech synthesizer. For your convenience, An Open Book
Unbound supports a variety of speech options, including
the Sound Blaster.

In other words, An Open Book Unbound lets you keep
reading.

Sound Blaster with TextAssist Speech synthesizer

Creative Labs Sound Blaster with TextAssist gives you the
highest quality of synthetic speech with the
affordability of the industry's most popular sound card.
TextAssist uses DECtalk's distinctive voice, to provide
the Sound Blaster with natural-sounding speech for
Arkenstone products.

Magnification software

If you are an experienced computer user and wish to
magnify software applications, such as Microsoft Windows,
or scanned forms and graphics, such as your tax return,
consider either ZoomText, which enlarges text up to 16
times the original size, or VisAbility (described fully
on page 14).

More than 25% of people over 65 experience significant
changes in their vision.

Helping you read

..if reading is a challenge

In the United States alone, an estimated 15% of the
population finds reading more challenging than they'd
like. Despite this difficulty, many of these people
overcome their reading challenges, go on to achieve their
dreams, and enjoy great personal and professional
success. With the assistance provided by remarkable
reading technology, difficulties in reading can be
dramatically reduced.

If you find reading a chore, you'll enjoy An Open Book
Unbound's screen display options.  Text too small?  An
Open Book Unbound can enlarge it!  Having trouble keeping
your eyes focused on a specific line of text?  Change the
cursor shape or color!  Would you like to see and hear it
at the same time? Use a speech synthesizer! Seeing and
hearing words at the same time is very helpful to people
for whom reading is a challenge.

If you want to turn reading from a difficulty into a
delight, start with the basic reading tool - An Open Book
Unbound, a PC, and a scanner - then add a color monitor
and, if desired, a speech synthesizer.

You'll find that you can read more naturally and
comfortably with these Arkenstone reading tools.

Uncertain about your particular reading challenge and
whether we can help? Just call us at 800-444-4443.

Helping you read

..if you don't want a computer

What is A Reading Machine?

It's a reading tool for people who are blind or have low
vision, and don't feel comfortable using a computer.  A
reading machine is an easy-to-use appliance that scans a
printed page, and uses an internal voice to read the
printed material back to you.  A good reading machine is
compact and versatile, with a pleasant, tactile surface,
and a clear voice with life-like intonations.

You don't need to be an electronic whiz to use it.  A
good reading machine lets you read now, or save the
scanned material and read it later.  Arkenstone has
created just such a tool. We call it An Open Book,
because it is as easy to use as sitting down and opening
a book.

The beauty of a reading machine like An Open Book is the
ease with which you can start reading. The keypad is
pleasingly tactile, and the three
commands are easy to learn.

I conceive that a knowledge of books is the basis on
which all other knowledge rests.
George Washington

Helping you read

An Open Book

Our standalone reading tool, An Open Book, is easy-to-
use, and can scan most pages with an accuracy of 99% or
better.  Perfect for home, office or school, it needs no
extra apparatus.  All you need is an electrical outlet
and something to read.

An Open Book includes...
*    A scanner-which "sees" the page
*    The reader - which records, translates and saves the
  scanned words into text, so you can read now or later
*    A simple, tactile keypad - with easy-to-remember
  controls
*    A synthesized voice - that reads your page back to
you in your choice of nine different voices

There are several models of An Open Book to suit your
reading needs and your pocketbook. Call us for current
information and prices.

Helping you use your computer

Reading Tools for the Experienced PC User

If you already know your way around your PC, and are
looking for more options, look no more!  Arkenstone
offers a large variety of components to make your
computer a multi-faceted reading tool, and gives you
access to the world of written information.

Coming Soon!
WebSpeak
Makes the Web Accessible

The Internet is an exciting information cornucopia, an
online library and a forum for idea exchange, all in one.
At Arkenstone, we believe that the Net is a fabulous
resource that should be accessible to everyone. That's
why we're distributing WebSpeak.
Currently in development, this talking browser allows
people with visual or reading limitations full access to
the Internet - including the World Wide Web and
electronic mail!
Imagine - online magazines, newspapers, financial
information, all accessible!

Helping you use your computer

ArkenClone
Our own fast, affordable PC

Thanks to a generous donation from Intel Corporation,
Arkenstone can offer this fast, affordable, full-featured
PC at a very attractive price. Equipped with the latest
technology and fully expandable, the ArkenClone is an IBM-
compatible PC that is specifically designed to support
most access products.  If you acquire other Arkenstone
reading components along with your ArkenClone, we will
gladly install them for you    at no additional charge,
and make certain that they all work smoothly together.


Screen Access Programs
To make DOS and Windows software talk...

Arkenstone offers screen access programs, such as JAWS
and Vocal-Eyes, that
work smoothly with DOS and DECtalk.  For Windows users,
there is JAWS for Windows, and WindowEyes. We also
provide and recommend other access solutions for other
needs, such as Braille hardcopy or multilingual reading.

There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so
fully as those we spent with a favorite book.

Marcel Proust

Helping you use your computer

Speech
Speech output is a very personal option

Arkenstone supports a variety of artificial speech
solutions, including:

*    DECtalk (page 6), Sound Blaster (page 7), Accent,
  Audapter, Braille 'n Speak, Doubletalk LT, Speak 'n Win
  and Keynote Gold
*    Speech cards
*    Dolphin, and Infovox multilingual synthesizers that
speak more than one language
*    Portable synthesizers such as the DEC Express.

We have synthesizers for every need and every pocketbook.
For a complete list, contact your dealer.


Braille
Touch your text

Arkenstone products support a wide variety of Braille
products, including:

*    Alva, Baum, Papenmeier, TeleSensory, and Teiman
  Braille displays
*    Most Braille printers

For a complete list, contact your dealer.

A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to
its original dimension.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

(Photo caption) Mickey Quenzer, our technical support
specialist, uses his computer and access technology to
read everything from correspondence to technical manuals.

Helping you use your computer

Magnification

VisAbility from AI Squared
Low-vision reading software

Make reading easy and enjoyable again!  VisAbility
harnesses the power of your PC to do what a CCTV does -
only better (and at a better price).  Used with your PC
and a compatible scanner, VisAbility software gives you
magnification of up to 32 times the original image.  Zoom
in and out at the touch of a button; scroll instantly to
any part of the page; enlarge and fill in forms; print
enlarged materials - it's all possible with VisAbility.
And, VisAbility's advanced display modes let you design
the screen to suit your needs.

Try VisAbility, and see for yourself!


ZoomText To help you read text on the computer screen

This reliable and easy-to-use magnification program makes
DOS and Windows applications easier to read.  ZoomText
enlarges both the text and screen icons up to 16 times
their original size.  And it works seamlessly with An
Open Book Unbound for increased magnification!

Organization

Magnum
Our speech-driven personal digital assistant

If you can use a tape recorder, you can use Magnum!  Take
notes, keep track of phone numbers and addresses, update
your calendar, leave yourself a reminder, all just by
talking to your Magnum. No navigating through hours of
audio tape - with Magnum's digital technology, you can
retrieve any voice message quickly and easily, using just
two keys. Each 1.44 MB floppy disk stores about 45
minutes of digitized speech.

Magnum is produced by Arkenstone's Canadian development
partner, VisuAide.

Helping you travel

What is an Orientation Tool?
Directional Information for Everyone

An orientation tool is an appliance with maps that tells
you your location in a pleasant, synthesized voice. Some
orientation tools may use satellites to track your
current location.
If you have difficulty reading, deciphering directional
information- such as maps, legends, and street signs- can
be next to impossible.

Not only does an orientation tool eliminate these
frustrations, it makes getting there half the fun. An
orientation tool doesn't just help you get around, it
helps you get from a specific here (where you are now) to
a particular there (where you want to be).  Used in
conjunction with your own mobility skills or aids, an
orientation tool helps you determine the path that's best
for you and guides you as you go. Travel quickly, easily,
and independently.

At Arkenstone, we know how important it is to take the
road less traveled. In joint development with Canada's
VisuAide, Arkenstone has developed two remarkable
orientation tools: Atlas Speaks and Strider. On the next
page we describe these products.

(Photo) Mike May, our Vice President of Sales, uses his
versatile Atlas Speaks both for travel planning and
navigation assistance.

Helping you travel

Never get lost again!
Atlas Speaks
A personal talking map

Arkenstone's innovative new software, Atlas Speaks, gives
you complete access to a world of geographical
information. Used with a standard PC or laptop, you may
explore your neighborhood or city, or plan a business
trip or vacation. Once you've decided on your route, save
the directions by entering them into your personal tape
recorder, printing them out on a Braille or graphic
printer, or saving them onto a Braille 'n Speak.  Then,
while you are exploring, you have a handy reference guide
for reorienting yourself should you need it.

Atlas Speaks lets you add points of interest such as bus
stops, friends' homes, shopping areas, and public
buildings. Increase your personal map enhancements by
sharing with friends who also have Atlas Speaks.  "I'll
trade you my restaurant listings for your museums..."


Coming Soon!
Strider A portable talking map

Once you start using Atlas Speaks, you'll want to take
your orientation tool
along as you roam and explore. With Strider, Arkenstone's
revolutionary new positioning information technology, you
can!

Strider is Atlas Speaks software, with a difference:
Strider uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite
receiver to continually monitor your current location,
guiding you to your destination.  Strider knows where you
are and tells you in easy-to-understand terms such as,
"You are at the corner of First Avenue and Main Street...
"

Combined with a talking laptop computer, Strider is a
portable orientation tool that is versatile and easy to
use.  It comes with its own lightweight case and
earphones to keep your hands free. Let Strider give your
life a new direction!

Atlas Speaks and Strider put the world at your
fingertips!

Who we are

What does it mean to be "nonprofit"?

Arkenstone is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
providing adaptive technology to people who need it.  As
a 501(c)(3) charity, we often receive donations and
grants.  We use these resources to fund development of
better and more affordable tools for people with
disabilities.  We frequently sponsor programs for
nonprofit organizations to make it easier for them to
acquire our systems.  If you are with a library, an
educational or other nonprofit organization, contact us
to find out about these programs.  For individuals we
provide the First Reader program.


The First Reader   An affordable solution

For people who want the simplicity of a basic PC reading
system, but can't afford one, Arkenstone offers the First
Reader.  This product provides a reading system at a
significant discount for people who might not otherwise
be able to afford this technology.

The First Reader includes:
*    A new 486-based reading system
*    A reconditioned scanner
*    An Open Book Unbound reading software, version 1 *
A 17-key keypad

For some qualifying users, we operate the First Reader
subsidy program, which further reduces the cost of this
technology.

Who we are

Your call for help will be heard, and answered!

Arkenstone knows that even well designed and documented
products may occasionally need support or service. Our
dealers are nearby to provide local support, and
Arkenstone is just a toll-free call away.  Our thirty-
day, money-back guarantee, and overnight replacement
parts policies ensure that you will have your equipment
available when you need it.

Arkenstone is a company comprised of people who feel that
their work should make a difference, that everyone has
something unique to offer, and that the best work is
helping other people.  If we can answer any questions
regarding our products - or other types of adaptive
equipment - please call one of our dealers in your area,
or call Arkenstone directly.

We are always happy to hear from you.

555 Oakmead Parkway
Sunnyvale, California
94086-4023

800/444-4443
408/245-5900
FAX 408/328-8484
TDD 800/833-2753

email: info@arkenstone.org
http://www.arkenstone.org

Who we are

A great group of great people.

Arkenstone has over 100 dedicated dealers and
representatives worldwide. We acknowledge their special
contribution, and congratulate them for their excellence.
Listed below is our committed corporate staff.

James R. Fruchterman
President and CEO

Roberta G. Brosnahan
Vice President, Marketing

Michael May
Vice President, Sales

Ray Valadez
Vice President, Manufacturing

Julie A. Andrews
Administrative Assistant

Wendy Aparton
Sales Coordinator

Kasey Arnold-Ince
Communications Program Manager

Dorothy Brinkley
PC Technician

Michael Busboom
European Marketing Manager

Debra Calabrese
Accounts Payable Specialist

Lisa Chan
Product Manager

Denise Child
Technical Support Specialist

Martin Courcelles
Technical Support Specialist

Joseph DeLellis
Controller

Linnea Dunn
Senior Software Engineer

Chris Del Frate
Assistant Project Manager

John Glass
Technical Support Specialist

Clare Hamm
Product Manager

Karen Houston
Buyer

Craig Kanazawa
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Cathy Mack
Field Sales Manager

Tammy Malone
Staff Accountant, A/R

Dave Offen
Engineer Manager

Theresa Sacco
Technical Support Supervisor

Paul Sonkowsky
Senior Software Engineer

Kenny Srisavaththay
Senior Production Technician

Rachelle Talag
Project Specialist

Lisa Taylor
Software Engineer

Quyen Tu
PC Technician

Donna Valentino
Sales Specialist

Joy Winther
Office Administrator

Who we are

We think reading, learning and working should be easier
for everyone.

Arkenstone is dedicated to creating innovative and
affordable reading solutions for people who need them.
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1989, Arkenstone
has provided more than 15,000 reading systems to its
users.  Our products can read 12 languages and are used
in more than forty countries.

As engineers in the early 1980's, we realized that
emerging optical character recognition technology could
be used to help people who were blind read text.  This
led to the development of our first reading tools.  The
success of these tools has inspired Arkenstone to move
forward in the field of reading technology.  While our
products currently aid people who have a variety of
reading needs, we intend to develop products that address
the specific needs of individuals with low vision and
reading disabilities, and enhance the skills of people
who simply want to read better, faster and easier.

Arkenstone is your partner in effective, independent
reading.  You want easy access to the information in
books, magazines, maps, computers and the Internet - and
we are committed to creating excellent products that give
you that access.

Information Access for Everyone-  Call us at 800/444-4443

Who We Are

Thanks to those who have helped us...

Among our many generous benefactors, we would especially
like to acknowledge Caere Corporation, Digital Equipment
Corporation, Etak, Hewlett-Packard, Intel Corporation,
Trimble Navigation, and VisuAide as firms whose financial
support and technical cooperation have been vital to
Arkenstone and our mission.

Caere Corporation is the maker of WordScan, the premium
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Digital Equipment Corporation is a pioneer and industry
leader in computer hardware.

Etak, Incorporated, is the premiere producer of
innovative digital map technology.

Hewlett Packard produces a variety of successful hardware
products, including printers, scanners and PCs.

Intel Corporation manufactures high-quality microchips
that are the industry standard.

Trimble Navigation is the leading manufacturer of Global
Positioning Satellites (GPS) technology.

VisuAide, Arkenstone's Canadian development partner,
produces tools for people with visual impairments.

Our corporate partners have demonstrated a strong
dedication to help us provide excellent products at
affordable prices.

Who We Are

Books, books, books!

I had found the secret of a garret-room
Piled high with cases in my father's name;
Piled high, packed large, where, creeping in and out
Among the giant fossils of my past,
Like some small nimble mouse between the ribs
Of a mastodon, I nibbled here and there
At this or that box, pulling through the gap,
In heats of terror, haste, victorious joy,
The first book first.  And how I felt it beat
Under my pillow, in the morning's dark,
An hour before the sun would let me read!
My books!

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-61)

555 Oakmead Parkway
Sunnyvale, California  94086-4023

800/444-4443
408/245-5900
FAX 408/328-8484
TDD 800/833-2753

email: info@arkenstone.org
http://www.arkenstone.org

For more information call Arkenstone or your local
dealer.

Fairest of all was the great white gem... the heart of
the mountain, the Arkenstone...
J.R.R.Tolkien
