Integrated Electronics for a Reading Aid for the Blind

A novel direct-translation reading aid for the blind has been developed using integrated electronics. Image sensing is accomplished by a 144-element monolithic phototransistor array. Photo signals are processed by efficient multiplex circuitry, with automatic compensation for optical changes in reading material. A tactile output image is provided by an array of vibratory piezo-electric reeds. Encouraging test results indicate that the reading aid could become widely used among the blind.