The Intel Reader

11/10/2009

On November 10, 2009, Intel's Digital Health Group launched a device known as The Intel Reader.  This device is a face-up OCR solution that integrates a camera into a small, hand held computer that can optionally be placed into a docking station when reading large quantities of material.

In its handheld configuration, the Intel Reader is a small square device about the size of a paperback book.  Unlike most reading devices we have seen where a camera has either been affixed to an ultra-mobile computer or PDA or is a separate device attached to the processing unit by a cable, this unit integrates everything into its small plastic housing.  Also different from other reading systems, the device is held vertically, with the screen facing toward you as opposed to the screen facing upward like other similar products.

The Intel reader incorporates features that appeal to various markets.  For low-vision users, one can change the size of text that is displayed on the Reader's built-in screen.  In addition, you can either choose to view recognized text or the image that was snapped by the camera.  Two human-sounding voices are included with adjustable speech rate.  The reader also allows the saving of recognized files as DAISY or recorded audio.  Moreover, non-encrypted DAISY 3 titles can be placed on the reader for playback or can be launched from a connected USB flash drive.

One of the unique features of Intel's Reader is the "Capture Station".  This is a stand that folds up into a briefcase-sized enclosure for transport, and then expands into a large flat surface for placing the reading material.  An arm holds the Reader at the proper height to ensure that the picture is snapped correctly if the document is placed at the upper left of the reading surface.  A clear plastic strip can be placed over a book to hold it in place while still allowing a picture to be taken.  The Capture Station includes ports for connecting USB media and a power supply.  It also contains a small push button easily located on its front surface for snapping pictures while the Reader is secured in the stand.  If you prefer, you can still use all controls present on the reader just as if it was not docked.

Using the reader is similar to using other face-up OCR units.  If you are holding the reader in hand while seated, you should hold it so that its screen faces you and your arms are extended over the page with your elbows resting on the table.  Pressing the large shoot button in the upper right corner of the reader places the reader in shoot mode.  If you are reading with the reader secured in the Capture Station, the small button on the Capture Station can be used to perform this function.  While in shoot mode, you press the button to snap a picture. The reader plays a musical chime when it is ready to shoot the next picture.  This means that if you are scanning a long document, you can continually input pages until you are finished.  Processing takes place in the background as you continue to add pages.  You are given periodic processing messages.  When you want to read your processed pages, you press the "play" button to enter reading mode.  The play button is easily found, by following a small cut-out at the upper right corner of the screen that leads to the rectangular button.  If you are in reading mode, you will no longer receive any processing updates.

The Intel Reader sells for $1499 and comes with a Getting Started audio CD as well as print documentation and training materials.  The Capture Station is sold separately and retails for $300.  You can purchase the reader from Humanware at www.humanware.com or (800)-722-3393.

Wesley Majerus

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