Blind Reading Print by Sound

Abstract

SEVEBAL devices have been invented with the view of enabling the blind to read ordinary print instead of Braille. As mentioned in NATUBE of Jan. 9, p. 52, the ‘optophone’ was invented by Dr. Fournier d'Albe and the ‘phonopticon’ by Prof. F. C. Browne. These two instruments convert ordinary type directly into sound signals; but according to Dr. Ernest Whitfield, of the National Institute for the Blind, London, neither is in use in any institution for the blind. We understand also that there is no alphabet requiring more training than one which converts printing into sound. The ‘photoelectrograph’ of MM. Thomas and Conland, as announced in our note, involves touch; but since the Braille type part of the machine would necessitate the printing of books in special type, it would involve a cost beyond the reach of the average blind person. We have also been reminded of other instruments for aiding the blind, including the ‘optograph’ of Dr. J. Butler Burke, which involves the use of a photoelectric cell to convert typewritten or printed matter into Braille, and also sets up type automatically; this instrument was exhibited at the Exhibition of Inventions in October 1929. Another instrument is the ‘visagraph’ invented by Mr. Robert E. Naumburg, of Cambridge, Mass. This latter involves touch, a ray of light passing over the printed page, and the letters are reproduced in embossed type on a sheet of aluminium foil. It may be remarked that embossed ‘roman type’ preceded Braille, and Dr. Whitfield states that it was very successful. The ‘visagraph’ is being used successfully in America, thus showing that ordinary type is suitable for reading by touch with reasonable speed.