Intel has developed a mobile e-reader about the size of a paperback book designed to convert printed text to digital text and then read the text out loud to users at speeds that match individual needs. Intel said the device aims to help people who have learning disabilities such as dyslexia or vision problems that make reading printed words difficult or impossible.
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The device’s original concept came from Ben Foss, an Intel researcher identified in elementary school as one of the estimated 20 percent of people nationwide who are dyslexic to some degree. Foss noted that there are an estimated 55 million people with specific learning disabilities and vision impairments in the U.S.
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This population is expected to grow as we all age and the baby boomers reach their senior years, Foss said. The public-policy impact of this is massive — the lost workers, the cost in daily time for parents and kids to help with reading and homework, the unnecessary increase to the dropout rate.
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Convenient and Flexible Access
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With an Intel Atom processor, a high-resolution camera, and 2GB of user storage, the Intel Reader enables users to photograph book pages, newspaper articles, and magazine spreads on the fly and then access an audio or large-print version of the content. According to Foss, the device is a necessity for people who otherwise would not have access to printed material. It gives them independence, confidence and, hopefully, more success, Foss said.
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The Intel Reader’s menus and help files are delivered in a variety of user-designated audio and text formats, or even in a combination of both. Moreover, users can even listen to an audible version of a text while simultaneously viewing any accompanying illustrations.
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Intel has also developed a companion device to make it easy for users to capture large amounts of text…