Abstract:
An arrangement to permit blind persons to ''''read'''' printed characters by converting such characters into audible analog signals. Means are included for detecting the presence or absence of characters, their size, shape and orientation, and their grouping into words, sentences or paragraphs. Each of these identifying parameters is translated by electro-optical responsive equipment into distinctive and audible tonal sounds which are associated by the ''''reader'''' with the corresponding printed materials, thus allowing continuous comprehension of the materials.