[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] ViewPlus Introduces Emprint

[lisa]

ViewPlus Introduces Emprint(TM) - New Braille Printer with Color HP Inkjet
Tuesday May 16, 8:25 am ET

CORVALLIS, Ore., May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- ViewPlus Technologies today 
announced the release of Emprint(TM), the world's first Braille printer 
that embosses Braille with the equivalent color ink. The ability to 
print Braille and ink in a single-pass will allow people with visual 
impairments and sighted people to communicate more effectively in the 
classroom and workplace.

As more Braille readers join the mainstream, the need for communication 
between sighted and blind people grows. Emprint(TM) allows Braille 
documents to be shared amongst sighted colleagues and teachers by 
printing the corresponding ink characters above or beside the Braille.

Anything that is seen on a computer screen is printed quickly in Braille 
and color ink, together or separately. People who are blind can print 
Braille for their personal use and an ink version for their sighted 
colleagues. Using a single printer saves them valuable workspace and money.

"With our limited resources and space, a printer that doubles as both a 
Braille printer and typical ink printer is the perfect solution," states 
Jerry Kuns, a technology coordinator at the California School for the 
Blind. "More than anything I like the fact that Emprint(TM) creates 
raised, color graphics usable by all our students."

People with low-vision and others who may not read Braille can also use 
the tactile and ink features for better comprehension of spatial 
material. Adding color to a raised image makes materials, like tactile 
maps or diagrams, more engaging for low-vision and learning disabled 
students. Studies have shown that a combined tactile and visual/color 
interface makes a stronger connection with the brain than vision alone, 
improving the learning process.

Emprint(TM) uses the familiar interface of Microsoft Office to create 
Braille and ink documents that can be printed in a single pass. Braille 
text can be printed in a wide variety of languages. Ink text can be 
printed in any size, color or font the user chooses. Tactile graphics, 
like maps and bar charts, are printed with raised lines and color ink. 
The height of raised lines and objects is determined by their visual 
equivalent: the darker the color or shade, the higher the relief in that 
area.

The ink cartridges and paper used in the printer can be found at any 
local office supply store. The types of paper can range from normal copy 
paper to traditional-weight Braille paper. Emprint(TM) retails for 
US$5995 and includes: printer, ink and Braille translation software. For 
more information or to purchase, contact your local ViewPlus distributor 
or contact ViewPlus directly by email, sales at viewplus.com 
<mailto:sales at viewplus.com>, or call 541.754.4002.

ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. is a private firm that develops and 
manufactures hardware and software for people with sensory disabilities, 
including people who are blind, low-vision and learning disabled. For 
more information please visit the ViewPlus website, 
http://www.viewplus.com, email info at viewplus.com 
<mailto:info at viewplus.com>, or call 541.754.4002. ViewPlus worked with 
Hewlett-Packard Specialty Printing Systems to incorporate color HP 
Inkjet into their Tiger® Braille printer line. This is the second 
venture into Braille and ink by ViewPlus that uses HP Inkjet cartridges 
inside.

     For more information, contact:

     Cari Stieglitz
     541.760.4668
     info at viewplus.com <mailto:info at viewplus.com>

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060516/phtu018.html?.v=57