[Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

[Cindy Handel]

Kimberly,

I think Jan's comments about fussing too much with the placement of the 
reader are correct.  If you hold the reader above the page, about 16 inches, 
as the manual suggests, and don't worry a whole lot about the placement 
(just try to hold it pretty much center), you should get a good picture. 
Also, be sure that the settings have the camera flash always on, and 
resolution high.  Some people have found it helpful to place the camera flat 
on the page and then lift straight up to the 16 inch height, and then snap 
the picture.You shouldn't have to worry, much about your surroundings when 
taking a picture.

Cindy
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kim Morrow" <morrowmediakc at yahoo.com>
To: <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 3:20 AM
Subject: [Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions


            A few days ago, I had the honor and privilege of receiving a
KNFB Reader as a gift. Since that time, I have logged in quite a number of
hours reading the manuals cover to cover and experimenting with the device.
While the KNFB Reader appears to be a marvelous tool, I am experiencing
challenges in taking consistently effective pictures of material that would
render the material legible. I'm quite confident that such is the case with
many a new KNFB Reader user, expecially those who, like me, are totally
blind from birth and have thus not experienced the opportunity to learn
about conditions that make for optimal picture-taking environments.



Here is the greatest challenge I am currently experiencing: No matter how
clear the text I am attempting to scan may be, I am discovering that there
is little consistency in how the scan will turn out. I have attempted to
always orient myself from the same portion of the page, e.g. always from the
upper righthand or lefthand corner or always from the middle), with very
mixed results ranging from an almost perfect scan to totally illegible. I
have attempted to cover one side of a text-filled book (containing no
pictures), with a white sheet of typing paper, so that I am sure the correct
side of a page is read. I have asked sighted friends to assist me in
minimizing glare and to assist in the location of optimal scanning
environments e.g. surrounding surfaces that are not too dark, Etc.)-still
with extremely mixed results.



My question, then: What are some rules of the road not listed in the manuals
that might make the scanning experience for a first-time user more
consistent and effective? My expectations for the capabilities of this
device are much higher than what I have thus far been able to achieve, since
I am attempting to scan texts with no pictures with very standard print. If
I were attempting to scan CD covers or cereal boxes, I believe my
expectations for excellence would be quite out of line.



Are there any consistent guidelines I can follow beyond those listed in the
manual in terms of taking effective pictures of material?



Sincerely,



Kimberly Morrow



morrowmediakc at yahoo.com






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