[Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

Tue Nov 28 09:57:14 CST 2006

Susie and all:

In my experience, having a contrasting background helps with text
recognition.  Also, it is best if the background is a plain color, such
as a black photographic cloth.  Using a dark, wood grained surface
provides the contrast, but the wood grain pattern can be a disadvantage.
I have noticed that text recognition occurs much faster when the
surrounding background is plain, not patterned.  This is because the
Reader software will try to look for text characters in any pattern it
sees.  Eliminating the pattern and having pure text on a plain
background is optimum.  

Thanks, J. G.

-----Original Message-----
From: reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Stanzel, Susan -
Kansas City, MO
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 9:36 AM
To: Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader users list
Subject: Re: [Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

Gary suggested to me that I get a piece of black felt to place under the
material I am reading. 

-----Original Message-----
From: reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lewis, Graham
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 8:24 AM
To: Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader users list
Subject: Re: [Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

Even with white paper on a white table, ot seems to find the corners
very well but I susepct a surface a bit darker might help and also a
surface that is plain. 

Does anybody know how to turn the external speaker back on?  I seem to
have disabled it.

Graham Lewis
Centre for Academic Practice
University of Warwick
University House
Kirby Corner Road
Coventry CV4 8UW
UK
Email: graham.lewis at warwick.ac.uk
Tel.: (+44) (0) 24 765 72737
Mobile: 07703100401
Fax.: (+44) (0) 24 765 72736
Blog: http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/glewis/

________________________________

From: reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org on behalf of Gary Wunder
Sent: Tue 28/11/2006 14:03
To: Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader users list
Subject: Re: [Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

Only try to ensure there is good light.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader users list"
<reader-users at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:58 AM
Subject: Re: [Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

> 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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>
>
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