[Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

[Steve Crews]

Hello,  I would like to have some more info on the KNfb READER.  I LIVE IN
THE St. Louis Mo.  Area.  Is there a dealer or someone in this area that I
can contact to get more info or a demo of what the reader can do?  
Thanks,
Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:reader-users-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Gary Wunder
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:38 AM
To: Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader users list
Subject: Re: [Reader-users] new KNFB reader user poses questions

Hi Kim and congratulations on your new reader.

I find that it is best to place the reader on the center of the page, to 
raise it up about 16 inches, and then to take the shot. For me the challenge

is keeping the camera level. It doesn't seem to matter much whether I rotate

to the right or the left, but what does seem to matter is if the camera is 
level.

I have used tricks from time to time that help me steady the camera. 
Depending on the surface you use for scanning, you may rest the unit against

your forehead - at least for me this helps with stability. Getting the 
camera high enough is critical but like anything else, you can get it so 
high that it can't easily see in the detail required. Generally, however, 
when I have image problems it is because I'm shooting too close to the 
document rather than too far away.

If you would like to talk through some of this, I'd be delighted to help - 
573/268-4245.

Gary


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kim Morrow" <morrowmediakc at yahoo.com>
To: <reader-users at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 2:20 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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