[Faith-talk] Orbit Reader 20

[Linda Mentink]

Hi All,

Those who want to know about it really should go to the APH 
website and read about it.  I did, and here's what I found, an 
article written before the price was announced.  It's off topic 
for this list, except that it is a product for the blind.

a new refreshable braille display with an SD card slot and 
stand-alone functionality, it is clear the device warrants some 
additional description.  In brief, the Orbit Reader 20 combines 
simplicity, functionality, and connectivity in a unique and low 
priced package to make reading braille more practical in many 
situations.  The Orbit Reader 20 will be manufactured by Orbit 
Research and sold by the American Printing House for the Blind.

Current State of Refreshable Braille Technology

Users who are blind enjoy increasingly better and less expensive 
speech output accessibility in mobile devices, but braille access 
is nearly always achieved by employing an additional external 
device.  The device works much like a Bluetooth keyboard, except 
in this case, the peripheral is a refreshable braille display 
that sometimes includes a braille keyboard.  This scenario works, 
but few can argue that one single unit that includes the braille 
components is a far superior setup.  Here, the unfortunate truth 
of manufacturing products for a low-incidence population 
arises-currently, no large for-profit manufacturer can justify 
the low return on investment for refreshable braille technology.

The need for specialization, recognition of the importance of 
braille literacy, and the advancement of electronics technology 
was the motivation behind the production of electronic braille 
displays for several companies in the blindness business.  Over 
the years, these electronic braille products evolved into three 
categories.

Braille Terminals-a refreshable braille device that connects to a 
host, with no additional functionality.  It usually includes a 
USB and Bluetooth interface and sometimes features a braille 
keyboard.  The user reads the braille from an app running on a 
phone, tablet, or computer (host) and then controls the host 
and/or types with the keyboard using the braille terminal.

Note Takers-works like a braille terminal and includes additional 
functionality, such as editing or a calendar, that is used 
without connecting to a host.  These devices always include a 
braille keyboard.

PDAs-a note taker that uses a mobile operating system to provide 
all the services of a smartphone or tablet.  Modern PDAs include 
Android and Windows applications.  These devices could even be 
called braille tablets.  This is the next best solution for the 
user desiring the ultimate experience of a single integrated 
unit.

One of the disadvantages of braille PDAs is the cost.  While the 
user can obtain a well-equipped iPhone® for about $800, or even 
use an Amazon Fire® tablet for $50, the cost of braille PDAs is 
in the thousands.  And while it is almost painless to spend a few 
hundred dollars every two or three years to upgrade to the latest 
device, spending thousands to keep up with braille technology 
hurts a lot more and is out of range for many users.

These disproportionate prices should not reflect badly on the 
manufacturers-it is expensive to design specialty hardware, and 
the traditional braille cells used to date are very expensive.  
Relatively low quantities for manufacturing also contributes to 
the problem.  And there is a market for premium braille PDAs.

For most users, the note taker offers a middle-ground approach.  
It provides minimal, but essential, functionality in a 
stand-alone operation and lets the user connect to a host device 
for more demanding tasks, such as web browsing or streaming 
movies.  The disadvantage is the inconvenience of having two 
separate devices with which to contend.  However, this aspect 
becomes an advantage when it is time to upgrade to the next 
generation of phone or tablet.

Advantages of the Upcoming Orbit Reader 20

The Orbit Reader 20 was designed as a braille reading device.  It 
falls into the note taker category.  Its stand-alone capabilities 
include reading, writing, and file management.  For anything 
else, the user connects to a host device that provides those 
services.  In this usage model, the Orbit Reader 20 becomes a 
terminal that displays the braille for the app running on the 
phone, tablet, or PC.  It works via Bluetooth with iOS and 
Android devices and through USB or Bluetooth for Windows, Mac, 
and any other operating system that includes a screen reader with 
braille support.  In the USB configuration, Orbit Reader 20 
supports both serial and human interface device (HID) protocols.  
This means, if the screen reader supports it, no driver 
installation is required.

When using it as a stand-alone device, Orbit Reader 20 starts as 
a reader displaying the content of files stored on the SD card.  
The interface is simple, keeping the focus on allowing the reader 
to scroll through the text and select other titles.  The youngest 
readers find it easy to get the next line of braille by pressing 
the panning button.  For more advanced users, Orbit Reader 20 
provides searching, bookmark, and note taking capabilities.

In addition to its use as a reader, Orbit Reader 20 lets the user 
create and edit text.  Make no mistake, the editor is simple and 
works with about 15 pages at a time.  But if more complex 
formatting or spell check is needed, the user utilizes a word 
processing program, such as Microsoft Word, on the PC with Orbit 
Reader 20 serving as the braille terminal.

Finally, Orbit Reader includes file management capabilities as 
part of its stand-alone functionality.  The user can rename, 
delete, copy, and create files and folders as needed.

Revolutionary Refreshable Braille Display

Along with these simple software features, Orbit Reader 20 boasts 
some noteworthy hardware.  The most distinctive feature is the 
braille technology.  Some compare it to the braille used on 
signage.  The dots do not give when the user presses them.  The 
dots on some braille displays using the traditional technology 
yield to pressure.  Perceptually, this results in the sensation 
of pushing the dot down when the user applies deliberate force to 
it.  The technology used in the Orbit Reader 20 does not exhibit 
this characteristic.  Once the dot is raised, it stays raised no 
matter how hard the user examines it.  This unique factor could 
have positive implications for beginning braille readers or those 
who suffer with some degree of neuropathy.

Development of the Orbit Reader 20

The Orbit Reader 20 was made possible by the Transforming Braille 
Group, LLC.  Their goals for this device included increasing 
literacy by dramatically reducing the cost of refreshable braille 
technology.

In 2011, Kevin Carey, Chair of the Royal National Institute for 
the Blind (RNIB), announced that RNIB would find a technology 
that disrupts the braille display market by radically reducing 
the cost of refreshable braille.  He convinced 10 world-wide 
blindness organizations to form the Transforming Braille Group, 
LLC (TBG).  The organizations involved in TBG are listed here:


 . American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
 . Association Valentin HauY (AVH)
 . Blind Foundation (formerly RNZFB)
 . Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
 . National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
 . Norwegian Association for the Blind and Partially Sighted 
(NABP)
 . Perkins School for the Blind (Perkins)
 . Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
 . Sightsavers
 . Vision Australia (VA)

After a thorough examination of over 60 possible projects, TBG 
agreed to fund Orbit Research with $1.25 million to develop the 
reader for about $300 each, with a commitment of 50,000 units 
over a five-year period.

In March 2016, TBG and Orbit announced the successful completion 
of the project and revealed the prototypes at the CSUN 
conference.

Low-Cost Breakthrough in a Refreshable Braille Device

While no organization has yet published an end user price for the 
Orbit Reader 20, it is fair to expect a price around $500 for 
North America.  TBG members can get the device for $320, but this 
is just for the device.  Individual member organizations must 
package, localize, support, and distribute the device.  TBG 
members are all non-profit organizations, so determining factors 
toward an end user cost depend on the cost of the following 
described items.

Packaging might include an SD card (possibly with some content), 
a USB cable, large print and braille quick start guides, an AC 
adapter, and a box and packaging.  Some of these components vary 
depending on the location; for example, translation of the quick 
start guides into an appropriate language and provision of AC 
adapters compatible with local plugs.  Member organizations may 
choose to collaborate for lower packaging and accessory prices.

Another example that could affect the end user price is the use 
of a software utility that allows an organization to translate 
the user interface into any language, thus allowing delivery of a 
product directly to their customers that is already configured 
and preloaded with content on the SD card.

Organizations may also want to create software and hardware 
support systems.  While the device is engineered for varying 
climates, eventually the battery, for example, needs replacement.  
Currently, it is user replaceable, but some organizations may 
wish to consider providing services such as battery sales or 
installation.

Some of the most important considerations for successful 
integration of such a breakthrough technology are marketing, 
support, and education.  Individual TBG members are responsible 
for providing information to consumers and educational and 
government entities about the cost and literacy advantages.  They 
also build customer support channels and create and distribute 
tutorials or localized versions of the user interface and 
documentation.

To date, CNIB, RNIB, and APH have announced intentions to 
distribute the device when it becomes available in the fall of 
2016.  Non-TBG members will also be able to purchase the Orbit 
Reader 20, but they will not enjoy the $320 price.  Final price 
and timing details are forthcoming.  Orbit Reader uses common 
off-the-shelf parts.  Most of these parts are used in millions of 
other consumer devices, so it is expected that the individual 
prices will continue to fall.

The end result of a low-cost refreshable braille display is not 
magic.  The TBG made a commitment, identified a technology, 
financed it, committed to quantities, and accepted compromises to 
achieve this remarkable cost breakthrough.  In addition to the 
financial and quantity commitments, the new technology and 
compromises made between TBG members complete the successful 
formula for the significant price reduction.  A look at some of 
the compromises helps explain.

Orbit Reader 20 Features vs.  Full-Featured Devices

The first difference from full-featured devices is the lack of 
cursor routing buttons.  What that means to individual users 
depends on how they use the device.  These buttons, which are 
associated with individual cells, make the interface easier on 
modern operating systems.  The cursor routing buttons were 
eliminated due to limited usefulness when used as a reader and to 
save on cost.  Currently, there are discussions taking place 
about the introduction of models with additional features, and 
cursor router buttons certainly qualify as one of the more 
important features being considered.

The second difference from full-featured devices is that the unit 
refreshes differently from previously existing technology.  The 
refresh rate is slower, and the user can just hear the slight tap 
as each pin rises from left to right.  However, it happens 
quickly, usually in about half a second for the whole line-the 
left side is ready almost immediately.  The refresh rate could be 
faster with additional cost, but initial indications show that 
many users are satisfied with this alternate technique.

The last difference is in the size and appearance; it is not the 
smallest or sleekest refreshable braille device available.  It is 
approximately 6 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and just over 1 inch 
tall; and it appears more utilitarian than elegant.  Regardless, 
it looks good, is built ruggedly, and functions well.  It does 
not come with a carrying case, but it does contain rings where a 
strap may be attached.  Orbit Research will offer a case for 
purchase, and it is likely that some of the well-known case 
developers, such as Executive Products, will supply a carrying 
case.

The device is not intended to compete with high end PDAs.  Its 
purpose is to get braille into the hands of more users.  Now, 
parents can afford a braille reader to accompany the family 
tablet, libraries can reduce costs for those users that desire 
electronic distribution, and governments can provide inexpensive, 
easy to maintain devices on which to read.

For teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) in the United 
States, it means that schools can provide a braille display for 
every student that requires one, which should be available to the 
student for home use for evenings and weekends.  The TVI can use 
it to provide high-quality transcribed electronic textbooks.  At 
school, students can use it to read textbooks, write homework 
assignments, take notes, and interact with the school computer.  
At home, they can read books and magazines, work on homework 
assignments, interact with their iPad, and connect it to the home 
computer.

Orbit Reader 20, a Breakthrough Coming Soon!

In short, the Orbit Reader 20 provides a simple, well-built, 
inexpensive method to offer the prospect of literacy to more 
people who are blind and visually impaired by dramatically 
reducing the cost of refreshable braille technology.  It is not 
the sleekest, most elegant, smallest, or most feature laden 
device available.  It is, however, an incredible value for 
simple, reliable, electronic braille tasks.  The Transforming 
Braille Group is optimistic that this combination will ease the 
literacy crisis among blind citizens the world round.