Reading machine

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to the field of reading machines, and more particularly to a fully portable scanner that enables users to easily scan a block or column of text and hear the text recited audibly.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the several views, and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a reading machine of the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the reading machine depicted in FIG. 1;

#The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that enable users to easily scan a block or column of text and hear the text recited audibly via a voice module, or through a headset connection adapted for wired or wireless transmission. Scanned information can comprise multiple lines, selected segments of text such as columns or blocks, or substantially the entire textual content of a page. Scanned textual information may be processed by optical character recognition (hereinafter, “OCR”) means to form an electronic representation of the text for further processing, voicing, storage, or transmission to an auxiliary personal computer (hereinafter, “PC”) or a hand-held personal organizer (hereinafter, “PDA”). Retention of scanned text can comprise up to thirty pages or more. Links with a personal computer are optionally provided for upload or download of scanned information. Also contemplated are links permitting download of scanned information to a tape player. Attachments for hand-held organizers and messaging units, such as Palm or Visor, can be used to scan and transmit verbally any text stored therein or beamed thereto via wireless transmission. A see-through sleeve enshrouds the device to protect against damage from contaminants such as dust, oil, debris and the like. The screen may be transparent or segmented to permit review of portions of text other than those being scanned and transmitted verbally, or to permit note taking while listening to verbally read sections of text.

#In one aspect the present invention comprises means for connecting the scanner unit to an external data processor such as a personal computer (PC), desktop computer, laptop computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA). The connection allows for information to be transferred, preferably bidirectionally, between the units. The connection may be made by any known means of interface. These means include wired interface connections such as the RS232 serial interface, the parallel interface, the universal serial bus (USB), Firewire (defined in the IEEE-1394 Standard provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) interface Ethernet. Wireless means may also be used, comprising optical or radio transmission of data. One exemplary standard for such wireless communication is provided by the IEEE 802.11b Standard.

#Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 there is shown generally at 10 one embodiment of the reading machine 10 of the invention. The unit is housed in a generally rectangular case 12. In use, the machine 10 is placed atop a page bearing indicia including written or printed text, of which at least a portion is preselected for scanning. The unit is aligned so that at least a portion of the preselected text is visible through transparent window 14 and is substantially horizontal with respect to window 14. Light source 15 illuminates the text. The unit may be protected by shrouding it with a transparent sleeve (not shown).