Desktop electronic magnifier

An electronic magnifier for use by a blind or low vision user, the magnifier comprising:

• a X-Y table adapted to support an object, said X-Y table including and top and bottom parts that are slidably interconnected along perpendicular axes;
• a braking mechanism that enables the resistance between said top and bottom parts to be adjusted;
• a support arm secured to a rearward side of said X-Y table, said support arm having a first upstanding part and a second part extending forwardly relative to said rearward side of said table;
• a video camera mounted to said support arm at a predetermined height above the X-Y table, said video camera adapted to generate enlarged images of said object, said video camera including a locator beam that points to said X-Y table and assists in positioning said object;
• a monitor having a forward screen and a rearward surface, said monitor in electrical communication with said video camera and adapted to display said enlarged image of said object to facilitate viewing of said object by the blind or low vision user;
• a mounting bracket having upper and lower extents, said rearward surface of said monitor being removably mounted to said upper extent of said mounting bracket;
• a rigid link having a rearward end pivotally secured to said support arm and a forward end pivotally secured to said upper extent of said mounting bracket, whereby said monitor is adjustably interconnected to said support arm;
• and
• a control panel for controlling operation of said video camera being removably mounted to said lower extent of said bracket, said control panel including independent controls for color mode, magnification, focus lock, and brightness.