1 HUMANWARE, INC. SPEECH AND BRAILLE PRODUCTS CATALOG Summer 1996 ************************************************************* TEAM MISSION Our Vision and Purpose are to help people achieve their highest potential by providing "Humanware"...the link between technology and people. Our Objective is to provide easy-to-use products and tailored services that unleash creativity in the human spirit, resulting in higher productivity and effectiveness. Our Commitment is to serve our customers with a positive attitude, quality and integrity. ************************************************************* INTRODUCTION The staff of HumanWare, Inc. is pleased to present this catalog of high quality, user friendly speech and braille products. Our Regional Managers, our growing network of dealers, and our customer service representatives are ready to assist you with choosing the most appropriate product(s) to meet your individual needs. If, after reading the instructions or manuals, you should encounter any problems with setting up or using HumanWare software or hardware, our technical support and service staff are available to assist you. We all strive to respond to your inquiries and problems in a timely way. Please contact us at: 1-800-722-3393. Or contact us via email at: info@humanware.com Our address is HumanWare, Inc. 6245 King Road, Loomis, CA 95650 ************************************************************* TABLE OF CONTENTS Speech Output Software and Hardware (IBM Compatibles) For screen review and personal productivity. Companion ATA and ATA Plus Palmtop Computers ***NEW CONFIGURATION*** Keysoft suite of software ***EXTENDED CAPABILITIES*** MasterTouch screen reading software outSPOKEN screen reading software JAWS for Windows Keynote GOLD speech synthesizer DECtalk speech synthesizer Braille Access Hardware and Software For screen review, writing, translating, and embossing. ALVA Braille Terminal (Electronic Braille Display) brailleOUT Windows screen reading software Mountbatten Brailler Braille-n-Print Ransley Braille Interface Grade II translation hardware Duxbury Grade II translation software MegaDots Grade II translation software Paragon braille embosser Romeo braille embosser Juliet braille Interpoint embosser OCR Reading Systems For scanning and converting print text to speech and braille output. Arkenstone - An Open Book Arkenstone - An Open BookUnbound OCR Software - An Open Book Unbound Laptop and Desktop Computers For use with adaptive hardware and software tailored to an individual's needs. Bubble Jet and Dot Matrix Printers for use with Mountbatten, Braille-n-Print and IBM compatible computers. [HumanWare offers solutions for Low Vision including Zoomtext, Visability and a variety of Electronic Magnifiers. Also ask about our products for people who have learning disabilities.] [Product manuals are available in print, disk, braille or cassette.] ************************************************************* Speech Output Software and Hardware (IBM Compatibles) For screen review and personal productivity. Companion ATA and ATA Plus ***NEW CONFIGURATION*** Companion ATA is a portable information management system designed especially for people who are blind or visually impaired. It uses the Keysoft suite of application software and Keynote GOLD speech. These programs have been specifically developed for voice output and are friendly and intuitive to use. Unlike laptop and notebook computers, the Companion is slightly larger than a videotape cassette and weighs just 2 lbs. A visually impaired user can always have the Companion at hand to obtain instant access to a wealth of information. Within one second of switching on the Companion, the user can type a note, look up a telephone number, make an appointment, or read correspondence received through electronic mail (e-mail). The Companion ATA is equipped with a 2 MB ATA flash memory card that stores the program and data, which are retained even if the batteries are discharged completely. The Companion has an LCD screen that forms a lid, which folds down over the comfortable, small keyboard. The system is powered by the AC adapter or by the 8 to 12 hour rechargeable battery with AA and lithium backup batteries. The unit has standard serial and parallel ports and comes in a vinyl carrying case with a shoulder strap. The Companion ATA + includes a 1.44 MB external floppy disk drive with parallel connector and pass-through port. High Quality Speech The Companion's synthesized speech is the same highly intelligible speech as used in all Keynote GOLD speech synthesizers. *SEE Keynote GOLD Print Page______. *SEE Keynote GOLD Braille Page_______. Powerful Yet Friendly The Companion's built in software is Keysoft. *SEE Keysoft Print Page______. *SEE Keysoft Braille Page_______. Stand Alone Speech Synthesizer If you run Keysoft or your favorite screen reading program on a desktop or laptop PC, your Companion will act as an external synthesizer. Simply connect a serial cable between the two machines to obtain high quality speech for any text-based application program. =============================================== Keysoft suite of software ***EXTENDED CAPABILITIES*** This integrated suite of applications is designed as a personal productivity tool specifically for people who are blind. Keysoft is the same software that is used in the Companion ATA. It also runs on IBM compatible laptop and desktop computer systems supporting both Keynote GOLD and DECtalk speech synthesizers. It does not require any knowledge of MS-DOS or screen reading software. Keysoft is simple, fast and intuitive to use, yet has the functionality to satisfy power users. The Keysoft Suite includes: Keyword This full function word processor provides instant access to any number of documents, allows fast navigation within a document by word, sentence, paragraph or page, and allows documents to be merged or sent to or from other computers or applications. Logical commands and context sensitive "help" are available at all times. Keyspell Keyspell is a simple-to-use utility in Keyword. It provides spell checking by word, paragraph or document, and prompts alternatives when errors are detected. Keyplus This impressive application is not only a simple, four function calculator, but also a full function scientific calculator. Keyplus calculations can be cut and pasted into Keyword files. Keyplan This scheduling application allows the user to maintain a daily calendar, schedule appointments, and set alarms as reminders. Keylist This application is an address list organizer that enables the user to store and retrieve names, addresses, and telephone numbers. One can even dial telephone numbers from this application, which is particularly useful when getting on-line with a database for your e-mail. Keyterm **EXPANDED FEATURES** This powerful communications program has its own built-in screen reader. Surf the Internet through LYNX, a text browser, through an on-line service (such as BIX or Genie) to explore public databases or check electronic mail. Keyterm requires no knowledge of DOS and only limited knowledge of modem connections to operate. Help commands for on-line functions are available at all times. =================================================== MasterTouch screen reading software Master Touch is a screen reading program for DOS applications. With the use any of the Keynote GOLD voice synthesizers, MasterTouch incorporates some of the smartest screen monitoring functions of any product currently available. Unlike most screen readers, MasterTouch allows the user to monitor all or selected screen changes as they occur without the need to suspend the application in order to review the screen. It copes with difficult display techniques without the user's intervention. It intelligently selects what to speak, leaving one free to concentrate on the task at hand. An optional accessory that increases the power of MasterTouch is the Touch Tablet, which connects to the Keynote GOLD voice synthesizer. This touch sensitive pad is about the same size as a standard computer screen. It lies flat on the desk surface and is divided by raised tactile ridges into 25 lines that correspond to the text lines on the screen. Touching the tablet surface with a fingertip at any point causes the word at the corresponding point on the screen to be spoken. No other special actions are needed to activate the tablet. Principal Features: Smart Mode Special smart mode automatically knows when a visual window needs to be read. It can handle an unlimited number of windows, varying in size and location, without customization. Intelligent processing allows highlight bars, popup windows, prompts and menus to be spoken. Spreadsheet access reads row and column titles, as well as cell contents while navigating around the spreadsheet. Additional Features: Configurations Special configurations can be saved to disk and automatically loaded the next time the application used. Command Keys Command keys can be redefined by the user in the event that the application already requires the use of the default command keys. Pronunciation dictionary A pronunciation dictionary changes the way a word or group of characters is spoken. Help Mode Context sensitive help is available at all times. =================================================== outSPOKEN screen reading software outSPOKEN for Windows is a powerful and flexible screen reader able to read all windows, menus, and dialog boxes. This state-of-the-art screen reader converts the graphics and text of Windows to speech. It supports all Keynote GOLD and DECtalk Synthesizers. It can operate in any video mode or color scheme and is able to read any font style no matter where it appears on the screen. outSPOKEN is easy to turn on and off, and does not modify the Windows interface, making it ideal for use on computers shared with non-outSPOKEN users. outSPOKEN uses the Windows mouse pointer as a screen review cursor and provides a simple and intuitive keyboard-driven pointer navigation system that allows the user to review even the most complex window layouts with ease. Furthermore, outSPOKEN is able to track and announce all changes of highlighting and focus, permitting seamless use of built-in Windows commands. A wide array of special features and adjustable feedback settings allow outSPOKEN users to immediately begin working with most standard Windows applications. =================================================== JAWS for Windows (JAWS: Job Access With Speech) JAWS for Windows is a Windows screen reading program that converts text to voice and/or braille output. It supports both Keynote GOLD and DECtalk speech synthesizers and the ALVA Braille Terminals. It gives voice output for both keyboard input as well as screen output, including reading menus and dialog boxes that appear in various windows programs. By using standard Windows keyboard commands as much as possible, JAWS for Windows is very easy to use and will speak exactly what the user needs to hear in order to operate in the Windows environment. =================================================== Keynote GOLD Speech Synthesizers Keynote GOLD speech synthesizers are extremely high quality, designed for accuracy of pronunciation, clarity and intelligibility at fast speeds! The exceptional pronunciation accuracy comes from elaborate text-to-speech conversion specifically designed to cope with the inconsistencies of the English language. All Keynote GOLD models are available in multiple languages. (English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian) The Keynote GOLD has three models: Keynote GOLD SA Keynote GOLD SA is a battery operated (external) synthesizer that connects to the serial port of any IBM compatible desktop or notebook computer. It is ideal for access to multiple computers. The Keynote GOLD is about the size of a video cassette and weighs 1 pound. Keynote GOLD PC The Keynote GOLD PC is an 8 bit half card for use in IBM compatible desktop computers. It includes a built-in speaker and an external volume control. Keynote GOLD VoiceCard (PCMCIA) This credit-card-size synthesizer is designed to add speech to laptop and sub-notebook computers that have Type II PCMCIA slots. Because of the dramatic differences in PCMCIA card services, it is strongly recommended that prospective buyers check with HumanWare to confirm compatibility between the VoiceCard and any laptop. [To make it easy for our customers, HumanWare provides IBM compatible laptop and desktop computers already configured with Keynote GOLD speech and a variety of access and application software. ] *SEE Laptop and Desktop Computers Page______. *SEE Laptop and Desktop Computers Page Braille Page_______. ==================================================== DECtalk speech synthesizer The DECtalk PC Speech Synthesizer converts any PC text into speech. Its card and software enables one to control volume, speed, pitch and pronunciation. ==================================================== ********************************************************* Braille Access Hardware and Software For screen review, writing, translating, and embossing. ALVA Braille Terminals (Electronic Braille Displays) In today's ever increasing demand for braille materials, the ALVA electronic braille display provides a cost effective means of instantly accessing any information from any electronic source. Consider the impact of having braille immediately available at the user's time of need. Decisions can be made, and assignments completed in a timely manner, thus increasing productivity without having to rely on others for support. Although braille terminals are often thought to be expensive, in actual fact, they are a fraction of the cost of providing the limited amounts of hard-copy braille. ALVA Braille Terminals (ABTs), known for their ease-of-use, power, and long-term reliability, are the most desirable and sought-after braille displays available in the world today. In addition to the impressive ALVA MS-DOS access software, which comes with each system, other software is available that enables the ABT to be used with Arkenstone reading systems, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT, or OS-2, giving the ALVA more flexibility than ever before. Four Impressive Models ALVA has two portable and two desktop versions. All models have extra status cells, eight-dot braille cells and touch-cursor routing, as well as many other built-in conveniences and user customizable features. The two battery operated portable systems have either 23 or 43 braille cells. The desktop models have either 45 or 85 braille cells. Status Cells Status cells provide information on the location of the cursor, the line being displayed, which attributes are active, and the relationship of those attributes to the characters on the screen. Eight-dot Braille Cells Eight-dot cells provide six-dot Grade II or computer braille and additional dots to identify cursor location and attributes, such as upper-case characters, inverse video, colors, or underlines. Grade II Braille Mode Grade II Braille Mode can be toggled on and off. When the cursor is present in a word, it converts Grade II text to computer braille for spelling clarification. Touch Cursor Technology The Touch Cursor allows the reader to touch a small dot above any braille cell on the reading display in order to route the application cursor to that location. Touch Cursor dots are also located above the status cells permitting the user to route the cursor to a pre-selected reference point anywhere on the screen. Windows Access ABTs can work with a variety of appropriate Windows software. Contact HumanWare for more information at 1-800-722-3393. ==================================================== brailleOUT brailleOUT offers intuitive navigation commands, customizable display options, and instantaneous Grade II Braille translation. This ground-breaking product supports ALVA Braille Terminals and other braille displays, making it the most widely compatible software of its kind. brailleOUT is an add-on to outSPOKEN for Windows. Features Include: � Touch Cursor keys that point and click � Easy navigation from braille display or PC keyboard � Optional Grade II translator � Integrated reading of text, graphics, and controls � Automatic tracking of highlight and cursors � Customizable attribute display � Special Window Navigation mode =================================================== The importance of braille is often overlooked by people who only read and write print. Understanding and reinforcing braille literacy can be enhanced when the code itself is not a barrier. Few sighted people can read braille and conversely few blind individuals can read print. The ability to convert written braille into print and visa versa removes the primary barrier to successful communication. The Mountbatten Brailler does just that! *SEE Mountbatten Brailler below... Mountbatten Brailler Incredible versatility in one stylish, portable package, controlled by simple, easy-to-remember commands. No knowledge of computers or complicated software is necessary! The Mountbatten Brailler is a braille writer that has a modern, comfortable braille keyboard, built-in memory, auto-correction features and extensive formatting controls. The Mountbatten can be used as an embosser (braille printer) for a computer. With the built-in two-way translation feature, the Mountbatten can translate from print into braille or braille into print when connected to a computer or printer. The Mountbatten is useful for people of all ages--from early childhood as a concept development tool, through education as a braille writer for enhancing braille literacy. Adults in higher education, or employment, as well as seniors needing to learn braille for the first time find the Mountbatten to be extremely useful. No other product comes close to the power and flexibility of the Mountbatten in all of these applications. A Braille Writer The ergonomically designed braille keyboard is one of the Mountbatten's most important features. It is easy to use for all ages and capabilities. The rub-out and overstrike (erasing and correction) features are easy to use, and extensive formatting controls such as tabs, centering, and adjustable margins, make document presentation (formatting) simple and accurate. A Memory Notetaker With a standard 90K document storage capacity the Mountbatten can be used as a silent note taker. Turn the embosser off, and quietly enter information into the system. Stored files can then be embossed or sent to a printer or computer for word-processing or storage. Voice Editor (QEdit) **NEW** QEdit--a text editing program is an optional feature available for new and existing Mountbatten Braillers. When connected to QTalk, a Companion ATA, or keynote GOLD SA synthesizer, QEdit provides voice prompts and text reading capability. Enter commands, review the directory, or edit a document with voice feedback before storing, translating, or printing. An Embosser The Mountbatten can be connected as a standard printer to any electronic notetaker, Apple, Macintosh, or IBM compatible computer. Information can be sent from the PC or other devices directly to it and embossed in properly formatted braille or graphics. The Mountbatten can use almost any size or weight of paper. Variable impact adjustments and multi-strike settings also enable the use of a wide range of embossing material (such as nylon, plastic or metal foils) that can be embossed with braille for signs and other labeling needs. A Forward Translation System The Mountbatten will translate text files from most wordprocessors into braille format, and then emboss them onto braille paper. For people who don't know braille, a computer keyboard can be connected directly to the Mountbatten. Information typed on that keyboard can be automatically converted to Grade II Braille. A Back Translation System The Mountbatten will convert its braille files into properly formatted print when connected to a standard printer. This is a very important feature for education, especially where the student is mainstreamed and is required to produce papers or notes in print. For office workers, this feature enables the braille user to write notes in braille while providing a printed copy to co-workers. Graphics from Picture Braille (Optional) Picture Braille software can be used to create tactile graphics. Scan or draw diagrams, charts or simple pictures using an MS-DOS computer, then print them on a Mountbatten or another braille embosser with graphics capabilities. Add braille labels with ease. Demo disks are available from HumanWare. Computer Connection with MB-COMM (Optional) MB-COMM software offers hassle-free transfer of information between the Mountbatten and an IBM compatible computer. It allows user to view Mountbatten back-translations, from Grade II braille to print characters on the PC's monitor. It also allows the PC's keyboard to generate braille on the Mountbatten. By adding a screen review program and Keynote GOLD speech synthesizer to the PC, auditory feedback from the screen can also be made available. Two Models The Mountbatten Brailler is available in two model: A battery operated or an all electric model. ==================================================== Braille-n-Print The Braille-n-Print is an electronic device that attaches to the bottom of a standard Perkins Brailler. By connecting a standard computer printer to the Braille-n-Print, the user can write Grade II braille on the Perkins while simultaneously generating a properly formatted print copy of the same document on the printer. Braille-n-Print Slimline--portable snap-on base includes a parallel printer interface and cable. Serial printer interface is available by special order for an additional fee. ================================================== Braille Translation More and more people want an ever greater variety of materials in braille. In North America, Grade II braille is the standard. It includes many contracted or abbreviated words. To produce standard Grade II braille, a translation and formatting program must be used in conjunction with most braille embossers. Ransley Braille Translation Interface This hardware translator connects between a computer and an embosser. To format braille output, simple commands are inserted directly into the original document. Duxbury Braille Translation Software Duxbury is Grade II braille editing and translation software. It is available in versions for DOS, Windows, and Macintosh Computers. Duxbury is easy to use and is compatible with speech and braille output. It supports dozens of word processors through highly accurate ASCII and WordPerfect import bridges. It also supports a number of foreign languages. MegaDots Braille Translation Software MegaDots is a flexible and intuitive word processor with software magic that liberates you from the complexities of braille and computers. MegaDots allows you to create, edit, and format text and to perform all the basic functions of a standard word processor. The MegaDots style system lets you give one simple command to format each different kind of paragraph for print and Grade II braille. It is compatible with speech and braille output. ================================================== Paragon Braille Embosser The Paragon is a rugged, desktop, medium speed braille embosser. It can braille on a full range of tractor-feed paper, up to 15 inches in width from 20 to 100 pound tag in weight. Vinyl and aluminum sheets can also be embossed to make long-lasting, highly attractive signs with braille markings. It can be automatically switched to a special mode that will place graphic charts or tactile pictures either within a page of ordinary text, or on a separate sheet. The Paragon's operating speed of 40 characters per second (cps) enables it to print more than 120 pages per hour. This embosser is recommended where braille production is up to one hundred thousand pages per year or about 2,000 braille pages per week. High-resolution graphics Allows text and graphics to be combined on a single page without stopping to make adjustments. Multi-copy buffer Stores a 30-page file and makes copies independently, freeing your computer for other work. Single-sheet feeder (Optional) Allows braille to be placed on single sheets of paper, plastic or metal foils. This optional feature is useful for adding braille to a wide variety of materials. The Romeo embosser is a single-sided, suitcase style braille printer. The Juliet Interpoint (double-sided) is a desktop embosser. The Romeo and Juliet embossers perform the same functions as the Paragon embosser. The Braille Blazer is a smaller size personal braille embosser. Its speed is 11 characters per second. It handles up to 8 1/2 inch wide paper and has graphic capabilities. *********************************************************** OCR Reading Systems For scanning and converting print text to speech and braille output. HumanWare carries a full line of Arkenstone OCR Reading Systems. These systems allow users to scan printed materials, such as letters, magazines, books, or reports. The software then converts the text into a form that can be read by Keynote GOLD or DECtalk synthesizers, ALVA Braille Terminals or Zoomtext print enlarging software. Although the computers normally used for this application are power desktop systems, HumanWare now carries laptop computers that, when combined with a Keynote GOLD VoiceCard, have essentially the same scanning and reading capabilities of many desktop systems. Arkenstone Scanning Systems Arkenstone - An Open Book Stand Alone Reading Machine This reading tool is easy to use and can scan most pages with an accuracy of 99% or better. It needs no extra apparatus or cables. All that is needed is an electrical outlet and something to read. It has the memory capability to hold thousands of pages in its internal library. An Open Book consists of a scanner, which "sees" the page, and the reading machine, which records, translates and saves the scanned words into text. This text can then be read immediately and/or stored for use at another time. The system also includes a tactile keypad, with easy to use and easy to remember controls, and a Keynote GOLD or DECtalk speech synthesizer, which reads the page back to you. Arkenstone - An Open Book Unbound A Reading Machine for Computer Users, An Open Book Unbound can be installed into an IBM compatible personal computer. Building your own reading machine can give you all of the advantages of An Open Book, plus those of a personal computer. HumanWare can either provide the complete system or the individual components so you can build your own. OCR Software - An Open Book Unbound With the addition of a scanner and a speech synthesizer, this innovative software turns your computer into a reading machine. In less than a minute, you can scan a page of text into your computer and start reading. Add flexibility to your system for access to DOS applications with MasterTouch and the Keynote GOLD Speech Synthesizer. ********************************************************* Laptop and Desktop Computers For use with adaptive hardware and software tailored to an individual's needs. Laptop and Desktop Computers HumanWare's Access Computers are configured for people who require braille, speech, or enlarged print output. All systems provide a basic foundation for students or power users in the DOS or Windows environments. Most models can be expanded with applications, access programs, memory, processing speed, hardware, scanners, modems, screen upgrades, braille displays, braille translators, etc. The computer components industry is constantly changing. The availability of standard computer technology and its pricing are factors over which HumanWare has no control. Nevertheless, our aim is to provide a high-quality, reliable product to meet the individual needs of each end user. Call HumanWare for the latest update on these systems, their capabilities, and prices. We can also provide estimates of charges for possible customized installations on a customer's machine. ********************************************************** Bubble Jet and Dot Matrix Printers for use with Mountbatten, Braille-n-Print and IBM compatible computers. HumanWare carries a variety of high quality, standard printers. LX300 The LX300 is a tractor-feed, 9-pin, impact dot matrix printer that prints clearly in black and white. It can come with an optional color kit and may be installed to print seven different colors to a document. Its speed is 264 cps in draft form and 53 cps in (near) letter quality. This printer features parallel and serial interfaces. LQ-570 The LQ-570 is a tractor-feed and cut sheet, 24-pin dot matrix printer that offers 360 dpi and a fast 337 cps in high speed draft mode. Additional features include an 8K print buffer, 10 resident bit-mapped fonts, and rear, top, front and bottom paper paths. Bubble Jet Portable Printer The Bubble Jet Portable Printer is a single sheet printer. It features a compact design, fast performance, crisp, clean laser-like output and portability. It prints 4 ppm (page per minute), 360 dpi on plain paper. Deskjet 600 The Deskjet is a cut sheet printer. It provides high quality black and white printing plus the option to add color. Print from the Deskjet is crisp and clear. It prints 600 dpi and is able to print on a wide variety of media, including envelopes, labels and cards. ************************************************************* [ HumanWare offers solutions for Low Vision including Zoomtext, Visability and a variety of Electronic Magnifiers. Also ask about our products for people who have learning disabilities.] [Product manuals are available in print, disk, braille or cassette.] CONTACT HUMANWARE AT : 1-800-722-3393 HumanWare, Inc. 6245 King Road Loomis, CA 95650 e-mail: info@humanware.com FOR AN AREA REPRESENTATIVE NEAR YOU.