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The Print and Computer Enlargement System--PACE. Final Report.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Print and Computer Enlargement System--PACE. Final Report.
Language: English
Authors: Morford, Ronald A., Automated Functions, Inc., Olney, MD.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 1989
Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC.
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Communication Aids (for Disabled), Computer Software, Computer System Design, Design Requirements, Large Type Materials, Low Vision Aids, Magnification Methods, Microcomputers, Optical Scanners, Partial Vision, Sensory Aids, Visual Impairments
Abstract: The Print and Computer Enlargement (PACE) System is being designed as a portable computerized reading and writing system that enables a low-vision person to read regular print and then create and edit text using large-print computerized output. The design goal was to develop a system that: weighed no more than 12 pounds so it could be easily carried by students from class to class; would be operable for over 8 hours on internal rechargeable batteries; and would sell for under $3,500. The system design utilizes a hand-held optical scanner, a portable laptop personal computer running the MS-DOS operating system, a "screen catcher" circuit board, and software to generate large print. PACE would produce large print for any printed material scanned by the optical scanner and for any application program that runs on the operating system. Efforts in creating PACE involved the following objectives: select laptop computers; locate hand-held optical scanner; design and test screen catcher circuit board; create optical scanner large-print software; create large-print characters from computer; create the user interface module; field test PACE; and create a national marketing plan for PACE. The project was partially successful, in that it developed and implemented all PACE functions on a MS-DOS compatible desk top computer, but was unable to implement the design on a portable laptop computer. (JDD)
Entry Date: 1991
Accession Number: ED333682
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The Print and Computer Enlargement (PACE) System is being designed as a portable computerized reading and writing system that enables a low-vision person to read regular print and then create and edit text using large-print computerized output. The design goal was to develop a system that: weighed no more than 12 pounds so it could be easily carried by students from class to class; would be operable for over 8 hours on internal rechargeable batteries; and would sell for under $3,500. The system design utilizes a hand-held optical scanner, a portable laptop personal computer running the MS-DOS operating system, a "screen catcher" circuit board, and software to generate large print. PACE would produce large print for any printed material scanned by the optical scanner and for any application program that runs on the operating system. Efforts in creating PACE involved the following objectives: select laptop computers; locate hand-held optical scanner; design and test screen catcher circuit board; create optical scanner large-print software; create large-print characters from computer; create the user interface module; field test PACE; and create a national marketing plan for PACE. The project was partially successful, in that it developed and implemented all PACE functions on a MS-DOS compatible desk top computer, but was unable to implement the design on a portable laptop computer. (JDD)