Inexpensive Device Turns e-Books Into Braille Readers.

Engineers at the federal government's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a low-cost device that can easily transform the text of e-books into Braille. Researchers developed the prototype as a low-cost alternative to conventional electronic Braille readers, spending just $200 on materials for the machine. Braille readers typically carry price tags ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. The NIST reader uses only 12 actuators -- the mechanical devices that form Braille letters. Commercial Braille readers usually have hundreds of them. The reader uses software to translate text into Braille; a variable speed feature allows people to read faster or slower. NIST is looking to transfer the technology to the private sector, and has also been working with the e-book industry to develop voluntary standards to help grow the industry. A group of publishers, e-book makers and software developers announced an agreement to adopt the Open Electronic Book 1.0 specification in October at the second annual Electronic Book Workshop sponsored by NIST.