General purpose talking laboratory instrument for the visually handicapped

Abstract

A general purpose interactive programmable laboratory interface system using the IEEE488 Bus Comput. Phys. 5, 323 (1991); 10.1063/1.168411Laboratory demonstrations through the use of a general purpose correlator Am.The instrument described here was designed as a laboratory aid for the visually handicapped. It is basically a 3 1!2-digit multimeter with speech output; however, it has added functions which extend its usefulness beyond the ability to measure the usual ranges of ac and dc voltage and current. The device can function as a thermometer, a pH meter, a 6-digit timer, and an events counter. Two voltage-to-frequency (V IF) converters make it useful as an audible comparator and peak detector. An integrator is realized by using the counter to count the pulse train from a V IF converter which monitors the input signal. A low-level differential channel is provided for interfacing to instruments with recorder outputs, such as gas chromatographs. Spoken values of measured quantities are accompanied by sign, decimal point, and units. The instrument can also interface with other digital devices through 42 lines of parallel digital input-output. It can convert seven parallel BCD digits into speech or it can output BCD data from its counter or converter to a microcomputer.

Chemical instrumentation for the visually handicapped

“…For experiments with rapidly changing output, or scanning experi- ments (e.g., scanning spectrophotometry), an intermediate storage device, e.g., a microcomputer, would be desirable to hold the output, to make it available at a rate amenable to the multimeter-Optacon readout. More sophisticated readout devices now becoming available utilize talking digital multimeters and talking instruments (5,9), including the use of microcomputer (9). The chief advantages of the present approach are its favorable economics and the possibility of utilizing equipment which is also useful to the student outside the laboratory.…”

“…Braille tape embossers are available from Appliance Division, American Foundation for the Blind, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011 5. Braillers are available from Howe Press, Perkins School for the Blind, 172 N. Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02172. components are connected.…”

High technology laboratory aids for visually handicapped chemistry students

“…For the reasons given earlier, we decided that the most fruitful approach to the problem would be to give visually handicapped students access to instrumental measurements. Our first serious effort in this direction was a talking general purpose laboratory instrument (13), shown in Figure 1.…”

Chemistry and the visually impaired: Available teaching aids

“…The blind determine the endpoint by the change in sound of the light sensor. With a Voice Synthesizer (5) attached to most instruments in the laboratory the visually impaired will soon be able to function with proficiency and independence in the chemistry laboratory (15). Werner (16) states any instrument having a Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) output may be interfaced with the "talking box."…”