ViewPlus Introduces EmprintTM - New Braille Printer with Color HP Inkjet
From: HP, Corvallis, OR - 05/16/2006

ViewPlus Technologies today announced the release of Emprint, the world's
first Braille printer that embosses Braille with the equivalent color ink.
The ability to print Braille and ink in a single-pass will allow people with
visual impairments and sighted people to communicate more effectively in the
classroom and workplace. 

As more Braille readers join the mainstream, the need for communication
between sighted and blind people grows. Emprint allows Braille documents to
be shared amongst sighted colleagues and teachers by printing the
corresponding ink characters above or beside the Braille. 

Anything that is seen on a computer screen is printed quickly in Braille and
color ink, together or separately. People who are blind can print Braille for
their personal use and an ink version for their sighted colleagues. Using a
single printer saves them valuable workspace and money.  

"With our limited resources and space, a printer that doubles as both a
Braille printer and typical ink printer is the perfect solution," states
Jerry Kuns, a technology coordinator at the California School for the Blind.
"More than anything I like the fact that EmprintTM creates raised, color
graphics usable by all our students."  

People with low-vision and others who may not read Braille can also use the
tactile and ink features for better comprehension of spatial material. Adding
color to a raised image makes materials, like tactile maps or diagrams, more
engaging for low-vision and learning disabled students. Studies have shown
that a combined tactile and visual/color interface makes a stronger
connection with the brain than vision alone, improving the learning process. 

EmprintTM uses the familiar interface of Microsoft Office to create Braille
and ink documents that can be printed in a single-pass. Braille text can be
printed in a wide variety of languages. Ink text can be printed in any size,
color or font the user chooses. Tactile graphics, like maps and bar charts,
are printed with raised lines and color ink. The height of raised lines and
objects is determined by their visual equivalent: the darker the color or
shade, the higher the relief in that area. 

The ink cartridges and paper used in the printer can be found at any local
office supply store. The types of paper can range from normal copy paper to
traditional weight Braille paper. EmprintTM retails for US$5995 and includes:
printer, ink and Braille translation software. For more information or to
purchase, contact your local ViewPlus distributor or contact ViewPlus
directly by email, sales@viewplus.com or call 541/754-4002. 

ViewPlus Technologies, Inc. is a private firm that develops and manufactures
hardware and software for people with sensory disabilities, including people
who are blind, low-vision and learning disabled. For more information please
visit the ViewPlus website, http://www.viewplus.com, email,
info@viewplus.com, or call 541/754-4002. 

ViewPlus worked with Hewlett-Packard Specialty Printing Systems to
incorporate color HP Inkjet into their Tiger Braille printer line. This is
the second venture into Braille and ink by ViewPlus that uses HP Inkjet
cartridges inside. 

Submitted by: Alan Cantor

Links:
Emprint - Haptic Color Braille Embosser
http://www.viewplus.com/products/braille-embossers/ink-braille-printers/emprint/

Jerry Kuns
http://www.senderogroup.com/text/Kuns.htm
