READING AIDS FOR BLIND . A SPECIAL CASE OF MACHINE-TO-MAN COMMUNICATION

The development of a reading machine for the blind offers insight into current problems of computer-to-man communications and poses a technical and humanitarian challenge. Approaches to the problem include compiled speech, reformed speech, and synthesis by rule. Of these methods, synthesis by rule may offer the best long-term tradeoff between quality of the speech and cost and complexity of its production. Implementation of a high-performance reading machine will involve a central service facility that can generate tape recordings or provide voice responses to remote print scanners. Technical problems, especially in providing remote on-line service, seem formidable, but the organizational problems of matching central facilities to the blind user's needs may prove to be even more so. Copyright © 1969 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.