2007 PhD Thesis Final Revised.pdf - Curtin University

to convert standard text into Braille. Although some embossers are able to print both
text and Braille, most embossers will only print Braille, thus reducing the purchase
cost of the item. Many embossers are able to print single- and double-sided by
printing between the indents on the alternate side of the paper. Models of embossers
include the ViewPlus Tigercub, the Enabling Brailleplace and, as featured in Figure
6.6, the Everest produced by Index Braille.
Figure 6.6 Everest Braille Embosser (Index Braille, 2004)
Another output device gaining in popularity is the refreshable Braille display.
The Braille display works by moving pins up and down to create Braille characters.
These characters represent on-screen text information. Although many Braille
displays are limited in the number of characters they can represent, newer models are
able to translate the text into recognised Braille characters which can represent
multiple letters. Models of refreshable Braille displays include the Braille Voyager,
the Alva BrailleTerminal 320 and the Vario 80 produced by Baum Retec AG as
demonstrated in Figure 6.7.
125