Abstract
A reading device, in particular for the visually impaired, has a flat and transparent platen for reading material and an image-recording device for acquiring through the platen a text and/or an image of at least a part of the reading material. The reading device is designed and further developed to provide for easy transportation and simple stowage of the reading device when not in use. A support element is pivotable relative to the platen about a pivot axis assigned to the platen. The support element is pivotable into an operating position inclined at a defined angle to a vertical direction to position the platen into an operating position. The support element is also pivotable into a transportation or rest position whereby the platen and the support element substantially lie against each other.
Claims
1. A reading device, comprising: a flat and transparent platen for reading material, an image-recording device for acquiring through the platen a text and/or an image of at least one portion of the reading material, and a support element that is pivotable relative to the platen about a pivot axis is assigned to the platen, wherein the support element is pivotable into an operating position inclined at a defined angle to a vertical direction to position the platen, and wherein the support element is also pivotable into a transportation or rest position whereby the platen and the support element substantially lie against each other.
2. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is implemented in or at an edge region of the platen.
3. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the support element or the platen is articulated pivotably on a base element.
4. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is realized in or on a base element.
5. The reading device according to claim 4, wherein the platen is pivotably mounted on the base element.
6. The reading device according to claim 4, wherein the platen has a contact region for the support element.
7. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the platen is assigned a flat cover.
8. The reading device according to claim 7, wherein the cover is pivotable relative to the platen.
9. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device has a processing device configured to process the text and/or image acquired by way of the image-recording device.
10. The reading device according to claim 9, wherein the reading device further comprises a display device configured to display the text and/or image processed by way of the processing device.
11. The reading device according to claim 9, wherein the reading device has a speech output device for audio output of the text and/or image processed by way of the processing device.
12. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image-recording device has an interface for connecting a processing device for processing the text and/or image acquired by the image-recording device and/or a display device for displaying the text and/or image processed by the processing device and/or a speech output device for audio output of the text and/or image processed by the processing device and/or a refreshable Braille display for outputting as Braille the text and/or image processed by the processing device.
13. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image-recording device is assigned to the support element, a base element, or a processing device, or is coupled to the support element, the base element, or the processing device.
14. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device has at least one screening element to prevent or reduce an incidence of extraneous light.
15. The reading device according to claim 14, wherein the at least one screening element is assigned to a base element or the support element.
16. The reading device according to claim 6, wherein the contact region has a groove or a projection.
17. The reading device according to claim 10, wherein the display device is realized as a common component with a cover.
18. The reading device according to claim 9, wherein the reading device has a refreshable Braille display for outputting in Braille the text and/or image processed by way of the processing device.
19. The reading device according to claim 14, wherein the at least one screening element is a flap that prevents or reduces an incidence of extraneous light.
20. The reading device according to claim 15, wherein the at least one screening element is mounted pivotably on the base element or the support element.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] There are various options for advantageously designing and developing the teaching of the present disclosure. In this regard, with the aid of the drawings reference is made, on the one hand, to the subordinate claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, generally preferred designs and developments of the teaching are also explained with reference to the drawings. The drawings show the following:
[0028] FIG. 1 in a schematic and perspective view, a first exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure,
[0029] FIG. 2 in a schematic and perspective view, the reading device from FIG. 1 in the closed state,
[0030] FIG. 3 in a schematic and perspective view, a second exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure in an operating position and in a closed transportation or rest position,
[0031] FIG. 4 in a schematic and perspective view, a third exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure in an operating position and in a closed transportation or rest position,
[0032] FIG. 5 in a schematic and perspective view, a fourth exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure in an operating position,
[0033] FIG. 6 in a schematic and perspective view, a fifth exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure in an operating position, and
[0034] FIG. 7 in a schematic and perspective view, the reading device from FIG. 6 in the closed transportation or rest position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, a first exemplary embodiment of reading device according to the present disclosure with a flat and transparent platen 1 in the form of a glass plate for an item of reading material, and an image-receiving device 2 in the form of a camera for acquiring through the platen 1 a text and/or an image of at least a part of the reading material. With regard to a particularly simple transportation and a simple stowage of the reading device when the reading device is not in use, a support element 4 which can be pivoted relative to the platen 1 about a pivot axis 3 is assigned to the platen 1. Specifically, the support element 4 is pivotably mounted via the pivot axis 3 on a base element 5 which serves as an installation base or standing aid for positioning on a substrate. The platen 1 is likewise pivotably mounted on the base element 5 via a pivot axis 6 so that the platen 1 and the support element 4 can be pivoted independently of each other relative to the base element and relative to each other.
[0036] The support element 4 can be pivoted into an operating position, shown in FIG. 1, that is inclined at a definable angle to a vertical direction for the purpose of positioning the platen 1. The vertical direction corresponds to the perpendicular direction and is perpendicular to the earth's surface. Both the pivot axis 3 and the pivot axis 6 are realized on the base element 5. The platen 1 has a contact area in the form of a groove 7 for the support element 4 so that, in the operating position, the support element 4 is arranged with its upper edge in the groove 7.
[0037] The image-recording device 2 is coupled to the support element 4 so that a pivoting of the support element 4 also results in a pivoting of the image-recording device 2. In the operating position shown in FIG. 1, the image-recording device 2 with its camera points toward the platen 1 on which reading material to be acquired can be positioned. The prism-like shape of the reading device, when in the operating position, ensures a flat placement of the reading material, for example, a book or a periodical, on the platen 1 up to being into a marginal or fold area of the reading material so that a reliable acquisition of the complete text and/or image of the reading material is made possible.
[0038] The platen 1 is assigned a flat cover 8 which is likewise pivotably mounted on the base element 5. The cover can be used for holding or placing the reading material against the platen 1. Furthermore, a display device 9 in the form of a screen for displaying the acquired text and/or image is integrated in the cover 8. Instead of the cover 8, a display device 9, which can be mounted on the base element 5, can be also exclusively provided.
[0039] Control elements 10 for the reading device are realized on the front side of the base element 5.
[0040] The reading device further comprises a processing device 11 for processing the text and/or image acquired by way of the image-recording device 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the processing device 11 is integrated in the base element 5.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 1 in a closed transportation or rest position, wherein the platen 1 and the support element 4 substantiallywith the cover 8 between themlie against or upon each other. Depending on the embodiment, the platen 1 and the support element 4 can, in the transportation or rest position, lie in direct contact with one another or have an element interposed between them. In this transportation or rest position, a handy arrangement is realized which can be transported in a simple manner, for example, put into a bag or held only with one hand.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows, in two schematic and perspective views, a second exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure in an operating position and in a transportation or rest position. In this exemplary embodiment, the platen 1 can be pivoted relative to the support element 4 via a pivot axis 3 which is realized in an edge region of the platen 1. In this embodiment, the platen 1 and the support element 4 are directly coupled to one another via the pivot axis 3. The support element 4 is pivotably mounted on the base element 5 via a further pivot axis 12 on the side facing away from the platen 1.
[0043] In the operating position, the platen 1 is supported in a groove 13 formed in the base element 5. The processing device 11 is likewise arranged in the base element 5 in this exemplary embodiment. In the transportation or rest position shown in FIG. 3 (below), the cover 8 is first placed on the base element 5, and the support element 4 and the platen 1pivoted away from the base element 5are placed on the cover 8 in the closed state.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment (not shown here), instead of the support element 4 the platen 1 can be mounted pivotably on the base element 5, wherein in this case the support element 4 can be supported in a groove formed in the base element 5 in order to provide the prism-like operating position.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the present disclosure in two schematic and perspective views. In this exemplary embodiment, no base element is provided, and the platen 1 and the support element 4 are mounted pivotably directly on one another. A cover 8 that is pivotable relative to the platen 1 is assigned to the platen 1. Furthermore, a display device 9 is pivotably mounted on the support element 4. Furthermore, a processing device 11 for processing the text and/or image acquired by means of the image-recording device 2 is assigned to the support element 4. The image-recording device 2 is not shown in FIG. 4 and is essentially assigned to the processing device 11 or integrated therein. In the lower part of FIG. 4, the third exemplary embodiment is shown in a transportation or rest position.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows, in a schematic and perspective view, a fourth exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the disclosure in its operating position. Like the third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fourth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 does not have a base element. The platen 1 is mounted relative to the support element 4 via a pivot axis 3. The support element 4 is assigned a processing device 11 with an integrated image-recording device 2, not shown here. A cover 8 with an integrated display device 9 is mounted on the platen 1 pivotally with respect to the platen 1. The cover 8 or the display device 9 is assigned a prop 14 which is mounted pivotably on the cover 8 or on the display device 9. This enables the inclination of the display device 9 during operation of the reading device to be preset, wherein the prop 14 can be supported on the platen 1.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of the reading device according to the present disclosure, wherein this exemplary embodiment has a platen 1, a support element 4, and a base element 5 taking the form of a tray. Both the platen 1 and the support element 4 are pivotally mounted on the base element 5. The support element 4 is mounted on the base element 5 via a pivot axis 3, and the platen 1 is mounted on the base element 5 via a further pivot axis, not shown here. The cover 8 is also pivotably mounted on the base element 5. In an alternative embodiment not shown here, the platen 1 as in the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 could be mounted pivotably on the support element 4 instead of on the base element 5, wherein the support element 4 is further pivotably mounted on the base element 5. In a further alternative embodiment, the platen 1 could be mounted pivotably on the base element 5 and the support element 4 on the platen 1 and not on the base element 5.
[0048] In this exemplary embodiment which is shown in FIG. 6 and in the embodiments mentioned in the last paragraph as alternatives to this exemplary embodiment, it is essential that this reading device has no processing device but only an interface for connecting such a processing device and/or a display device and/or a speech output device. The reading device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6 and with the corresponding alternative embodiments mentioned in the last paragraph and not shown in this case consists essentially only of the platen 1, the support element 4, the base element 5, the image-recording device 2, and a suitable interface, wherein even the base element 5 is not absolutely necessary and, in the context of a further exemplary embodiment with a pivotable mounting of the platen 1 directly on the support element 4, can be omitted. The image-recording device 2 can be supplied with power via this interface. A processing device for processing the text and/or image acquired by way of the image-recording device 2 can be connected via an interface taking the form of, for example, a USB connection. As a result, a mobile image-recording unit is provided, which can be transported in a simple manner to desired places of use. Since this exemplary embodiment does not have a processing device, display device, or speech output device, it is particularly light and mobile. It is also conceivable for the image-recording device 2 to be assigned a permanently built-in or removable storage device in order to store acquired text and/or an acquired image of reading material, for example, for later processing.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 6 in a schematic and perspective view in its transportation or rest position. In this view, the platen 1, the support element 4, and the cover 8 are pivoted in a protected manner into the base element 5 that takes the form of a tray. In this case, the platen 1 rests on the support element 4 and the support element 4 on the cover 8.
[0050] With regard to other advantageous embodiments of the reading device according to the present disclosure, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the general part of the description and also to the appended claims.
[0051] Finally, it is expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the reading device according to the disclosure that are described above serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not restrict this to the exemplary embodiments.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0052] 1 Platen [0053] 2 Image-recording device [0054] 3 Pivot axis [0055] 4 Support element [0056] 5 Base element [0057] 6 Pivot axis [0058] 7 Groove [0059] 8 Cover [0060] 9 Display device [0061] 10 Control element [0062] 11 Processing device [0063] 12 Pivot axis [0064] 13 Groove [0065] 14 Prop
[0066] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide yet further embodiments. The foreign patent publication referred to in this specification is incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the publication to provide yet further embodiments.
[0067] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
