Electronic Magnifier, Closed Circuit TV, Magnifiers, CCTV, Screen Magnifier

What is an Electronic Magnifier?

An electronic magnifier is available in many different forms. It takes the principle of a traditional magnifying glass and combines it with the technology of today. Whether it is stationary or portable, an electronic magnifier provides increased visual help to those with low vision. Its fundamental components combine the features for magnification strength and screen viewing.

One type is a handheld electronic magnifier, which is generally small and easy to use. Even though they are small in size, many styles provide more than 12x magnification power and can be displayed on an LCD high definition screen from around 3.5 inches to 6.5 inches. Depending on the manufacturer and model of a handheld magnifier, it can feature greater magnification for those with a lower vision ability. Because of its light weight, a handheld electronic magnifier can be used for everyday purposes. They can fit into a pocket or purse, enabling them to be a go-anywhere low vision tool.

Portable electronic magnifiers are larger than the handheld electronic magnifier. They are generally designed to be carried easily, yet still provide powerful magnification. This type requires being connected to a screen, such as a monitor or a laptop, and is often useful at school or at work. The weight of portable magnifiers usually range from around 3 to 5 pounds. They can be equipped with features like computer connectivity, image capture, custom color mode, and contrast selection.

Another form of an electronic magnifier are portable viewing panels. These devices use camera technology and screen attachment to display images, and to print for easy viewing. This gives an individual the ability to read anywhere at any time. The panel magnifiers rest on top of the text or the images, and provide a real-time display of the image on a monitor or screen. Some panel electronic magnifiers are available with their own specially designed screen. Other panel magnifiers do not come with a screen, but are made to be used in conjunction with an existing computer or laptop connection.

Desktop electronic magnifiers have the ability to provide advanced features, a larger magnification power, and may be used for a variety of tasks. Some desktop electronic magnifiers are made with flexibility for multiple uses. These uses vary from the standard reading and writing to the capability of doing much more, like self-viewing (mirror imaging for grooming), and computer/media connectivity. Additional viewing options may be available for added visual support, while other models are designed toward aiding specific low vision challenges.

What is a Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)?

A closed circuit TV, also known as a CCTV or reading machine, is a common and popular high tech aid. They can magnify medicine bottles, reading material and photos, and then display the images on a TV monitor or screen. CCTVs can also be used for filing fingernails, writing, and other tasks. They have a wide range of magnification and are made in either color or black and white, and some can be switched to reverse the image colors when desired. Some models have automatic focusing, while others require manual focusing.

There are many different kinds of CCTVs, and each offers its own features. One kind is a free-standing unit, also called a desktop system, which consists of a monitor above a flat platform. The user places the material that is to be read on the platform, and moves the platform around to read. The material appears on the monitor and is magnified as much as the user needs. Some models have the monitor built into the base unit, and others have a separate monitor that can be placed on top of the base unit. In this case, it may be possible to substitute a different TV or monitor to meet individual requirements.

Like ordinary desktop CCTV systems, units with text-to-speech display a magnified image. However, this type also gives the option of having the machine convert any text in the image to audible speech. This can be less tiring than reading visually for some individuals.

Portable CCTVs can be plugged into any television. One type of unit is a camera on a stand which can be aimed at the material that is to be viewed. This kind has the advantage of being used on objects that are some distance away as well as on closer objects. Another device is around the size of a computer mouse and is rolled across the material to be read. Then the magnified image appears on the TV. Some models have a wireless connection between the TV and the mouse-like device.

What is Screen Magnifier Software?

Screen magnifier software works with a computer’s graphical output to present enlarged screen text and images. It is suitable for those who are visually impaired with some functioning vision. Those with little or no functioning vision usually use a screen reader. The simplest form of its magnification shows an enlarged portion of the original content of the screen. This is called the focus. The focus covers some or all of the full screen. This enlarged portion includes the content of interest to the user. As the user moves the pointer, or cursor, the screen magnifier tracks with it and shows the new enlarged portion. When moving the pointer, it should track smoothly. Common magnification ranges are 1 to 16 times. The greater the magnification, the smaller the portion of the original screen content is seen. Therefore, users tend to use the lowest magnification level they can manage so that more of the content is shown at one time.

There are several other features that can be provided by a screen magnifier. The first one is color inversion. Many individuals with visual impairments prefer to invert the colors, normally turning the text from black-on-white to white-on-black. This can also help reduce screen glare. Another feature is called smoothing. Since text can become blocky and harder to see when it is enlarged, some magnifiers use interpolation to smooth the text to compensate for it. Cursor customization means the mouse and text cursor can be modified in different ways, such as circling it to help the user locate it on the screen. Using crosshairs as the pointing device can be a feature. Some users find the mouse pointer hard to see, even with magnification. Changing the pointer to be crosshairs can make it easier to see. Some magnifiers come with a basic screen reader, which allows whatever the user is pointing at to be read out loud.

Rehabmart is proud to carry a wide variety of innovative electronic magnifiers from high quality manufacturers, such as LSS, MaxiAids, Hearmore and Bierley.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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