The electronic magnification unit (EMU) is a system for magnifying anything on a printed page (text or graphics) and may assist students with low vision to visually access regular or large print materials in the classroom, school library or at home. A camera captures an image from the page and this is displayed on a built-in monitor, a TV monitor or a computer screen (laptop or desktop). Magnification can be adjusted to suit individual needs - see below for focusing instructions to obtain the clearest image.
An electronic magnification unit should be prescribed in conjunction with the student's optometrist or staff of the Low Vision Clinic to ensure optimum optical conditions for the student. Features vary:
A Personal Reader is available in the public area at the State Library in Melbourne - contact the Disability Librarian on (03) 8664 7005 or 8664 7000. This scanner is available for public use at no cost and may be a good way for a student to trial a Personal Reader. Coburg Library also has an Adaptive Technology Room - phone (03) 8311 4111.
| Model and Supplier |
Price |
Output |
Comments |
| Aladdin Classic Optek Systems |
A$1,995 | Up to 50x Image - positive/negative |
Portable, stand alone or connect to PC (not OCR) Colour or black and white models available Suitable for hobby work Some models have fixed viewing platform; some XY table |
| AverVision Haines Educational |
A$1,490 | Up to 60x Image - positive/negative |
Computer compatible EMU for near and distance viewing Can use with microscope Can be connected to computer producing digital image which can be manipulated as per software (eg video conferencing) |
| Bierley MonoMouse and Colour Mouse VisTech |
A$345-$945 Carry case A$55 |
Up to 24x on 20" TV monitor B&W or full colour Image - positive/negative |
Mouse-style video magnifier which attaches to TV screen, or to PC (notebook, laptop or desktop) via USB |
| ClearNote Quantum Technology |
A$4,890 | Colour images | Captures images (eg whiteboard) to a computer Images can be saved, cut & pasted etc |
| ClearView PC Quantum Technology VisTech View: Clearview |
A$4,990 | 3-40x Image - positive/negative |
Auto focus PC compatible XY table 27 cm in each direction Horizontal lines available |
| Colourama CCTV Micro Marvellous |
B&W A$2,200-Colour $2,650 | Auto focus |
Includes 22 inch LCD wide screen and computer connection |
| Compact Quantum Technology VisTech |
A$1,240 | Up to 8x |
Handheld electronic magnifier - fits in purse Writing feature for signing documents Alternative colours for reduced glare |
| Computer Microscope Haines Educational |
A$290 | Varies with size of monitor | PC or Mac: View microscope on computer screen Portable Computer compatible |
| Eclipse Quantum Technology |
A$4,750 | Full colour 1.5-32x 15 inch display Continuous autofocus |
Stand-alone unit - 9.8kg Display can be tilted for comfortable viewing |
| Fusion Quantum Technology |
A$2,990 | Full colour 7-17x 7 inch display |
Portable - 1.2kg Roll over reading material or detach mouse-like camera Writing mode for crosswords, cheques etc |
| Genius Micro Marvellous |
A$700 | Near viewing | Handheld colour Battery and charger available |
| Magnitube VisTech View Magnitube |
A$250 (plus TV screen) | Black and white image Magnification depends on screen size eg 10x with 15 inch screen |
Hand-held magnifier which connects to TV screen and/or video recorder
via AV input Magnifies print from newspapers, books medication bottles etc |
| myReader HumanWare VisTech |
A$7,250 Bag A$185 |
Up to 45x Full colour or B&W Image - positive/negative Selectable colour with 56 colour combinations |
Stand-alone unit with built-in 15" display Captures a page of text and presents it either word by word, as a column or as a continuous row Automatic scrolling of text Live mode: can also view photographs, diagrams etc Can view PC via the same screen |
| Optom A-F Micro Marvellous |
B&W A$1,600 |
2.5-19x Image - positive/negative |
Auto focus |
| Pico Optek Systems VisTech |
A$995 | 3-11x on 4 inch Colour LCD 10.6cm screen Lighting settings: high, medium, off |
Miniature video camera with inbuilt screen Fits in pocket or handbag, 0.28kg Rechargeble battery or mains power Folding legs for viewing curved surfaces, handwriting etc |
| PocketViewer HumanWare VisTech View: Pocker Viewer |
Colour A$1,280 | 7x magnification of text and images Image - positive/negative |
Miniature video camera with inbuilt 4" screen Fits in pocket or handbag, 0.3kg Rechargeable battery Magnifies text, photos, maps etc Lift up stand for easy handwriting |
| Prisma Quantum Technology VisTech View: Prisma |
A$1,995 (plus screen) | 4-35x on 14 inch screen Image - positive/negative |
Uses ordinary TV or computer compatible Portable, compact, height adjustment for overview or zoom, handwriting or crafts Folds up for easy storage Camera mounted on moveable arm Computer laptop/desktop connection and XY table available (+$) |
QuickLook Pocket Magnifier |
A$1,395 | Up to 5.5x Full colour Enhanced contrast modes - positive/negative |
Miniature video camera with inbuilt screen Fits in pocket or handbag, 0.3kg Rechargeable battery Magnifies text, photos, maps etc |
| SmartView HumanWare VisTech |
B&W A$3,100 |
3x-60x or larger depending on size of monitor Auto focus Image - positive/negative |
Use with TV or monitor XY table - lockable Can use for handwriting Optional calculator, date, time, blinds Computer compatible or toggle between EMU and computer Keypad, remote control, screen arm, foot switch also available |
| Solo HumanWare |
A$4,490 | Colour images | Captures images (eg whiteboard) to a computer Images can be saved, cut & pasted etc |
| STRIX Optek Systems |
A$2,850 | Near and distance Auto focus Colour |
Portable electronic magnifier 7" built-in display Rechargeable batteries or mains power |
| The VIEW Optek Systems |
A$4,955 | Up to 75x Near and distance Auto focus Colour |
Portable electronic magnifier 15" flat screen Position monitor any height from XY table to 14 1/2" Camera mores 360 degrees horizontally and 240 degrees vertically Rechargeable batteries or mains power Optional battery and case |
| Vertex Optek Systems |
A$4,100 | 17 inch screen | Stand-alone protable EMU with internal battery |
The focusing procedure on the electronic magnification unit normally only needs to be done when a document is changed for another that varies in thickness, even when increasing or decreasing the magnification.
Step 1 - Increase the magnification to the maximum ie turn
size knob until it won’t turn any more
Step 2 - Focus the image using the focus knob - turn right
or left - it’s best to go past the true focus point and then back again
to obtain ‘best focus’
Step 3 - Reduce the magnification level to a comfortable reading
size.
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