E-reader for the Visually Impaired

ION Systems Inc., the Crystal City, Mo.–based developer of Internet software for simultaneous use by sighted, low-visioned and blind users, has released a beta version of its eMonocle Reader, an Open eBook-based screen format.

EMonocle Reader's patent-pending technology allows text and graphics to be resized and reflowed by individual users for maximum readability. The eMonocle Reader can resize text from 4-point to 144-point font sizes, exceeding the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act for the low-visioned.

The eMonocle Reader performs standard word and phrase searches using either keyboard or mouse commands. The eMonocle interface is designed to work with most existing Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems, and can open any OeB publication without modification. ION will convert any publisher's files to the OEB format for free. Future releases are planned to include interfaces for existing Braille readers and connection to ION Systems' GalaxyLibrary.com e-publishing and e-commerce service.

ION's eMonocle Reader is available for free to the end user; it can be licensed to vendors as a standalone application through GalaxyLibrary.com. Readers can find a free download and demonstration of the ION eMonocle Reader at www.ionsystems.com/emonocle.