Portable desktop video magnifiers are assistive devices that help users manage daily tasks by using camera imaging displayed on a monitor screen to magnify them. This system offers wide magnification options with intuitive controls for easier navigation as well as full page text to speech functionality.

These handheld solutions are ideal for magnifying newspaper text, maps, recipes and prescription pill bottles. Many provide customization features including modes (Easy or Advanced), dark or light themes, button positions and settings that allow users to tailor them specifically to their needs.

Flexible Arm Camera Mount

Desktop video magnifiers (DVM) are devices used by blind and low vision (“BLV”) individuals to see objects and text through an attached camera. They range from simple magnifying lens assistive devices up to HD cameras that display high definition imagery directly onto a monitor display screen.

Many devices designed specifically to help BLV individuals are meant to remain permanently on a desk or other sturdy flat surface, providing tremendous advantages in using remaining usable vision more effectively. Unfortunately, however, some of these devices require extensive disassembly when transporting, which may prove challenging for users with BLV.

This invention addresses this challenge by including a flexible arm camera mount in its device. This mount enables users to pivot the camera and position it in various orientations easily, and also has an inbuilt carry handle so it can easily be transported.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the video magnifier assembly 10 comprises a base 22 and stand 20 with an ergonomic handle equipped with a trough formed along its length that can accommodate a flexible arm in its collapsed state. This arm can then be connected to a hinge assembly 56 that can be conveniently housed either on either right hand portion 24 (for right handed users) or left hand portion 26 of stand 20 depending on user preference.

With the provided remote control 38, users can select their desired magnification level, camera contrast level, image rotation angle and color scheme for images displayed on monitor 42. Lighting for objects seen through monitor 42 can also be managed using one or more flexible arms 64 that extend behind monitor 42 and can selectively direct lights 62 towards them.

Once the desired setup has been achieved, the user can grab camera arm 54 and handle 28 to transport their rig to another location. When they find one suitable location they can fold the arm back into its trough 32 before disconnecting power cord from stand 20 and folding camera arm back into trough 32 before folding back camera arm back into trough 32 for storage.

Detachable Camera

Video magnifiers provide individuals with low vision the chance to maximize their remaining usable vision, and are an effective solution for those suffering from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or other low vision conditions. These devices contain built-in cameras which connect easily to an HD television or computer and offer various magnification levels along with text-to-speech and special features designed specifically to assist those living with limited sight.

Portable desktop video magnifiers are lightweight, making them easy to transport between homes, schools and workplaces. Most models include folding flat capabilities to further increase portability; some also come equipped with carry cases for added convenience. Some models also feature mirror mode which enables the user to see themselves for personal care or makeup tasks.

As well as providing high magnification, these devices feature additional advanced features like adjustable contrast settings and full page text-to-speech. Users can utilize them to magnify documents, photos, maps and images while connecting to their computers to read or edit software – giving users access to internet sites, social media apps and other applications they might need for work or play.

For those with less mobile needs, desktop video magnifiers with remote controls and adjustable swivel arms provide easy mounting on desks or tables for use. These magnifiers offer great functionality for reading, writing and other activities on desktop computers without needing to move around as much. They’re an excellent option for people who require limited mobility who still wish to utilize desktops for reading, writing or other activities.

Many desktop video magnifiers can be combined with software to maximize flexibility and functionality. Free programs may offer magnification options, color modes, text-to-speech functions and other advanced features that go beyond reading alone. Additional programs may require payment but provide even greater options than before.

Desktop video magnifiers can be useful tools in many different situations and assist individuals living with macular degeneration, glaucoma or other low vision conditions to maintain their independence by being able to read newspapers, books, menus, maps, recipes and pill bottle labels. They may even assist with daily tasks like writing checks.

Text to Speech

Users not only benefit from being able to read text and images with the video magnifier, but can also switch their focus from reading to listening easily with this device. Simply capture any document with its fixed camera and let ONYX OCR instantly convert its captured image into high quality speech output; making this feature especially helpful if reading becomes burdensome due to eye strain.

Handheld video magnifiers with text to speech capabilities are also widely available, ranging in sizes from pocket-size handhelds to larger magnifiers with 10-12 inch screens. They provide spot magnification that provides convenient on-the-go access to enlarged print for tasks such as reading price tags at grocery stores or signing credit card slips, signing credit card slips or solving crossword puzzles – including individuals with limited mobility who may find using handhelds easier.

Both the Compact 10 HD and the Compact 10 HD Speech can be easily operated by individuals with mild to moderate low vision, using their large touch screens and instant on/off capability similar to that of smartphones. They instantly power on, making use instantaneous. Furthermore, each 10″ unit provides more than 50% more display area than 7″ units for an optimal reading experience and maximum word coverage – particularly crucial at higher magnification levels.

The Compact 10 HD Speech features an indicator at its base to help pinpoint exactly where to position documents for text to speech capture. Simply position, activate text to speech and relax while it reads out aloud your full page document – or any amount of text – aloud!

The Compact 10 HD and the Compact 10 HD Speech provide many other features to make life simpler, such as connecting with a PC or external monitor for enlargement, saving images and OCR documents, customizing contrast settings and screen tracking lines, as well as setting speech rates – giving users maximum performance out of their device.

Battery Life

Battery power in portable desktop video magnifiers is an essential consideration. Most models will require some source of energy in order to operate, typically an AC adapter or batteries. A quality device should offer sufficient use before needing recharged or replaced – some desktop magnifiers offer high contrast black-and-white settings that allow more detailed reading while conserving battery life.

Video magnifiers offer several advantages over purely optical magnification devices, particularly optical lenses. While optical lenses require the object in focus to produce magnification effects, which may lead to distortion and loss of clarity as magnification increases. With video magnifiers however, objects may be moved freely across a wider area while still producing clear images; this allows greater range of activities for those living with macular degeneration or low vision impairments.

Portable desktop video magnifiers can help individuals with low vision maintain independence in everyday tasks at home and the workplace, such as reading newspapers, maps, menus, recipes, prescription medication labels and more. They’re great tools to bring with them on trips and travels so they can read price tags at grocery stores, sign checks or read mail – and their lightweight foldable design allows convenient portability.

Portable solutions also often allow people with low vision the option of connecting a desktop computer, such as a tablet or laptop, for increased productivity and versatility. Working on a large monitor with additional software applications may make it easier for them to engage in hobbies they love while keeping up with daily responsibilities such as work or hobbies.

The Compact 10 HD Portable Electronic Video Magnifier features a large HD screen with user-friendly controls, folds together like a laptop and features autofocus and magnification range adjustments; five default and 27 customizable color modes as well as adjustable reading lines and masks make this magnifier an excellent option. Anyone needing a portable desktop magnifier with touch-screen technology and full page text-to-Speech should take note.