The Finger Reader

Now this is one invention I am super excited about. Since I came across a news article about it a few weeks ago, I've been thinking of all the ways I could use it and how beneficial it would be to the vision impaired.

The FingerReader is a prototype developed by MIT and is a ring which reads printed text. It really is incredible. Personally, I despise using any magnifiers in public, so I struggle to read things or ask for help. My mind has come up with countless uses for the FingerReader:

  • I could actually read the menu for once, instead of making it up!
  • I could actually read the price on tags when shopping, especially clothes, so no excuses for spending too much money!
  • When I go to sign various forms, I could read through the document myself instead of relying on a dodgy person who really just wants my signature!
  • I could tell who the mail is for, instead of opening everyone's mail!
  • And the list goes on....
Personally, I don't find magnifiers useful for the above situations. I find that they are usually large, draw attention and time consuming as it takes time to focus on what I'm trying to read. 

I look forward to the progress of the FIngerReader and really hope it come to fruition in the near future.

Check out the MIT website.