>From: Timothyrsimpson@aol.com
>Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 01:33:53 EST
>Subject: Thhimble Eye
>To: dandrews@visi.com
>X-Mailer: Windows AOL sub 125
>
>
>Dear Sir:
> Over the past several years I have been developing a device that can be
>worn on your finger and will allow you to feel printed information.
> The device will be small and contain no moving parts or computer. When
>placed on the material to be read it will turn the black on a page or display
>into small pulses that you can feel. These pulses are such that they should
>not cause the wearer any harm nor will they suffer sensory fatigue.
> With a short training period the user will be able to read one letter at
>a time. In order to stay on a line of text there are indentations on the
>sides that will provide guiding signals. The first and ring fingers rest on
>the sides and help guide the reader. The middle finger fits inside the
>“Thimble Eye”.
> I ask that you help make this idea a reality.
> Once a person has a “Thimble Eye” they will experience a new freedom.
>The world of printed material will be wide open to the user. Non-embossed
>Braille, even musical notation can be read. Vision impaired musicians now
>have to read music in Braille which is very difficult. The tactile output
>could be used to generate a virtual display screen for the vision impaired.
> I know that a lot of people will want one. I have a letter from a
>designer stating that hundreds of people would love to test the prototype.
> The building of the first-generation unit will allow me to also develop
>the second-generation device. It will be smaller, use less power and have a
>recharger base station. The unit will come with a display so that the user or
>their trainer can see what the user feels on their fingertip. A trainer can
>be anyone who can read the display.
> Once I can show a prototype to my group of investors I will be on my way
>to getting Thimble Eye to market.
> The initial costs include: Buying parts, producing the printed circuit
>boards, design and fabrication of the housing, assembly and testing.
> Thank you for your kind consideration and I hope you can help me find
>funding for a much needed device that will open the world of printed
>information to everyone.
>
>
> Sincerely yours,
> Timothy R. Simpson
> Simpson Musical
> 503-230-7776
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