Image of a computer screen with the OpenBook logo on it with the software box sitting to the left of the monitor.

OpenBook

This scanning and reading system instantly converts printed materials to speech or large print output on your computer, giving you access to what you need to read, whether it’s a book, classroom assignment, bill, or PDF document.

 

Scanning and Reading Software

OpenBook converts printed documents or graphic-based text into an electronic text format on your PC, using high-quality speech and the latest optical character recognition (OCR) technology. This innovative software designed to enhance success for people who are blind or have low vision who need access to printed and electronic materials. OpenBook and the PEARL document camera create a complete scanning and reading system for work, home, and school.

 

Features:

  • Support for Windows® 8.1 and Windows 10
  • Convert printed text to natural, human-like speech in many languages
  • Powerful optical character recognition provides editable text
  • Scan bound books and maintain pagination
  • Powerful low vision features tailor the appearance of text on the screen, including font style, size, character spacing, and colors
  • Lightning-fast OCR with the PEARL document camera
  • Automatic page capture for efficient document acquisition
  • Versatile document navigation and management tools maximize your productivity

 

Business and Classroom Features:

  • Enhanced ability to search for and download books and other materials from the Internet
  • Full support for listening to DAISY and other audio files
  • Add comments and highlighting for increased productivity
  • Emboss Braille documents directly from OpenBook
  • Export to other applications like Microsoft® Word®
  • Common key commands with JAWS® and MAGic®
  • Built-in photocopy functionality

 

OpenBook System Requirements

To use OpenBook scanning and reading software, you need a personal computer running Microsoft® Windows® with the following:

Specification Minimum Requirement
Operating System All 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows® 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Server® 2008
Processor speed 500 MHz Intel® Pentium® or faster
Memory (RAM) 256 MB (512 MB recommended)
Required hard disk space 1.2 GB (on the drive containing the Program Files and Windows folders)
Video 256 color graphics
Sound Windows compatible sound card
Keyboard 104 key keyboard
Acquisition device A TWAIN or WIA-compatible flatbed scanner or a Freedom Scientific camera
CD ROM Drive

PEARL – Compatible Portable Reading Camera

You can read more about the PEARL, compatible portable reading camera, fully functional with OpenBook, here