[Reading machines for the blind].

Direct conversion reading machines for the blind with tactile and acoustic information output were analyzed. It is shown that direct conversion machines are simple enough, inexpensive and may be recommended for individual use. But an effective use of them requires a protracted period of learning. The present state and future prospects for constructing reading machines with vocal information output (machines with letter-wise recognition and the ones capable of synthetizing the speech) are enquired into. These machines are shown to help reach a greater reading speed, but are of a more complex nature.