Stereo Copying System
Completion of a Stereo Copying System for The Blind
--Enlargement-Reduction Type--
It has long been a dream that pictures,maps,graphs,and the like could be easily raised so the blind would be able to feel them with their fingers. The stereo copying system realizes this dream, and represents a great advancement in the dissemination of information to the blind and to people with weak sight. The Asahi Shimbun, the Reuter's News Agency and NHK(the national broadcasting corporation) have reported, "The stereo copying system developed by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co.,Ltd.revolutionizes the life of the blind," and "The blind can now see pictures and graphs."
As you may readily surmise,numerous patent applications covering this system are being established in various countries of the world.
Structure of the Stereo Copying System
(1)Capsule Paper
Capsule paper, which is the core of this system,is a special paper (Size A4 and B4) onto which hundreds of millions of thermally-formed microcapsules have been uniformly coated. These thermally-formed microcpusules have been developed by our company for the purpose of stereo printing and of reducing the weight of various materials. These microcapsules, which are supplied in wheat flour-like form, will instantly expand to hundreds of times the original size upon absorbing the energy of light or heat.
The expansion takes place at approximately the same rate as would be required to blow a pingpong ball into volley ball size. These microcapsules have been modified in many ways to be used on the capsule papers.The color and thickness of the capsule paper are similar to those of Braille paper.
Remarks
1.The word "stereo" here means three-dimensional,raised.
2.A4:210mm X 297mm
B4:257mm X 364mm
(2)The Stereo Copier
This is a copier developed for the stereo copying system but it is capable of copying with ordinary paper. Therefore, it is a stereo-office hybrid copier
It is also capable of producing enlarged and reduced copies.
Stereo Copier
(3)The Stereo Copy Developing Machine
This is a machine which produces stereo images by thermally treating the capsule papers.
Stereo Copy Developing Machine
The stereo copying system consists of the above three points.
Specifications
Stereo copier
Size: Width 650mm Depth 653mm Height 480mm
Weight: 59Kg
Max Consumption of Electric Power: 1.5KW
Stereo Copier Developing Machine
Size: Width 407mm Depth 485mm Height 378mm
Weight: 26Kg
Max Consumption of Electric Power: 1.2KW
(The specificsations expressed above are designed for domestic-use shipments here in Japan).
Capsule Paper
Size: A4 (210mm X 297mm), B4 (257mm X 364mm)
The normal time required to turn a sheet of capsule paper into a stereocopied sheet with raised parts is approximately 15 seconds.