PC Camera for Severe and Profound Low Vision

Taweekit Nimvorapun, M.D.
Apatsa Lekskul, M.D.
Lertrit Chongmankongcheep, M.D.
*Deparment of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital

ABSTRACT : Objective : To produce a personal computer camera (PCC) for the severe and profound visual impairment patients
Methods : We used a plastic bottle (1.5 L) of aerated water to make a handheld and mounted the PC camera into it. The PCC could project a magnified image onto a monitor of desktop computer. The PCC was portable systems designed for viewing a small character of newspapers (equivalent to J5 or 20/50 of Lea numbers at 16 inches). PPC was created in 6 models. These PCC was connected to USB port of desktop computer which had 15” or 17” screen. Fluores cent lamp was used as a light source.
Result : PCC could electronically magnify up to 15x to 70x on screen 15” and 17x to 75 ? On 17”. PCC displayed 14 to 3 characters on monitor 15” and 17”.
Conclusion : PCC can magnify the characters of newspaper as good as standard CCTV. It is not only simple but also inexpensive.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2004 ; January-June 18(1) : 49-60.