Devices

Light Probes and Colour Sensors

Light probes indicate the presence of light by a change in audio or tactual output. The most common devices use a photocell which controls the frequency of an audio signal; the pitch of the output is dependent on the amount of light reaching the photocell. A passive light probe reacts to external light sources, but the active type includes a light source so it can measure the reflectivity of a surface.

A passive probe is useful for a totally blind person in determining whether a bathroom light has been left on. It can also be useful for detecting indicator lights such as on a telephone.

An active probe can be used to detect the position of the print on headed notepaper before inserting the sheet into a typewriter. Another application is to differentiate between darker and lighter colours or plain and striped neckties.

Table comparing products and prices

Brytech Inc
600 Peter Morand Crescent, Suite 240, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5Z3, Canada.
Tel: +1 613 731 5800
Fax: +1 613 731 5812
Email: inquiries@brytech.com
Web: www.brytech.com

Color Teller
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Determines colours and shades. It also has an ability to tell whether a light is on or off. Its single button operation is easy to use, always ready and never needs to be switched off. Color Teller announces all the common colors, plus many tints and shades like pink, pale blue-green, dark brown and vivid yellow. It has three volume levels, English, French and Spanish language selection, two levels of color announcement detail and operates with the single press of a button. Color Teller comes with operating instructions in large print and on audio CD, protective case with a belt-loop, wrist strap, long life battery and a six-month warranty.
Price: US$155.00
Last updated: 21/02/2008

CareTec
Studenbastei 1, A-1010 Vienna, Austria.
Tel: +431 513 80 81 0
Fax: +431 513 80 81 9
Email: office@caretec.at
Web: www.caretec.at

LumiTest
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Has a passive mode in two different sensitivities and an active mode. Light is transformed into approximately 1000 different acoustic signals which the user can easily learn while using the device:
high brightness is transformed into high acoustic signals, low brightness into low signals; natural light into uniform, artificial light into a somewhat piercing signal. Experienced users can use the LumiTest to check if the sky is bright or overcast, if an illuminated diode is green or red (by use of a special filter within the LumiTest-Top) or to find the position of the full-moon in the sky on a clear night. The active mode tells the user the position of the letterhead, if the printer has properly printed a document, if a given dress is bright, dark or patterned etc. Requires 2 AAA batteries.
Length: 165mm Width: 27mm Height: 16mm
Weight: 0.06kg
Price: €94.50
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Colorino
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Detects more than 150 different nuances of colours, announcing them in a clear voice - available in 20 language options. Offers 3 volume levels and the option to use headphones. The light probe function detects sources of light and different acoustic signals enable the user to differentiate between natural and artificial sources of light. Requires 2 AAA batteries (supplied). Easily accessible battery compartment.
Length: 110mm Width: 39mm Depth: 21mm
Weight: 0.85kg
Price: €199.00
Last updated: 21/02/2008

ColorTest Standard
Can detect more than 1700 different colours. Other functions include: colour measurement; colour analysis, light probe function, contrast / brightness measurement; battery status measurement; volume control; announcement of time and date; stopwatch; alarm clock; appointments; thermometer and games. Available in 15 different languages.
Length: 158mm Width: 39mm Depth: 20mm
Weight: 0.107kg
Price: €894.00
Last updated: 21/02/2008

ColorTest Memo
Can detect more than 1700 different colours. Other functions include: colour measurement; colour analysis, light probe function, contrast / brightness measurement; battery status measurement; volume control; announcement of time and date; stopwatch; alarm clock; appointments; thermometer; games; Euro-identification; dynamic measurement; chess clock; dictaphone; personalised appointments and personalised colour codes. Available in 15 different languages.
Length: 158mm Width: 39mm Depth: 20mm
Weight: 0.107kg
Price: €997.00
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Cobolt Systems Ltd
The Old Mill House, Mill Road, Reedham, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 3TL, UK.
Tel: +44 1493 700172
Fax: +44 1493 701037
Email: cobolt@compuserve.com
Web: www.cobolt.co.uk

Talking Colour Detector
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Very light and easy to use, this device has a wide range of useful applications from checking the colour of clothes to the ripeness of fruit while shopping! Simply select one of the three available volume levels and hold the front of the unit against almost any surface - paper, cloth, wood, plastic etc and the colour will be spoken. The device uses our own high quality speech system and is available speaking in several languages. Supplied with a clip on cover to protect the sensors when being carried in a pocket and an earphone which turns the speaker off to avoid disturbing others. The cover clips onto the back of the case when the device is being used. The case has been ergonomically designed for both right and left handed use and can be held comfortably in several different ways. Powered by 1 x PP3 9v alkaline battery (supplied).
Price: £49.95
Last updated: 31/02/2008

Hokkei Industries Co Ltd
432 Imahira-machi, Matto, Ishikawa 924-0827, Japan.
Tel: +81 76 276 2600
Fax: +81 76 276 3838
Email: info@hokkei.co.jp
Web: www.hokkei.co.jp/en/index.html

Color Talk
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Position Color Talk on the surface of the material of which you want to know the color, and press the button. The sensor identifies the color referring to the registered colors and a voice informs you of its name. Includes two modes for color identification: fine mode for precise information and simple mode for rough information. Can recgonise hues and saturations of color. Color Talk is a compact unit which works with AAA (LR6) batteries, so you can carry it anywhere and anytime. Since the unit calibrates itself when it is used, the correct information for each color is given. Units with languages other than English are also available.
Length: 150mm Width: 58mm Height: 20mm
Weight: 0.175kg
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Independent Living Aids Inc
200 Robbins Lane, Jericho, New York 11753- 2341, USA.
Tel: +1 516 937 1848
Fax: +1 516 937 3906
Email: can-do@independentliving.com
Web: www.independentliving.com

Beeping Pocket Lightprobe
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This is a small, pocket-sized lightprobe with a keychain. The tone it emits varies with the intensity of the light, the colour shades and whether the light is artificial or natural. It can be used to identify light spots in electronic devices. Battery included.
Ref: #447275
Price: $23.95
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Vibrating Pocket Lightprobe
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This is a small, pocket-sized lightprobe with a keychain. The vibration it emits varies with the intensity of the light, the colour shades and whether the light is artificial or natural. It can be used to identify light spots in electronic devices. Battery included.
Ref: #447280
Price: $47.95
Last updated: 21/02/2008

National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, USA.
Tel: +1 410 659 9314
Fax: +1 410 685 5653
Email: nfb@nfb.org
Web: www.nfb.org

Light Sensor
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Push the button towards the direction of the light and a buzzing will sound if a light is on. Uses two AA batteries (included).
Ref: AIG20S
Price: $20.00
Last updated: 21/02/2008

PSB Engineering Pty. Ltd.
22 Carbon Crescent, Mill Park, Victoria 3082, Australia.
Tel: +61 3 9408 8055
Fax: +61 3 9408 8066
Email: psbeng@jeack.com.au
Web: www.jeack.com.au/~psbeng/index.htm

Audible Light Sensor
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This handheld device will produce an audible tone, which varies in pitch and volume depending on light levels. A useful product that can be handy in the home, office or work situation. Can be used to check light indicators on appliances such as Video Cassette Recorders, Answering Machines, Ovens, Battery Chargers etc. Can be used to differentiate between yellow, green and red LED colours on equipment. Detect if television & stereo remote controls are operating. Locate globe function in rooms, lamps, refrigerators lights etc. Check if Curtains and Blinds are drawn properly for added privacy.
Ref: 00174
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Audible Light Sensor with Print Locate Function
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This handheld device will produce an audible tone, which varies in pitch and volume depending on light levels. A useful product that can be handy in the home, office or work situation. Can be used to check light indicators on appliances such as Video Cassette Recorders, Answering Machines, Ovens, Battery Chargers etc. Can be used to differentiate between yellow, green and red LED colours on equipment. Detect if television & stereo remote controls are operating. Locate globe function in rooms, lamps, refrigerators lights etc. Check if Curtains and Blinds are drawn properly for added privacy. Identify the print side of a sheet of paper when scanning, copying or faxing. Can be used to tell which side of a cheque has the print side on it when a signature is required. The device also responds to different levels of reflected light and can detect differing shade in pictures and in simple patterns & drawings.
Ref: 00173
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Vibrating Light Sensor
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This handheld product will vibrate when pointed towards a light source. The vibration varies according to the amount of light picked up by its sensor. A useful product for the visually impaired and those with little or no hearing. Useful for checking light levels in rooms and for checking curtains and blinds for privacy. Can be used to check light indicators on appliances such as Video Cassette Recorders, Answering Machines, Ovens, Battery Chargers, Computers etc. Also available with belt clip.
Ref: 00158
Last updated: 21/02/2008

RNIB
105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE, UK.
UK Customer Services Tel: 0845 702 3153
UK Customer Services Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk
Overseas Customer Services Tel: +44 1733 37 5400
Overseas Customer Services Email: exports@rnib.org.uk
Online Shop: www.rnib.org.uk/shop

NB: Some of the RNIB products have two prices where they have been specifically designed or adapted for disabled people. The lower price excludes VAT and applies to blind and partially sighted people resident in the UK and exempt from paying VAT and to UK charities buying on their behalf. Where one price is displayed this applies to all customers and includes VAT of 17.5%.

There is a separate catalogue available for overseas customers. If you have any enquiries, please contact RNIB Exports Department on +44 1733 37 54 00.

Vibratory Light Probe
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This light probe has the ability to detect the presence of light directly from a light source. It is particularly useful for deafblind people as the user receives feedback by means of a vibratory signal which changes frequency according to the change in light intensity. It can be used to tell if an electric light is on, for example, or to check the status of indicator lights on some equipment such as cookers and videos. It is a self-contained unit which is powered by a 9 volt PP3 battery (supplied).
Length: 155mm Width: 37mm
Weight: 0.98Kg
Ref: DH158
Price: £24.50; £28.79
Last updated: 21/02/2008

Spektra v.d.n.
Zatisska 915, 143 00 Praha 4, Czech Republic.
Tel: +420 2 41774675/41763416
Fax: +420 2 41774673
Email: info@spektravox.cz
Web: www.spektravox.cz

Liquid Level and Light Indicator
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A liquid level and light indicator in one. Designed for every day life. Liquid level or light detection gives a buzzer signal.
Last updated : 21/02/2008