Münster (Germany) – July 7, 2009

July 14 – 16, 2009, New Bingley Hall, 1 Hockley Circus, Hockley, Birmingham B18 5BE

German start-up "elumo GmbH" introduces "TextScout", a software which turns a suitable customary mobile phone into a mobile reader. After the successful launch of the reading mobile phone in Germany, elumo now presents the brand new English demo version at Sight Village Birmingham. This exhibition of technology and services for people who are blind or partially sighted will be organised by the Queen Alexandra College Birmingham.

Until recently text recognition systems for visually impaired people were very expensive and available only stationary, so that they could be used merely in the domestic sphere or at work. With "TextScout" newly founded "elumo GmbH" offers a reading system on a
mobile everyday device. Thus visually impaired people or illiterates may now enjoy access to text in everyday life at any time, en-route and independent from external help.

With the integrated camera of the mobile phone, the user takes a picture of a piece of text which is then recognised instantly and is read out automatically by the mobile phone. The application spectrum is varied. Users can independently read posters, leaflets
and magazines or sort their mail without external help. At the supermarket, they can read labels and price tags.

The voice user interface of "TextScout" is tailored particularly to the needs of blind users. A special alignment assistant supports blind users through vocal commands. It helps to choose the correct angle for taking the picture and informs the user if the text is cut off,
twisted or too far away. The results may be saved on the phone or sent to the user’s email account.

In Germany "TextScout" is already available. The English version will be obtainable in autumn, but you already have the opportunity to test a demo version at "QAC Sight Village Birmingham". You are very welcome to visit us at our booth for a live demonstration.

"elumo GmbH" develops innovative electronic aids for blind, vision impaired and illiterate users. It was founded in March 2009 by Christian Bott and Martin Lautzas and is based in Münster, Germany. Their first product "TextScout" is a reading mobile phone. The project
started in 2007 when Christian Bott devised a prototype during his diploma thesis. It was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the EU and has received numerous awards.

Contact:

Martin Lautzas (Managing Director)

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: +49 (0)251 - 980 242 - 1
Mobile: +49 (0)1577 -537 52 93
Fax: +49 (0)251- 980 242 - 9

elumo GmbH
Mendelstraße 11
48149 Münster
Germany
www.elumo.net

www.textscout.eu