VisionAid ReadEasy Evolve User manual

Standard User Manual
English - Version 1.2
Copyright © 2022, Visionaid International Ltd, all rights reserved.

2
Table of contents
General description......................................................................................4
Improvement program................................................................................4
Ownership and intellectual property.........................................................5
Safety .............................................................................................................6
Box contents .................................................................................................7
Unpacking......................................................................................................7
Carry Handle .................................................................................................8
Positioning for use .......................................................................................8
Camera ..........................................................................................................9
Plugging in.................................................................................................. 12
Turning on / off.......................................................................................... 13
LED lighting on / off................................................................................... 14
Audio........................................................................................................... 15
Volume adjustment ................................................................................ 15
Headphone socket and headphones ................................................... 15
Positioning documents for capture ........................................................ 16
A4 page (US Letter) document positioning.......................................... 16
Larger format documents...................................................................... 17
Cylindrical objects (e.g. tins) .................................................................. 18
Positioning Tips....................................................................................... 18
Controls ...................................................................................................... 19
Capturing a document ........................................................................... 20
Navigation................................................................................................ 21
Table navigation...................................................................................... 22

3
Speech Control........................................................................................ 22
Cycle recognition profiles ...................................................................... 23
Main menu ................................................................................................. 24
Recognition profiles................................................................................ 24
Menu settings.......................................................................................... 27
Advanced Settings .................................................................................. 27
1. Date and time ............................................................................... 27
2. ReadEasy camera calibration...................................................... 27
3. Features management................................................................. 28
4. Sentence break ............................................................................. 28
About........................................................................................................ 28
Languages .................................................................................................. 28
Upgrading software .................................................................................. 34
FAQ and Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 35
Terms and conditions of sale................................................................... 37
Appendix A: Technical Information......................................................... 38

4
General description
Congratulations on choosing the ReadEasy Evolve MAX digital capture
reading system.
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX combines ease of use with the highest
accuracy, best quality speech output and the world’s fastest full page
text recognition. It can capture and read any printed material up to A3
in size, such as letters, bank statements, newspapers, food packaging
etc. and reads the text aloud using natural sounding voices.
Improvement program
Users are the best people to help us further improve and develop our
products so if you have any ideas or suggestions, no matter how
small, please do contact us:
Email:
[email protected]
Post:
ReadEasy Evolve MAX Suggestions
Visionaid International Ltd.
Bridge Lodge
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 3AU
United Kingdom
Phone:
[phone]
Thank you and enjoy your ReadEasy Evolve MAX reading machine!

5
Ownership and intellectual property
The software installed on the ReadEasy Evolve MAX makes use of
third-party software libraries that are redistributed under their own
respective licenses.
•Copyright (C) 2000-2015, Intel Corporation, all rights reserved.
•Copyright (C) 2009-2011, Willow Garage Inc., all rights reserved.
•Copyright (C) 2009-2015, NVIDIA Corporation, all rights reserved.
•Copyright (C) 2010-2013, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., all rights
reserved.
•Copyright (C) 2015, OpenCV Foundation, all rights reserved.
•Copyright (C) 2015, Itseez Inc., all rights reserved.
•Third party copyrights are property of their respective owners.

6
Safety
Pacemaker safety guidelines
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX contains magnets in the main unit and the
camera arm. The optional Wireless Control Pad with Control Pad
Simplifier also contains magnets. It is not recommended to put any of
these items on or near your chest if you have a pacemaker fitted.
If you have a pacemaker, please consult the manufacturer’s guidelines
for safe operating distances.
Do not place any of the ReadEasy Evolve MAX near inadequately
shielded medical devices.
General safety guidelines
•Please handle the ReadEasy Evolve MAX with care as rough
handling may damage internal components and will void your
warranty.
•Always operate the unit in a place where the temperature is
between 10°and 35°C (50°and 95°F). Do not expose to excessive
heat, cold or direct sunlight.
•Keep the unit away from wet areas, rain and other sources of
fluid, moisture and chemicals. Do not submerge the unit.
•Do not attempt to repair the unit; any unauthorised attempt will
void the product warranty. Please contact your distributor.
•Use only the supplied power adapter.
•Always unplug the ReadEasy Evolve MAX before cleaning. Only
use a soft cloth to clean the exterior. Do not use cleaning agents
or abrasive materials as they will damage your unit.
•Use of the ReadEasy Evolve MAX other than as described in this
manual will exclude it from warranty.

7
Box contents
Your ReadEasy Evolve MAX box contains the following items:
1. ReadEasy Evolve MAX digital capture reading system.
2. ReadEasy Evolve MAX camera (stored in the back of the ReadEasy
Evolve MAX).
3. Power brick and power cable.
4. Quick Reference Guide.
5. This User Manual.
6. Over ear headphones.
7. Optional Wireless Control Pad (if Keypad Feature Pack
purchased).
If any of these items are missing from your box, please contact your
local distributor immediately.
Unpacking
Lift out the cardboard tray containing the power brick (in its own box),
power cable, headphones and documentation.
Then lift the ReadEasy Evolve MAX out of the box and carefully
remove its side packaging.
Place the ReadEasy Evolve MAX onto a stable flat surface where it is
going to be used.
If you have purchased the optional Feature Pack, the Wireless Control
Pad will also be included. Remove this if present and required.

8
Carry Handle
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX features an integrated grey carry handle
making it safe and easy to move from room-to-room.
The carry handle is built into the top of the unit. It sits flush when not
in use. By lifting the handle into its raised position, it is easy to grasp
and move the unit.
You can lower the handle back down by gently pushing it down until it
sits flush with the unit.
Positioning for use
When placing the ReadEasy Evolve MAX onto a surface for use, ensure
it is clean, flat and large enough to position the items you wish to
read.
Ensure that the unit is not directly underneath any bright lighting, as
this could affect its accuracy when reading glossy documents.
Slide upwards

9
Camera
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX features a unique, magnetised, easy
release camera system. The camera needs to be placed into the
camera slot before capturing your reading material.
Removing the camera from its stored position
The camera is stored within the ReadEasy Evolve MAX, at the back of
the unit, along the bottom. With the ReadEasy Evolve MAX facing
towards you, run your fingers 1 inch (2.5cm) up the back of the left
edge. You will feel a half circle shaped cut-out. Push the camera head
backwards using this recess and fully remove it.
Unfolding the camera
With the camera removed from the unit, it then needs to be unfolded.
When the camera is folded, the part of the camera that will insert into
the unit is slightly shorter. It
also has a rectangular USB port
which sits flush with the bottom
of the shorter section.
Unfold the camera (90 degrees)
so it is ready to be inserted into
the camera position.

10
Plugging in the camera
The slot for the camera (coloured silver) is located on the top of the
ReadEasy Evolve MAX unit, at the front, 1.4 inches (3.5cm) from the
left-hand side. The slot has a spring-loaded dust cover.
With the shorter arm (containing the USB port) facing downwards and
the other part of the arm facing towards you, angle the camera head
a few degrees forwards and slowly insert the camera into the camera
slot.
The camera will slide down approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm).
Once in position, you may need to apply a small amount of
downwards force to connect the camera fully. As you do you will feel
it positively locate into position.
The camera will only go into its
slot one way round and it does
not require much force so please
insert it carefully.
Camera slot

11
Un-plugging the camera
There is no need to un-plug, fold and store the camera after each use.
This only needs to be done when transporting the unit.
To disconnect the camera, grasp it firmly on the upright part (above
the camera slot). Place your other hand on the main unit itself and
then pull the camera upwards. If you pull the upright part slightly
towards you (with a small amount of force) as you lift it upwards, it
reduces the force needed to remove the camera.
Returning the camera to its stored position
With the camera removed, gently fold the camera in at the hinge by
holding onto both sections. Then return it to the back of the unit for
safe storage in the opposite way to which you removed it.
It magnetises back into position and will only correctly fit one way
round, with the shorter edge facing towards you and the rounded
hinge to the left.

12
Plugging in
1. Plug the power cable into the power brick.
2. Plug the tip of the power brick into the ReadEasy Evolve MAX’s
power socket. With the ReadEasy Evolve MAX facing towards you,
run your index finger up the back of the unit on the far left-hand
side. 2.5 inches (6cm) up, you should feel a round area with a
round recess. This is where the tip of the power cable is inserted.
3. Insert the mains plug into a wall socket & ensure it’s switched on.

13
Turning on / off
To turn on the ReadEasy Evolve MAX, ensure it is plugged in, the
mains power is switched on and that the camera is connected. Then,
press and release the on / off button. It is located on the top of the
ReadEasy Evolve MAX, 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the back and 1.25 inches (3
cm) from the right edge. It is a round button which is recessed in a
round hole.
Once pressed and released, the on / off button will illuminate in blue.
After 3 seconds, an audible beep will sound (if the volume is up) and
15 seconds after that the ReadEasy Evolve MAX will announce it is
ready.
To turn the ReadEasy Evolve MAX off, press the on / off button again.
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX will announce that it is turning off.
IMPORTANT
If you wish to unplug the unit after turning it off, please either
wait 10 seconds after it announces “Goodbye” or ensure the
blue power LED is no longer lit, to ensure it is fully off.
On / off button

14
LED lighting on / off
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX’s camera is optimised to work in low light
levels without its integrated LED lighting.
By default, its LEDs are turned off. In most scenarios should be kept
off. They should only be switched on if there is very low ambient light.
If capturing a glossy document, using the integrated LED lighting can
cause reflections which may impact the speech accuracy. Therefore, if
you are having difficulties with glossy documents, ensure the
ReadEasy Evolve MAX’s LED lights are switched off.
The lights are controlled by a rocker switch. This is located on the
underside of the camera arm approx. 1.25 inches (3 cm) from the
back of the head, in the middle.
To switch the light on, rock the switch to the right. To switch off, rock
the switch to the left.
Light On
Light Of
f
Lighting Rocker Switch

15
Audio
Volume adjustment
To increase or decrease the volume, raise or lower the vertical volume
slider. This is located on the right edge of the machine, 1.5 inches (4
cm) from the back.
Headphone socket and headphones
The ReadEasy Evolve MAX includes a pair of over ear headphones.
They have a standard 3.5 mm audio jack connector.
The loudspeakers will automatically mute as soon as the headphones
are plugged in. To alter the headphone volume, use the volume slider.
The headphone socket is located on the right-hand edge of the
machine, 3 inches (8 cm) from the front and 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) up
from the bottom.
Volume
slider
Headphone
socket

16
Positioning documents for capture
With the ReadEasy Evolve MAX powered up and the camera
connected, you are ready to read a document.
ReadEasy Evolve MAX captures an area of approximately 17.3 inches x
13 inches (440mm by 330mm) which is larger than A3 paper size. This
ensures all of your document will be captured. Please keep the whole
capture area free of any other objects or text to ensure it doesn’t
capture and any unexpected pieces of text.
A4 page (US Letter) document positioning
Place the top edge of the A4 (Letter) sized document you wish to read
in-line with and up against ReadEasy Evolve MAX.

17
Larger format documents
Fold out the integrated A3 positioning guide, located on the right edge
of the unit, at the bottom. There is a finger cut out, 3 inches (7 cm)
from the front and the guide pivots outwards, 90 degrees towards
you so that it is in line with the front of the unit.

18
Newspapers
For tabloid newspaper pages, orient the page in landscape (long edge
running left to right). Now place the long edge up against the front of
the ReadEasy Evolve MAX and slide it so that the right edge of your
document is aligned with the edge of the positioning guide.
Double A4 spread (e.g. magazine)
Open the magazine fully and ensure the pages are relatively flat. Place
the top edge up against the front of the ReadEasy Evolve MAX and
slide it so that the right edge of your document is aligned with the
edge of the positioning guide.
Thick books, packets or boxes
For the best results, centre the object under the middle of the
camera. This is especially important if the object is thick, to ensure all
of the object and text can be seen by the camera.
Cylindrical objects (e.g. tins)
Generally, for best results, place the object directly under the centre of
the camera. The part of the object you wish to read needs to be facing
upwards towards the camera. This means you may have to rotate the
tin and re-capture it several times before it is recognised acceptably.
Please note that reflections on cylindrical objects cause more of an
issue so if text is not read accurately, try moving the tin around the
capture area before re-capturing.
Positioning Tips
For the absolute best accuracy, try to centre the document under the
camera. The camera is located at the front of the camera arm. This
may help with extremely small text (5pt), poorer quality print
documents or if the document is very thick.

19
Controls
The main controls are all located on the top edge of the unit at the
front. There are 6 tactile buttons.
Each button’s colour, location and shape is fully described later in this
section.
Faster
Quick press: Previous
sentence
Press & hold: Previous
word & s
p
ell on release
Quick press: Next
sentence
Press & hold: Next
word & s
p
ell on release
Slower Play /
Pause
Faster & slower
simultaneously:
Chan
g
e Voice
Quick press: Capture
Press & hold: Table mode
(e.
g
. bank statements).

20
Capturing a document
Capture (quick press)
To capture a document and have it read aloud, ensure you have a
document under the camera and then press the green rectangular
button. This is the furthest button to the right and it has a raised
tactile line at the bottom of it.
ReadEasy Evolve MAX features an intelligent motion detection system
that will not allow your document to be captured if it is moving. This
allows you time to press capture and position your document
underneath ReadEasy Evolve MAX with both hands (e.g. for a book).
Your document will be captured after a safe amount of time after the
last movement was detected.
An audible “beep” will be emitted while movement is
being detected.
To override this function and force ReadEasy Evolve MAX
to capture your document, press Capture again.
Your document will start being read aloud a few seconds later.
Capture as table (press and hold)
To capture documents with tabular information (like bank
statements), simply press and hold the capture button until
“Capturing as table” is announced. This is the furthest button on the
right. This forces ReadEasy Evolve MAX to read across the columns of
information.
You may no longer need to do this as the ReadEasy Evolve MAX now
features automatic table detection with improved navigation. This is
detailed in “Table Navigation” on page 22.