These 2 video tutorials will help you learn how to read text with the OrCam MyEye. There is also information on how to change your device's volume and reading speed.
We recommend going through these video tutorials in the order presented, so you can learn to use your device as easily and quickly as possible. Start with 'Setup Video Tutorials' and continue here with the 'Reading Video Tutorials', then 'Vocal Commands' and so on. You will find at the end of each section the link to the next recommended video tutorial(s).
Jump to Reading Video 1: Navigation (Stopping, Pausing and Skipping)
Jump to Text: How to Change Volume
Jump to Text: How to Change Reading Speed
Jump to Reading Video 2: Text reading
Reading Video 1: Navigation (Stopping, Pausing, and Skipping)
To get the video tutorial to play, click on the video image below.
How to Change Volume on the OrCam MyEye
There are a few different ways to control the volume on your OrCam MyEye.
We will begin with swiping for now, and in the upcoming tutorials you will learn how to adjust the volume with the vocal commands and the option of controlling the volume using the app.
Swiping.
- To increase the volume by one level, swipe your finger forward along the touch bar, in the direction of the camera.
- To decrease the volume by one level, swipe your finger backward along the touch bar, in the direction of the speaker.
- OrCam MyEye will announce whether the volume level was raised or lowered, as well as when you reach the minimum or maximum volume level.
Note: You cannot change the volume while the device is reading. Performing the swipe action during reading will cause the device to read either the next or previous sentence, like in the video.
The images below show visually how to swipe to adjust volume.
How to Change Reading Speed on the OrCam MyEye
There are a few different ways to control the reading speed on your OrCam MyEye.
We will begin here with the easiest ways:
1. Vocal Commands
- Double-tap the touch bar. You will hear a long beep.
- Say "Read Faster" or "Read Slower."
- OrCam MyEye will then adjust the reading rate accordingly by one level.
- Repeat this process until the device reads at a comfortable speed.
- In addition to the traditional double-tap of the touch bar, you may simply say, "Hey OrCam, Read Faster" or "Hey OrCam, Read Slower".
- OrCam MyEye will then adjust the reading rate accordingly by one level.
- Repeat this process until the device reads at a comfortable speed.
(You can check out the other options here, but these are not necessary right now to start learning how to read with the OrCam MyEye)
Reading Video 2: Text Reading
To get the video tutorial to play, click on the video image below. Alternatively, you can skip ahead and read a text explanation directly below the video.
Below is a text explanation with images for what is conveyed in the MyEye reading video tutorial above.
There are 5 ways to read with your OrCam MyEye device:
1. Jump to reading with the pointing gesture.
2. Jump to reading with the touch bar.
3. Jump to reading with automatic page recognition.
4. Jump to touch reading.
5. Jump to Smart Reading.
When to use this option: for reading specific sections of text, especially in more complex text layouts, such as a magazine article, newspaper article, or computer screen (all of which typically have advertisements, sidebars, etc).
Using the pointing gesture for these works because it hones the device’s attention in on the specific block of text you are pointing.
When not to use this option: for reading simple texts such as a printed letter, memo or book pages. For these touching the tap bar or automatic page recognition are best.
- Hold or place the text in front of your face at a distance of about 12 inches (30 cm).
- Use the pointing gesture on the text area you want OrCam MyEye to read. Make sure your finger is in the middle of the column around a half-inch (1 cm) below the top of the section you want OrCam MyEye to read.
- When you hear a double beep, remove your finger from the text.
- You will hear a camera shutter sound as OrCam MyEye takes a picture of the text
- OrCam MyEye will make several beeps as it processes the text.
- OrCam MyEye will then begin reading the text around 3 lines above from where your finger pointed and chime when done.
2. Reading with the Touch Bar.
When to use this option: for reading a whole page or 2 pages side by side, as well as other simple texts, such as a printed letter or memo.
When not to use this option: for reading more complex text layouts, such as a magazine article, newspaper article, or computer screen. If you try use the tap of the touch bar to read these, the device will attempt to read everything in view, which will usually not result in a productive or efficient outcome. For these the pointing gesture is best.
- Face the text you want OrCam MyEye to read.
- Touch the touch bar once. You will hear a single beep.
- You will hear a camera shutter sound as OrCam MyEye takes a picture of the text.
- OrCam MyEye will make several beeps as it processes the text.
- OrCam MyEye will then begin reading the text and chime when done.
3. Automatic Page Recognition.
When to use this option: for handsfree reading of simple text layouts, like a whole page of a book or 2 book pages side by side, as well as other simple texts, such as a printed letter or memo.
When not to use this option: for reading more complex text layouts, such as a magazine article, newspaper article, or computer screen. If you try to use automatic page recognition to read these, the device will attempt to read everything in view, which will usually not result in a productive or efficient outcome. For these the pointing gesture is best.
- Automatic Page Recognition is disabled by default. To enable this option, simply say, "Hey OrCam. Enable the Auto Page recognition". To disable it, simply say, "Hey OrCam. Disable the Auto Page recognition" (after you give the device the instruction, wait 3-5 seconds for the device to respond).
- When Automatic Page Recognition is enabled, the device will read any text that it sees, therefore it is recommended to only enable it when required.
- Face the text you want OrCam MyEye to read.
- Hold your position for approximately 3 seconds.
- You will hear a camera shutter sound as OrCam MyEye takes a picture of the text.
- OrCam MyEye will then begin reading the text and chime when done.
4. Touch Reading.
For reading and browsing specific lines of text, such as in menus or newspaper headlines. This can take a little longer to master, and needs the user to have a certain amount of vision. We recommend focusing on the first 3 reading skills first.
- Hold or place the text in front of your face at a distance of about 12 inches (30 cm).
- Point and hold your finger directly under the text you want to read using the OrCam MyEye pointing gesture until OrCam MyEye beeps twice.
- OrCam MyEye will then begin reading from about 3 lines above your finger.
- To read a new section, slide your finger up or down, without lifting your finger, to a new spot on the page.
- The camera will follow your finger to the next section you want to read.
- OrCam MyEye will then double beep and start reading from the new location.
5. Smart Reading.
Smart Reading gives you many options to find specific information on a page.
Since Smart Reading needs to you have a good foundation and understanding of how to use vocal commands, we'll focus on these first in the next video tutorials.
You'll also learn how to tell the date and time. Then Smart Reading will follow.
We recommend you practice and feel confident with the first 3 reading options covered here before you continue with the vocal commands learning and Smart Reading.
Up next: Vocal Commands Video Tutorials for MyEye
Previous: Setup Video Tutorials for MyEye
Have more questions?
The OrCam Userspace is our online community and a great place to ask, share experiences and meet other OrCam users.
You can also reach out to our team and we'd be happy to help: submit a case.