Ash Technologies Prism AF Focus Digital Microscope Inspection System User Manual

Ash Technologies Prism AF Focus Digital Microscope Inspection System

Product Information

The Prisma AF is a camera-based document reader designed to assist individuals with reading difficulties. It is equipped with various features such as zoom, magnification, and autofocus to provide clear and detailed images of text.

Package Contents

Your Prisma AF package should contain the following items:

• Prisma AF camera and table
• Power supply
• Output cable
• Reading mat
• Allen key for adjusting the hinge tension

Please retain the packaging for potential service or repair needs.

Installation

1. Insert the output cable into the rear of the camera.
2. Plug the SCART connector into the television* and power on the television.
3. Plug the transformer into a wall socket.
4. Plug the power connector into the socket located mid-way along the output cable.
5. You should now have an image on the TV. If not, use your TV’s remote control or control panel to switch to Video or power on the Prisma AF.

If your TV does not have a SCART input, you can use the trailing phono cable to plug into the yellow video input jack on your TV. If you do not have a SCART input on your TV, you can use the trailing phono cable to plug into the yellow video input jack on your TV

Camera Positioning

Raise the camera so that it is approximately 25 to 30 cms above the table. Adjusting the camera too far or too close to the text may result in incorrect focusing.

The light can be rotated as shown. It should be adjusted so that it shines on an area centred about the camera’s image.

Controls

The Prisma AF has several controls for operating its features:

• Power: Press the button to turn the power on. A blue image will appear on your TV, and after a few seconds, the camera’s picture will be displayed. Pressing the Power button again will power off the Prisma AF. Push the button to turn the power on. A blue image will appear on your TV and, after a few seconds, the picture from the camera will appear on the TV. Pushing the Power button again will power-off the Prisma AF.
• Mode: Repeatedly pressing the Mode button will cycle through the three available viewing modes.
  • Photo mode – full colour for general viewing.
  • Positive mode – high contrast black on white.
  • Negative mode – white letters on a black background.
• Magnification: Press the Zoom-Up button to enlarge the image and Zoom-Down to reduce the image size. When reading you should generally choose the smallest size that you can read comfortably. The Prisma AF has limits set for each end of the magnification range, but you can override these limits by holding in the zoom buttons though image quality will deteriorate.
• Zoom Up/Down: Press the Zoom-Up button to enlarge the image and the Zoom-Down button to reduce the image size. Choose the smallest size that you can read comfortably. It is possible to override the default magnification limits by holding in the zoom buttons, but this may result in reduced image quality.
• Overview: Press and release the Overview button to make the camera zoom out fully and switch to full-color mode. An X will be displayed in the center of the screen as a location aid. Place the point of interest under the X and press any key to restore the previous magnification level. Overview allows you to easily locate a point of interest on the page you are viewing. Press and release the Overview button to make the camera zoom out fully and revert to full-colour mode. An “X” is displayed in the centre of the screen as an aid to location. Place the point of interest under the “X” and press any key to restore the magnification to the previous level.
• Focus: The camera continuously autofocuses to achieve the sharpest image. However, there is a limited focus range. Adjust the camera’s height if the image appears out of focus. Raising it too high or placing it too low may affect high magnification focusing. The camera will continuously autofocus to achieve the sharpest image. However, please be aware that there is a limited range over which the camera can focus. Raising the camera too high (greater than 30cms from the base of the camera to the page) or placing the camera too low (less than 25cms from the page) will mean the camera cannot focus at high magnification correctly. If the image does not appear to be in focus, try raising or lowering the camera to correct it.
• Brightness: The image brightness can be adjusted to suit your preference. Press and hold the Mode button for three seconds and text of the form “Bri: 3” will appear in the centre of the screen. Use the Zoom Up and Zoom Down buttons to adjust the image as desired. Press Mode again to save the setting. The setting you choose will be saved and used subsequently for that mode of operation.

Using the Prisma AF

Reading with the Prisma AF
Place the Prisma AF on a suitable table near the television and sit in front of it. Ideally the television should be at eye level or slightly below, and the Prisma AF reading table should be level with your elbows when seated. A good reading position prevents problems with your back, neck and arms.

Place the material you wish to read on the reading table, looking at the TV screen to see where you are. Adjust the magnification to suit. Ensure the camera head is horizontal for optimum image quality. Move the book on the table until you locate the top of the page and then locate the start of the text. Simply slide the book side to side and watch the television screen while reading. There is a mat provided with your Prisma AF to facilitate reading heavier materials. Place the mat across the reading table with the rubber side upwards. Place the book on the mat and slide the mat from side to side.

Writing with the Prisma AF
Remove the mat from the table. Place the page under the camera and locate the area of the page where you wish to start writing (the overview function is useful for this). Holding the page firmly, bring your pen, raised well above the paper, until the nib is visible on the screen at the point you wish to write. Lower the pen to the paper carefully and write. You should watch the screen as you write. Locating the Prisma AF camera in a well-lit area will enhance the image available from the unit. If possible, avoid direct overhead lighting as this can cause shadows on the page, leading to shading differences on the screen.

Mirror view
The Prisma AF has a mirror mode that is useful for checking your appearance. The mirror mode engages automatically when you tilt the camera head upwards to face the camera outwards. The unit will switch to photo setting when in mirror mode and switch back to the last reading mode when returned to the reading position. You should try to keep the Prisma AF close to the TV screen for ease of use.

Focus lock
Press Mode and Overview simultaneously to turn off the autofocus facility. Repeat to re-enable autofocus.

Lighting on/off
If you wish to turn off the LED lighting then, with the unit powered off, press Zoom Up and power the unit on. Repeat to allow the lighting to function again.

Sound on/off
The sounds can be disabled by Pressing Zoom Down while powering on the unit. Repeat to enable the sounds again.

Factory defaults
Press Mode while powering-on the Prisma AF to restore factory settings for sound, lighting and brightness settings.

Taking Care of your Prisma AF

Do not touch the lens. Dirt on the lens will appear as a blurred or dim image or as fuzzy spots on the screen. If you believe the lens is dirty, it can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth applying minimal pressure. As the lens is polished and coated, do not use a wet or coarse cloth, avoid detergents and abrasive substances or solvents to clean it. If the hinges loosen with use they can be tightened with the Allen key provided. To do this, pull off the caps covering the hinge screws and insert the Allen key into the screw head. Turn each screw clockwise about a quarter turn – do not over-tighten. Replace the caps. Use only the supplied power supply and inspect the cabling regularly for damage. The power supply is rated for use within your home country – if you wish to use your Prisma AF abroad, consult your distributor first as both voltages and television standards vary throughout the world.

Specifications

As we strive to constantly improve our products, this information is subject to change without notice.

Declaration Of Conformity

We, Ash Technologies Ltd., declare under our sole responsibility that this product Prisma AF, of the brand Ash Technologies to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following standards or other normative documents:

EN 60601-1-2:2007 Medical Electrical Equipment – Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Classification: Residential following the provisions of EMC directive 2004/108/EC.
Signed, for and on behalf of Ash Technologies Ltd,
Alan Johnston,
Engineering Director
Naas, Ireland. 16 October 2009

Warranty

Ash Technologies warrants the equipment, when purchased new, to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will repair or replace at Ash Technologies’ discretion, any equipment which exhibits such defects; provided that the equipment has been operated under the proper conditions of installation and has not been tampered with by any persons not authorised by Ash Technologies or its agents and that it is solely serviced by Ash Technologies or its agents. In no event shall Ash Technologies or its agents be liable for special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages; the original user’s remedies being limited to repair or replacement. This warranty is valid only when serviced in the country of original purchase. Ash Technologies makes no other or further warranty, express or implied, including and warranty of fitness for a specific purpose or warranty of merchantability. This warranty is valid for a period of 24 Months effective from the date of delivery.

For warranty claims or service during or after warranty period please contact your distributor.

Ash Technologies Limited, B5, M7 Business Park, Naas, Ireland.
[email protected]
www.ashtech.ie

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