What Is A Braille Embosser?

Date First Published: 7th July 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 4/10

CONTENTS

Difference Between A Braille Embosser and A Standard Printer

Learn about what a braille embosser is in this article.

A braille embosser, also known as a braille printer, is a type of printer that outputs text as braille cells rather than standard ink text. After printing, this allows people with visual impairments who cannot see words written on a page to access hard copies of their work.

Braille systems are a form of assistive technology and are made up of a rectangular 'cell' of 6 dots. Each dot arrangement represents a different letter or number and the braille embosser works by embedding raised dots onto a piece of paper instead of using ink or toner. This enables people with visual impairments to use their fingers to feel what is written instead of reading with their eyes. Like inkjet and laser printers, braille embossers can be used for personal use at home or for professional organisation use.

The contents of a document must first be translated into braille characters to produce a braille document. This process is usually handled by braille translation software, which may be open-source or paid, rather than the braille embosser itself. The braille translation software works by reformatting the document into the characters, line length, and page length required by braille embossers. Once the document is ready, the braille printer is then sent the list of characters to print. Braille embossers can connect to computers using a USB or Wi-Fi connection.

Difference Between A Braille Embosser and A Standard Printer

Usually, braille embossers require special braille paper which is more expensive and thicker than normal paper. Braille embossers also use up more pages for the same amount of information that can be printed on normal paper. But, some advanced braille embossers can print on normal paper.

Although braille systems are very useful for people with visual impairments, they are slower, noisier, and much more expensive than standard printers that print visual media. A decent braille embosser will cost thousands of pounds, around ten times as much as a standard printer, and the price of it will vary, depending on the number of braille characters it can produce in a given period of time.