Abstract: A computer-implemented method for dynamically calibrating a virtual Braille keyboard implemented on a touch screen is provided. The virtual Braille keyboard includes a plurality of virtual keys each associated with a corresponding finger of a user and with a variable key location on the touch screen. The method includes detecting typing events, each involving one or more of the fingers of the user contacting the touch screen at corresponding touch locations and defining one or more active fingers for the typing event. The method also includes updating, in real-time, the variable key location of the virtual key associated with each active finger in view of the corresponding touch location detected during a current one of the typing events. A computer-implemented method for reinitializing a calibration of a virtual Braille keyboard for a single one of the two hands of a user is also provided.

Abstract: A single-unit portable Braille device is provided that can include a housing and a touch-sensitive surface provided on the housing and configured to implement a virtual Braille keyboard including a plurality of virtual keys each associated with a key location on the touch-sensitive surface. The virtual Braille keyboard is configured for entry of input Braille data from a user contacting the touch-sensitive surface at one or more of the key locations. The portable Braille device also includes a refreshable Braille display provided on the housing and configured for outputting output Braille data for tactile reading by the user, and a processing unit in the housing and configured to receive the input Braille data from the touch-sensitive surface and to transmit the output Braille data to the refreshable Braille display. In some implementations, the portable Braille device includes a visual display located under the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for dynamically calibrating a virtual Braille keyboard implemented on a touch screen is provided. The virtual Braille keyboard includes a plurality of virtual keys each associated with a corresponding finger of a user and with a variable key location on the touch screen. The method includes detecting typing events, each involving one or more of the fingers of the user contacting the touch screen at corresponding touch locations and defining one or more active fingers for the typing event. The method also includes updating, in real-time, the variable key location of the virtual key associated with each active finger in view of the corresponding touch location detected during a current one of the typing events. A computer-implemented method for reinitializing a calibration of a virtual Braille keyboard for a single one of the two hands of a user is also provided.

Abstract: A single-unit portable Braille device is provided that can include a housing and a touch-sensitive surface provided on the housing and configured to implement a virtual Braille keyboard including a plurality of virtual keys each associated with a key location on the touch-sensitive surface. The virtual Braille keyboard is configured for entry of input Braille data from a user contacting the touch-sensitive surface at one or more of the key locations. The portable Braille device also includes a refreshable Braille display provided on the housing and configured for outputting output Braille data for tactile reading by the user, and a processing unit in the housing and configured to receive the input Braille data from the touch-sensitive surface and to transmit the output Braille data to the refreshable Braille display. In some implementations, the portable Braille device includes a visual display located under the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A cartridge for use by print-disabled users to play digital audio content and a player having a receptacle for receiving the cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes a random-access digital storage device storing the digital audio content and having a connector providing access to the digital audio content; and a casing permanently housing the digital storage device and allowing access to the connector of the digital storage device. The casing has a form facilitating handling of the cartridge by the print-disabled users which includes bevelled edges, and has dimensions comparable to dimensions of a standard compact audio cassette. Preferably, the cartridge has a hole extending through the casing at its back end and a sloped surface on the bottom side of the casing at the back end. The receptacle has a form and shape facilitating insertion of the cartridge therein. It has a lower surface defining an elevated ramp along which the cartridge slides as it is inserted into the player.

Abstract: A user interface for an audio book player is provided. The user interface includes a number of primary keys for accessing primary functions of the player, the primary keys disposed in a primary zone of a top surface of the player, a number of secondary keys for accessing secondary functions of the player, the secondary keys disposed in a secondary zone of the top surface, and a tactile separation element separating the primary zone from the secondary zone. Each of the primary and secondary keys may have a specific tactilely-recognizable shape and label associated with it.

Abstract: A cartridge for use by print-disabled users to play digital audio content and a player having a receptacle for receiving the cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes a random-access digital storage device storing the digital audio content and having a connector providing access to the digital audio content; and a casing permanently housing the digital storage device and allowing access to the connector of the digital storage device. The casing has a form facilitating handling of the cartridge by the print-disabled users which includes bevelled edges, and has dimensions comparable to dimensions of a standard compact audio cassette. Preferably, the cartridge has a hole extending through the casing at its back end and a sloped surface on the bottom side of the casing at the back end. The receptacle has a form and shape facilitating insertion of the cartridge therein. It has a lower surface defining an elevated ramp along which the cartridge slides as it is inserted into the player.