Abstract: A healthcare communication system can include a patient terminal having a keyboard unit with message keys for transmitting different ones of one or more programmed messages, and alphanumeric keys for composing messages. The patient terminal can be communicatively linked to a patient terminal display for presenting the programmed messages and composed messages. Each of the message keys can include identifying indicia associated with a programmed message transmitted upon selection of the message key. The patient terminal keyboard also can include one or more destination keys for specifying one of multiple destination addresses within the healthcare communication system for delivering individual ones of the messages.

Abstract: A monitoring system in kit form to retrofit to motorcycles or other vehicles that do not have self canceling turn indicators and as an aid to the hearing impaired. After the kit is installed, when the indicators are activated, the device vibrates in the operator's seat alerting the operator that the indicators are in an active state. This also allows the operator to keep his eyes on the road. Once the indicators are inactivated, the device stops vibrating. The device also is coated protect the electric motor and cables from the elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for refreshable tactile output of information from a computer, includes using a movement actuator to move in unison along a first dimension a plurality of tactile elements that can be touched by a user of the tactile output. Based on data received from a computer processor, a particular tactile element of the plurality of tactile elements is locked with a corresponding lock actuator of a corresponding plurality of lock actuators different from the movement actuator. The method and apparatus allow a low cost, highly reliable movement actuator to be employed that does not substantially exceed the size of the tactile output area.

Abstract: In a method for individualized training of hearing aid users a number of hearing training courses are stored in a databank. An individual user profile is acquired in a training device. A transmission of the hearing training data from the databank to the training device and/or vice versa ensues via a data network before or during the implementation of the hearing training. The training thus ensues adapted to the respective user profile by means of one or more individualized hearing training courses.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a fabric and switch units coupled to the fabric. Each switch unit includes a capsule containing an electrically responsive liquid, wherein the electrically responsive liquid causes the capsule to increase in rigidity in response to application of an electric field to the electrically responsive liquid. Each switch unit also includes one or more switches coupled to the capsule, wherein a selected pressure applied to the capsule activates or more of the switches underneath the capsule. The keyboard apparatus also contains electrical conducting lines connected to the switch units.

Abstract: A system for the secure access of individuals belonging to a community to Internet resources, comprising a dedicated keyboard provided with an identification means suitable to identify it when accessing a web site, and an automatic URL calling means suitable to force a browser coupled with said keyboard to open a web page the URL of which is supplied by said keyboard, the system further comprise one or more web pages the access from which is limited to specific predetermined web pages, the access to the World Wide Web from such pages being precluded.

Abstract: Displaying information to a user which includes categories of information to be displayed. The categories are displayed with each color representing a specific category, where the different categories can include at least an alarm category and a non-alarm category. Colors are selected for the two categories which can be perceived by both red dichromats and blue dichromats, and in this way, many colorblind individuals will still be able to discern between alarms and non-alarms.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: Rotational member (310) with plural tactile pins (301) movable up-and-down for displaying characters is rotated by rotation driving means. Elastic O-rings (370) are provided in the rotational member (310) for pressing and holding the pins (301). Actuators (320) brought to contact the pins (301) are provided nearby the rotational member (310) for positioning the pins (301) at desired heights from a tactile surface. Cam (330) brought to contact with the pins (301) is provided also nearby the rotational member (310) for positioning the pins (301) at the reset position or height. Furthermore, selectively actuating means is provided for selectively actuating the actuators (320). Owing to such arrangement, a continuous tactile pin display apparatus can be reduced in size, weight and cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information input/output device for visually impaired users whereby the visually impaired users can easily obtain information for the operation and perform the operation without confusion. This device comprise a braille output unit having a plurality of projectable dotted portions and which enables output of a plurality of braille patterns by controlling the projection of the dotted portions, and a recognition means which recognizes that an operation concerning the braille patterns output by the braille output unit is input when the braille output unit is pushed within a predetermined period of time after the braille patterns are output by the braille output unit. When the user inputs an operation concerning the braille patterns, the user pushes the braille unit in which the braille patterns are output.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for an actuator and display using one or more shape memory springs. A shape memory spring is heated and urges a pin to a first or extended position. The pin may be supported in the first position by a supporting mechanism. The shape memory spring is heated electically, and in some embodiments under the control of a processor. The present invention may be used to display information provided in a user interface from a computer program, including text, numerical data, and graphical images.

Abstract: A toy for teaching sign language includes a body with a thoracic portion and a lower limb portion that are movable between rotated and stationary positions. The present invention further includes metacarpals provided with a wire frame passing therethrough, which makes them flexible for defining various sign language movements. The present invention further includes a facial section with an oral section that is adaptable to provide various expressions via a wire frame. The facial section further includes eyebrow sections that are adaptable to a corresponding position as the oral section changes shape. The present invention may further include a simulated hearing aid and fastener for removably affixing the hearing aid to the facial section.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting a simultaneous, overlapping display of a coded message and its translation as a single, integrated graphic presentation in any visual medium, that provides quick and full comprehension. It may be used advantageously, for example, to provide an immediate translation of telephone numbers displayed as letters or words in advertising, wherein the letters correspond to numerals found on a telephone keypad or rotary dial.

Abstract: A portable print reading device includes a high resolution digital camera to which the following additional functions have been added: image centering by tactile or sound information, obtained from the analysis or real time video signals provided by the camera sensor, optical recognition of the characters contained in an image, conversion of recognized text into synthetic speech, conversion of recognized text into Braille, positioning of the reading cursor anywhere inside documents recognized and temporarily stored in the reading device memory: beginning of a page, a paragraph, a line, word search, etc., processing of raw images provided by the camera to allow the transfer of whole images or selected image parts to a tactile graphic array, to allow blind users to apprehend graphic elements of such an image, and control of the camera functions by electrical signals provided by the recognition of commands spoken by the user.

Abstract: This invention discloses a communication device to facilitate the communication abilities of speech-impaired individuals. In particular, the communication device is designed to offer those speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capacities the ability to communicate quickly and unambiguously.

Abstract: A Braille pin has three parts sharing a common longitudinal axis. A first part has a first breath and includes a rounded tip felt by a user. A second part has a noncircular transverse cross-section and has a breadth greater than the first breadth. A first shoulder is formed by the juncture of the first and second parts. A third part has a third breadth less than the second breadth. A second shoulder is formed at the juncture of the second and third parts. A pinhole has first, second, and third sections that respectively receive the first, second and third parts of the pin. The first shoulder limits upward pin travel by abutting an overhang at the juncture of the first and second pinhole sections. The second shoulder limits downward pin travel by abutting a step at the juncture of the second and third pinhole sections.

Abstract: Single dot tactile reading module including a tactile dot, driven by a rotation of a cam around its axis, either directly or through a pair of levers. A shape memory alloy wire is attached on one hand to a rod which ends can slide in slots cut in internal faces of the cam, on the other hand to a rod held in a fixed position at the bottom of the tactile module. The wire contraction, produce by Joule heating, rotates the cam which in turn moves the dot up or down depending on the direction of the rotation. The wire cooling, accelerated by a heat sink allows the return of the wire to its initial length with help of a spring which pushes the rod from one end to the opposite end of the slots the cam being prevented from rotating by a locking spring having two stable positions, one corresponding to the up position of the dot, the other to its down position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a visual language to be used on the multipurpose of a information input/output at the information age, in particular, relates to a visual language based on Braille and alphabets for providing the visually handicapped with easy access method to the information and the ordinary persons with applications including various methods as well as replacement of the barcode, for inputting/outputting the previous Braille and alphabets by indicating them with color lattice, saturation lattice, brightness lattice, figure and patter and for printing out with a normal print. The present invention receives several Braille, extracts a predefined property and a value thereof corresponding to each of the several Braille cell, and indicates the extracted the value accumulatively according to a predefined way.

Abstract: An element (10) comprises sealed cavities (24) arranged according to a regular pattern. Each cavity (24) contains a product such as a wax which changes in volume, in reversible fashion, when a given temperature threshold is crossed, together with an individual heating organ (26). The cavities (24) are separated from the front face (10a) of the element by a mobile or deformable organ (38). A separate piloting for each of the heating organs (26) makes it possible to make the relief of the front face (10a) of the element evolve in controlled fashion. Such an element can be used to re-transcribe, in relief, tactile (visually handicapped) or visual information.

Abstract: A magnetic writing instrument designed to allow people with hand tremors to write and draw with increased clarity. Consisting of a stylus attached to a base at an appropriate writing angle. The base houses a magnet and accommodates three caps of varying thickness to match the resistance needed with the users tremors. There is also a metal writing base that interacts with the magnet. The paper or writing stationary is placed between the metal writing base and the writing instrument.

Abstract: A method enabling at least one blind user to perceive a form using at least one sensory stimulator including creating at least one virtual sensor having a multiplicity of analysis fields; displacing the virtual sensor with a pointing device on or towards the form; and controlling a sensitive element of the sensory stimulator with each analysis field to enable perception of the form with the sensory stimulator by modifying the state of each sensitive element; and a device for implementing the method, including a computer with a memory in which the form is contained, the computer being optionally associated with a display screen; a pointing device; and at least one sensory stimulator.

Abstract: A user interface by which contents of what is being processed can be confirmed with the sense of touch is provided. On a first surface of a portable phone, first piezoelectric devices are arranged, and on a second surface of the portable phone, second piezoelectric devices are arranged. When radio waves are transmitted, a displacement is generated from the first and second last piezoelectric devices at the same time when radio waves are transmitted from an antenna, and the displacement moves in sequence to the piezoelectric devices of the upper portion. When the displacement moves to the first and second initial piezoelectric devices, a displacement is generated repeatedly from the first and second last piezoelectric devices, and is continued until the other party to which a call is being originated responds.

Abstract: A Braille reading apparatus has a base unit presenting a planar upfacing surface and a traveling Braille character carriage. A cover unit is engaged with the base unit and provides a flexible membrane covering the upfacing surface and the carriage. The character carriage is enabled for moving across the base unit and provides plural character read units in linear sequence between its opposing ends. Each of the read units provides Braille character presentation in contact with an underside of the membrane, whereby, a page of Braille is readable through tactile contact, moving between the opposing ends of the character carriage over an outside surface of the membrane, as the character carriage moves over the base unit scanning from one end to the other.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to help visually impaired people read paper-based documents are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving information of the readers, scanning in the paper-based document, analyzing the scanned document and re-rendering the scanned document based on the information of the readers. The method may further include printing the re-rendered document.

Abstract: A communication apparatus, such as a mobile phone, for demonstrating non-audio messages by encoded vibrations. The communication apparatus has an encoding module and a vibrating module. In addition to handling audio communication, the encoding module of the communication apparatus is capable of encoding non-audio messages into a vibration signal, and the vibrating module will vibrate in different patterns according to the vibration signal, such that a user can identify the non-audio messages by tactile sense.

Abstract: An audio information transmitting apparatus for transmitting audio information to a human body, comprises an audio signal generating unit in which an audio signal is generated based on inputted audio, an audio information recognizing unit in which the audio signal is recognized as audio information, a vibration signal generating unit in which a vibration signal is generated based on the audio information, a vibration transmitter for transmitting mechanical vibration based on the vibration signal, wherein the vibration signal generating unit modulates a carrier signal having a predetermined frequency based on a predetermined pulse-like pattern corresponding to the audio information so as to generate the vibration signal.

Abstract: A writing aid for helping to steady a hand of an individual to allow the individual to write in a more steady manner has a writing pad. The writing pad has a magnetic layer. A writing instrument is provided wherein the writing instrument has at least one magnet coupled to a bottom section of the writing instrument. The magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic layer will steady the hand of the individual using the writing aid. The writing instrument is adjustable so that the individual can adjust a distance a writing tip of the writing instrument is deployed. By adjusting the length of the writing tip that is deployed, the individual can adjust the magnetic attraction between the magnet at the bottom section of the writing instrument and the magnetic layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Braille cell being of compact design and having low power consumption. The novel Braille cell is based on the bending characteristics of electroactive polymers to provide hydraulic actuation of a Braille dot. As such, the bending mechanism of the electroactive polymer actuator is transferred to the linear motion of the Braille dot. Additionally, to reduce power consumption, a latching and support mechanism is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for refreshable tactile display are disclosed, the apparatus being preferably embodied as a rotating-wheel refreshable Braille reader. The reader includes a housing having a reading aperture with a rotatable wheel assembly maintained therein so that a display surface of a rotating wheel passes the reading aperture. The wheel has endless rows of openings defined therethrough to the display surface, a pin held in each opening and freely movable therein. Actuators, at least equal in number to the rows of openings but substantially fewer in number than the openings, are held at a static location relative to the wheel for selectively moving pins in the rows so that Braille characters are arrayed at the display surface after passing the static location. Braille characters are thus streamed across the reading aperture of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is further directed to a refreshable display system with a flexible surface, with one application being a refreshable Braille display systems for use as a monitor for computer systems.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.

Abstract: A signaling device for disabled persons uses a pneumatic system comprised of a special cushion, an air bleed to ambient, and a sensitive air-pressure sensor. The cushion may also serve as a head, limb, or body support. The cushion is foam-filled and self-inflating, and is capable of supporting static loads without the need for its being pressurized. A user initiates the generation of a signal by bumping the cushion, as for example with a backwards jerk of their head or a sideways kick of a limb. The resulting momentary surge in system pressure is sensed by the air-pressure switch, which is set to trip at 1/1000 of an atmosphere. The momentary closing of the contacts of the pressure switch are used to signal other assistive appliances, such as computer software for generating text.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes an arithmetic unit for generating a brain wave pattern based on a brain wave signal obtained from a driver's head, for comparing the generated brain wave pattern with a plurality of brain wave patterns pre-stored in a control processing unit, when there is a match between the generated brain wave pattern and one of the plurality of brain wave patterns pre-stored in the control processing unit, for identifying an operation description associated with the one of the plurality of brain wave patterns, and for reading corresponding control data so as to generate and deliver a corresponding control signal that causes a vehicle-mounted apparatus to carry out an operation specified by the associated operation description to the vehicle-mounted apparatus based on the control data.

Abstract: A communication assist device that includes, among other features and elements, a cover carried from a strap and that incorporates a stylized outside covering imprinted with a preselected pattern indicia for improved appearance. The device further includes a plurality of releasably or fixedly bound and transparent pocket pages having an accessible interior pocket or interstice sized to receive one or more of a plurality of indicia sheets. The sheets are preferably to be retained in the interior pocket during use to be observable through the sheet material.

Abstract: System and method to enable blind people to detect and access hyperlinks within Braille documents. A proximity sensing foil placed under a Braille page senses the position of a reader's fingertips and provides coordinates of the sensed position. A workstation computes the distance between the sensed position and the predefined positions hyperlinks the page is known to contain, which are initially stored in a hyperlink table. When the user's fingertips are positioned over a hyperlink, the computed distance is less than a threshold value, in which case an acoustic signal alerts the user that a hyperlink is present. The user may then access the hyperlink.

Abstract: A display device which displays image information in a form perceivable by a blind person. For this purpose, the display device has a plurality of areally arranged elements (1), which are individually actuatable, and an actuation device for actuation of the elements (1), whereby through the elements (1), electronic image information (7) fed into the evaluation device (16) is tangibly represented through the elements (1). The actuator elements may be arranged areally on a flexible substrate (13), which are individually actuatable, whereby through the actuator elements (11), vibrations and/or heat and/or electrical impulses can be generated.

Abstract: A spatial awareness device comprising at least one receiver adapted to receive a selected form of radiation and operatively coupled thereto at least one tactile responsive element. The received radiation can be converted into a tactile map spanning at least in part a limb of an individual such as a hand or foot.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for an actuator and display using one more shape memory springs. A shape memory spring is heated and urges a pin to a first or extended position. The pin may be supported in the first position by a supporting mechanism. The shape memory spring is heated electically, and in some embodiments under the control of a processor. The present invention may be used to display information provided in user interface from a computer program, including text, numerical data, and graphical images.

Abstract: A tactile feedback device includes a plurality of tactile elements. At least one of the plurality of tactile elements includes a movable member and an expandable substance positioned adjacent to the movable member. The movable member is displaced to provide tactile feedback in response to the expandable substance being expanded.

Abstract: An element (10) comprises sealed cavities (24) arranged according to a regular pattern. Each cavity (24) contains a product such as a wax which changes in volume, in reversible fashion, when a given temperature threshold is crossed, together with an individual heating organ (26). The cavities (24) are separated from the front face (10a) of the element by a mobile or deformable organ (38). A separate piloting for each of the heating organs (26) makes it possible to make the relief of the front face (10a) of the element evolve in controlled fashion. Such an element can be used to re-transcribe, in relief, tactile (visually handicapped) or visual information.

Abstract: A robot-arm telemanipulating system that presents an operator auditory information converted from a part of information on operating status of the robot arm (hereinafter referred to as “telemetry data”) transmitted from a distant position from the operator, so that a burden imposed on the operator can be alleviated. The telemanipulating system includes a sound source for simulatively generating an operating sound of the robot arm under telemanipulation, capable of variably controlling at least one of key, volume and tone of the operating sound by sound source control data input from outside; a telemetry data analyzing unit for analyzing telemetry data transmitted from the robot arm, and controlling the sound source by generating sound source controlling data corresponding to a load amount applied to the robot arm; and an audio output unit for presenting the operator the operating sound generated by the sound source in a form of auditory information.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of devices in response to biopotentials produced by gestures made by a user. The apparatus includes a sensor (22) applied to the user for producing an input signal representing the biopotentials, wherein the input signal changes as a function of chances in the biopotentials. A plurality of bandpass filters (28, 30, 32) are responsive to the input signal, and each of the filters produces respective frequency signals. A processor (38) is responsive to the frequency signals from each of the filters and generates control signals in response to gestures made by the user to command operation of a device (40). A method is also provided that analyzes the high frequency signals with respect to a plurality of gesture models to detect a plurality of gestures being made by the user and then, provides control signals to a device (40) for controlling the device in response to a plurality of gestures made by the user.

Abstract: This invention discloses a communication device to facilitate the communication abilities of speech-impaired individuals. In particular, the communication device is designed to offer those speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capacities the ability to communicate quickly and unambiguously.

Abstract: A portable print reading device includes a high resolution digital camera to which the following additional functions have been added:

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for a special object such as a handicapped individual and/or special equipment with access to and from telecommunications and computer controlled equipment. The equipment being such as to let it be known of the special object being in a particular moving or still environ, and requiring special attention from and/or by others entering or located in that environs The special object, handicapped person or special equipment is made known to those in the environ so as to protect/preserve/serve that object, individual, special equipment, and/or to others entering or located in that environ. The equipment transmits an alarm type signal that a handicapped individual or special equipment is in the environ. The computerized apparatus/method being adapted to be responsive to particular sensations, seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, etc., which are operational in the particular handicapped individual.

Abstract: Single dot tactile reading module including a tactile dot, driven by a rotation of a cam around its axis, either directly or through a pair of levers. A shape memory alloy wire is attached on one hand to a rod which ends can slide in slots cut in internal faces of the cam, on the other hand to a rod held in a fixed position at the bottom of the tactile module. The wire contraction, produce by Joule heating, rotates the cam which in turn moves the dot up or down depending on the direction of the rotation. The wire cooling, accelerated by a heat sink allows the return of the wire to its initial length with help of a spring which pushes the rod from one end to the opposite end of the slots the cam being prevented from rotating by a locking spring having two stable positions, one corresponding to the up position of the dot, the other to its down position.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for educating an individual with the skills necessary to perform a new job, as well as providing the individual with practical work experience by providing the individual with work to perform, where the work is capable of being performed by someone having the individual's skill level.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automating the insertion of spherically and non-spherically shaped members on an architectural sign face into pre-drilled holes in the sign corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the reservoir pan to a spindle and hammer assembly whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by the spindle and hammer in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: A voice recognition device and method allows position-stabilized capture of spoken sounds with great repeatability and accuracy. The voice recognition device may additionally provide two channels of lip movement information to supplement the usual audible speech component recognition system in selecting the proper pairing of data input to text output. The voice recognition device may provide a further channel of information about the speech generating motions via an ultrasonic injection of sound into the vocal cavity and subsequent decoding of the emitted sound after injection. The ultrasonic injection and decoding may also used to provide audible clues as to the unvoiced sound formed by speaking when the vocal cords are not energized. The ensemble of electronic equipment upon the bail band may be in microcircuit form, including placing the components on a copper layer polyimide flexible strip.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching sign language to a student. The method includes pre-recording a presentation on a medium. The presentation has an instruction portion wherein instruction related to a plurality of sign language signs is given, and a game playing portion wherein each of the plurality of signs is presented for recognition by the student. The medium is configured to be displayed on a display device, such as a video player or computing device. The method also includes providing a gaming surface having a plurality of symbols thereon, each of the plurality of symbols corresponding to a sign language sign presented in the game playing portion of the presentation. The method further includes instructing the student to record, in response to each sign displayed during the game playing portion of the presentation, the presence of the symbol corresponding to the displayed sign on the gaming surface.