Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the representation of tactile characters, in particular in Braille, comprising tactile elements which are combined in groups, wherein a tactile character consists in each case of a matrix of tactile points, which can be arranged in two adjacently arranged columns of points and at least two lines of points, wherein the four possible combinations of two tactile points of tactile points arranged adjacently in a line of points are in each case arranged on a common tactile element.

Abstract: A tactile communication tool for transforming a user input command into an audio output signal is provided. The tool presents a user with a housing, a plurality of buttons, a sound processing unit with a speaker, and an overlay set with a plurality of tactually discernable non-Braille characters or tactually discernable non-Braille images embossed upon it. The plurality of tactually discernable non-Braille images characters or tactually discernable non-Braille images can be positioned over the plurality of buttons such that when one of the buttons is pressed by a user, the user input command is processed, and an audio output signal is generated. The tool could also be used for providing input to a computer system. The overlay set could also be a plurality of individual tactile overlay keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display module for visually impaired persons. More specifically, the present invention provides a display module for visually impaired persons which provides information such as braille, figures and images by using a plurality of protrusions which vertically moves so that a visually impaired person may obtain information through hand sensation.

Abstract: Embodiments enable forming a friction modified touch sensitive surface on a touch screen panel. In particular, the touch sensitive surface is augmented with two friction modifying materials that are interspersed with one another according to a predetermined pattern on the surface of the touch screen panel as a monomolecular layer. In an embodiment, The materials have indices of refraction that differ from each other by more than 0.10. In another embodiment, the materials have a kinetic coefficient of friction in one or the other range, respectively, of between 0.01 and 0.05, or between 0.06 and 0.1, said kinetic coefficients of friction being measured against printing paper that has a kinetic coefficient of friction of 0.17 with itself. In another embodiment, the materials have a water contact angle of greater than 90 degrees, and an oil contact angle of greater than 30 degrees as measured with n-hexadecane.

Abstract: A haptic glove includes a glove body including a glove digit corresponding to a phalange of a user hand. The glove digit has a pair of flexible tendons, including a first and a second tendon, which are parallel to a bend centerline that bisects a surface of the glove digit. The first and second tendons are positioned respectively on opposite sides of the bend centerline. The haptic glove further comprises an actuator coupled to the glove body and the first and second tendons, the actuator configured to actuate the tendons to control movement of the glove digit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for braille reading using a fingerprint scanner and varying vibration frequencies are disclosed. A method includes: obtaining, by a computer device, data defining a braille cell; identifying, by the computer device, one of six predefined areas of a fingerprint based on the one of the six predefined areas being centered on a fingerprint sensor; determining, by the computer device, a state of a braille dot of the braille cell that corresponds to the one of the six predefined areas of the fingerprint; and generating, by the computer device, one of a first type of vibration and a second type of vibration based on the determined state of the braille dot.

Abstract: A refreshable Braille display device includes a housing having a surface containing a set of tactile markers thereon; a carriage in cooperation with the housing, the carriage having a surface containing a tactile marker thereon and a series of individual refreshable Braille cells positioned above the tactile marker for tactile reading by a user; and a moving mechanism for moving the carriage relative to the housing such that the tactile marker on the surface of the carriage is aligned with one of the tactile markers in the set of tactile markers on the surface of the housing.

Abstract: A braille learning apparatus includes a plurality of slave blocks for receiving braille from a learner, and a master station configured to: receive braille learning information from an external braille learning information terminal, when slave blocks corresponding to a specific braille inputted by the learner are mounted, determine whether the specific braille inputted to the slave blocks match a learning word, and transmit a determination result to the external braille learning information terminal.

Abstract: A device for providing thermoreceptive haptic feedback includes a first array of low mass elements, arranged in a geometric pattern, the array having a first temperature and a first collective thermal effusivity, and configured for selectively contacting a user, a second array of low mass elements, interspersed among the low mass elements of the first array, and thermally isolated from the low mass elements the first array, the array having a second temperature and a second collective thermal effusivity, and configured for selectively contacting a user, and a means for mechanical switching coupled to the low mass elements of the first and the second arrays and configured to place selected low mass elements of the first and the second arrays in contact with a user, to realize a thermal effusivity between the first collective thermal effusivity and the second collective thermal effusivity.

Abstract: The present invention describes a series of embodiments that permit the characterization of digital information (i.e. pixels from screen, data from sensors, etc.) onto analogical tactile air-fluxes perception of such data (such as hue, lightness, saturation, and chromaticity, among others), by using software, hardware and pneumatic embodiments to form an apparatus targeted originally for visually impaired people, but with applications to other types of users as well. Such characterizations are based in the change of three different variables affecting directly each single the apparatus' air fluxes: pressure, frequency and heat. This patent also includes the mode of using any Operating System's windowing elements, such as window's borders, menu, etc., into such representation executed and supplied by the apparatus. The use of a mouse, its movement and clicking are also described as part of this invention.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a tactile braille display that reduces the number of actuators used to position movable pins. In embodiments, the actuators may be configured to move a plurality of movable pins at different times while also being configured to move independent movable pins.

Abstract: A sensory display for experiencing rigidity and local shape in the display is provided. Rigidity and local shape of cells in an array of cells forming the display is controlled by three independent and different control mechanisms. Cell rigidity controllers control the rigidity of the cells. A shape array controller controls the shape of the array of cells. Cell pinning controllers controls the height of the cells. A computer control interface could control the respective control functionalities of each of the controllers. The display experience could be further enhanced with audio, images or video.

Abstract: One variation of a method for controlling a dynamic tactile user interface includes: sensing a capacitance value across a portion of a cavity, a tactile layer defining a deformable region and a peripheral region, the peripheral region adjacent the deformable region, and the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity; estimating a vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region according to the sensed capacitance value across the portion of the cavity; manipulating a fluid pressure within the cavity to modify a vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region according to a difference between the estimated vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region and a target vertical position of the tactile surface at the deformable region; and sensing an input on the tactile surface according to a change in capacitance value across the portion of the cavity.

Abstract: One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate including a first transparent material and defining an attachment surface, an open channel opposite the attachment surface, and a fluid conduit intersecting the open channel and passing through the attachment surface; a tactile layer including a second transparent material and defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region bonded to the attachment surface opposite the tactile surface, and a deformable region adjacent the fluid conduit and disconnected from the attachment surface; a closing panel bonded to the substrate opposite the attachment surface and enclosing the open channel to define a fluid channel; a working fluid; and a displacement device configured to displace the working fluid into the fluid channel and through the fluid conduit to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting.

Abstract: A device, computer program and method for outputting linguistic information. The voice output device, for example, includes an output information acquisition unit acquiring linguistic information and attribute information. Attribute information includes an attribute added to each linguistic element included in the linguistic information. A tactile pattern storage unit stores a predetermined tactile pattern corresponding to each linguistic element. A tactile pattern acquisition unit acquires the tactile pattern from the tactile pattern storage unit. A voice output unit reads aloud the linguistic elements and a tactile pattern output unit outputs, in parallel with reading aloud each linguistic element, the tactile pattern corresponding to the attribute added to the linguistic element, thereby allowing a user to sense the tactile pattern by the sense of touch.

Abstract: A dynamic tactile interface including a substrate including an attachment surface, a cavity, and a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the cavity; a pedestal arranged within the cavity, pivotable within the cavity, and including a mating surface and an exterior surface; a tactile layer including a peripheral region coupled to the attachment surface, a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region and arranged over the pedestal, and a tactile surface opposite the substrate; and a displacement device displacing fluid to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the pedestal pivotable within the cavity between a first position and a second position in the retracted setting, the deformable region flush with the peripheral region in the first position and the pedestal partially elevated out of the cavity and the deformable region defining a second formation tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting.

Abstract: A screen protector is provided with tactile aids for vision-impaired users. The screen protector can be placed on the display screen of a computing device to enhance the out-of-box experience for vision-impaired users and/or guide the user during subsequent use of the device. For example, the screen protector can be configured to be tactilely-informative about how to activate accessibility features of the device and/or how to proceed with initial set-up and configuration of the device. The screen protector may include, for example, braille instructions for activating the accessibility mode and/or a raised or embossed tactile aid that identifies the location of a UI control feature that can be engaged to initiate the accessibility mode or other desired function. Once the user has engaged the accessibility mode, the user may receive verbal instructions and cues going forward so as to allow the user to successfully use the device.

Abstract: Actuators are disposed between a lower wiring substrate and an upper wiring substrate. The actuators, the lower wiring substrate, and the upper wiring substrate are interposed between a lower frame and an upper frame. The end of each actuator is held between pushing parts of the lower frame and upper frame. The free ends of the actuators move projections upward that are displayed in a tactile display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, system and apparatus for a visual and tactile display and in particular, to a tactile and visual display device system capable of displaying both alphanumeric and Braille characters in a manner suitable for individuals that are visually impaired, blind or having normal range vision.

Abstract: The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities.

Abstract: A method for a tactile presentation of perceivable content. The method comprises receiving a data representing perceivable content, selecting a plurality of electric currents according to the data, each the electric current is associated with at least one of a plurality of regions of a solution having a plurality of macromolecules, and changing a level of acidity (pH) of at least one of the plurality of regions by applying a respective the electric current thereto. A proton concentration in the plurality of regions tactilely presents the perceivable content.

Abstract: Methods and systems (100) for tactile code interpretation are described herein. In an embodiment, a tactile code interpretation system (100) includes a tactile code device (102) having a plurality of tactile units (106). Each of the plurality of tactile units (106) includes a tactile code (108) for representing a notation and a corresponding acoustic code (110). The acoustic code (110) encodes information pertaining to a plurality of data blocks. The plurality of data bocks includes a start block corresponding to a start pattern, an end block corresponding to an end pattern, and one or more information blocks corresponding to information pertaining to the tactile code (108). Further, the acoustic code (110), when swiped, generates a unique sound wave to facilitate semantic interpretation of the corresponding tactile code (108).

Abstract: An interactive cooking preparation device is presented. The user places ingredients that the user wishes to use in a recipe. The interactive cooking preparation device detects the ingredients placed by the user in the detection area of the interactive cooking preparation device using sensors. The detection results in a set of ingredient identifiers that correspond to the placed ingredients. A recipes database is then searched for the detected set of ingredient identifiers. The database search results in one or more suggested recipes. The suggested recipes are displayed to the user on a display device that is included in the interactive cooking preparation device. The user then selects one of the suggested recipes.

Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer of a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of deforming a deformable region of the surface into a formation tactilely distinguishable from the surface, detecting a force from the user on a deformed deformable region, interpreting the force as a command for the deformable region, and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.

Abstract: An integrated user interface has a sensory surface operable to receive a selection signal from a user and send a corresponding command signal within a software system. The integrated user interface has a plurality of tactile features operable to provide a user with tactile feedback corresponding to the selection signal received by the sensory surface when simultaneously selected by the user. A method of integrating the hardware and software functionality for a user interface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.

Abstract: To provide improved guidance for visually impaired passengers in lavatory situations on-board of vehicles, a vehicle guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle is provided. The vehicle guidance system includes an interior space on-board the vehicle with at least one lavatory with enclosing cabin walls, and at least one guiding sanitary-handrail. The guiding sanitary-handrail is mounted along at least a part of the enclosing cabin walls inside the lavatory. The guiding sanitary-handrail is provided as a tactile guide. Further, the guiding handrail is provided with visually highlighted information and manually touchable information, both related to cabin information. Still further, a plurality of operating elements for controlling functions of the lavatory is provided inside the lavatory, and at least a part of the operating elements is arranged on the guiding sanitary-handrail.

Abstract: To provide an improved guiding of visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle, a vehicle guidance system for guiding visually impaired passengers on-board a vehicle includes an interior space on-board the vehicle with at least one cabin zone at least one movement area and at least one seating zone located in the cabin interior space, and at least one guiding handrail. The guiding handrail is mounted at least along a part of the cabin zone in the vicinity of the movement area. The guiding handrail is a tactile guide, along which a passenger can be guided for movement within the cabin zone by a touching contact with the guiding handrail. The guiding handrail is provided with visually highlighted information and manually touchable information, both related to cabin information. The guiding handrail is mounted above the seating zone, and within reach of a passenger present in the adjacent movement area.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for facilitating tactile identification of a document attribute. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a document. The document has a set of document attributes. The apparatus also includes a fluid incorporated within the document at a designated location associated with a document attribute in the set of document attributes. The fluid changes rigidity in the presence of an electric field to facilitate tactile identification of the document attribute.

Abstract: An electro-tactile display includes an electrode substrate provided with a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a conductive gel layer positioned between the stimulation electrodes and the skin of a wearer, a switching circuit section electrically connected to the stimulation electrodes, a stimulation pattern generating section electrically connected to the switching circuit, and means for alleviating a sensation experienced by the wearer as a result of the stimulation electrodes. In one aspect, the means for alleviating a sensation is configured from the conductive gel layer. The conductive gel layer has a resistance value equivalent to that of the horny layer of the skin. In another aspect, the means for alleviating a sensation is configured from the stimulation determination means and the threshold value adjustment means.

Abstract: An Electric Wiring Device Marking System which allows attachment of labeled (or non labeled) inserts or stickers in the proper orientation. In some embodiments, a system which utilizes a Post-Installation-Visible Date Stamp. In some embodiments, utilizing labeling which communicate by visual and/or tactile means.

Abstract: A double-sided, front-to-back aligned tactile learning aid is provided, which includes a substantially planar carrier medium with a protruding front tactile graphic aligned with a protruding back tactile graphic. The carrier medium may be one, two, or more sheets of standard paper, thicker Braille-type paper, a polymer material, or other generally planar material. The front graphic and the back graphic protrude from the front and back, respectively, of the carrier medium. At least a portion of the back tactile graphic is aligned with at least a portion of the front tactile graphic. The double-sided, front-to-back aligned tactile learning aid is clearly expressive of (and/or representational of) a physical structure, yet is embodied in a generally two-dimensional planar construction, so is easier to store. The double-sided, front-to-back aligned tactile learning aid may be used as a semi-concrete aid for sighted and visually-impaired students.

Abstract: A textile includes a main material layer and an information carrier including haptically detectable information. The information carrier is arranged as an embroidery including Braille dots applied to the main material layer. The embroidery includes a first ply if the Braille dots arranged as a star-shaped stitching that is stitched onto the main material layer and a second ply of the Braille dots is arranged as a first cover stitching ply covering the first ply and stitched onto one or both of the main material layer and the first ply.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Braille display device. The device supports an array of individual Braille cells with corresponding tactile pins. The pins can be selectively lifted by way of reeds to generate Braille characters that can be felt by the user. The Braille characters can correspond to visible characters, such as characters on a computer screen. The display is refreshable to allow for the sequential display of lines, paragraphs, or pages. In accordance with the disclosure, the Braille cells are constructed in a manner that minimizes manufacturing costs and that also permits the size of the display to be greatly reduced.

Abstract: System for enabling a visually impaired or blind person to use an input device having at least one key, comprising: at least one tactile sensor array, in particular a pressure sensor array, attachable to a fingertip of a visually impaired or blind person for acquiring a pressure distribution image of a key slightly touched by a finger of said person when attached to said finger, a pressure distribution image processing and character recognition unit that is connected to said tactile sensor array for processing said pressure distribution image and for recognizing the key label of the touched key and an audio output device that is connected to said unit for outputting and acoustic reproduction of said key label.

Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and a touchscreen device manipulating user-input elements are provided. Generally, manipulation includes identifying a predefined configuration associated with a request received from a user and/or application, deriving configuration settings from the predefined configuration, and transmitting the configuration settings to an electromechanical device that adjusts a portion of user-input elements to an extended orientation and activates a portion of user-input elements. In embodiments, the extended user-input elements positioned in the extended orientation are activated, while the remainder are set to an idle condition. Typically, the extended user-input elements produce outwardly-extending protrusions expressed at a flexible touchpad incorporated in the touchscreen device. These outwardly-extending protrusions may replicate keys of a standard keyboard and correspond with the presently-running application implemented on the touchscreen device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an improved refreshable tactile display apparatus including a housing, bias compression springs, sliding blocks, pins, and a shape memory alloy wire. The sliding block is actuated by the interaction between the bias compression spring and the shape memory alloy wire. The shape memory alloy wire is then activated by current driven from a power supply in either a modulated or unmodulated fashion.

Abstract: Reusable, PSA labels and related methods. Some labels comprise a layer of PSA and an information layer. The PSA layer defines bond and exposed surfaces wherein the exposed surface is removable and bondable to contact surfaces. Additionally, the information layer defines exposed and bond surfaces wherein the exposed surface is able to receive a (removable) marking. The information layer is bonded to the layer of PSA. Labels can comprise Braille structures on the exposed surfaces of the information layer. Some reusable PSA labels comprise an intermediate adhesive layer so that the bonding is via the intermediate layer. If desired, the bond surfaces of the PSA layers can be on a sub-layer of the PSA layers and can have flow temperatures of no more than about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, labels can have PSA layers that remain flexible at a temperature of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Provided are a contact-force sensor package and a method of fabricating the same. The contact-force sensor package includes an elastic layer comprising a side that contacts a source of a contact-force; and a substrate layer adhered to the opposing side of the elastic layer from the side that contacts the source of the contact-force and comprising a cantilever beam separated from the elastic layer and deformed due to the contact-force, a pillar extending from a free end portion of the cantilever beam to the elastic layer and transferring the contact-force from the elastic layer to the cantilever beam, and a deformation sensing element for generating an electrical signal that is proportional to a degree of deformation of the cantilever beam.

Abstract: A refreshable tactile reader apparatus for Braille text and graphics, utilizing a plurality of compressible tactile pins that can absorb strong downward forces. Such strong forces transmitted through tactile pins can damage pin actuation mechanisms. The physical enclosure of the reader provides open channels that allow the apparatus to be more easily cleaned than prior art enablements.

Abstract: A display device provides a user with tactile feedback using a tactile user interface. The display device includes a display unit, a tactile feedback unit, and a controller. The controller detects a first control input selecting a first object displayed on the display unit, detects a second control input controlling the first object that is consecutive to the first control input, controls the first object in response to the second control input, generates first tactile feedback according to properties of the first object in response to the second control input, detects a third control input controlling the first object that is consecutive to the second control input, the third control input being detected in a region of a second object displayed on the display unit, and maintains the first tactile feedback in response to the third control input while the first object is controlled by the third control input.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide tactile assistance to a consumer completing a transaction at a point of sale terminal. A tactile overlay, either permanent or removable, couples with a consumer interface such as a touch screen of the point of sale terminal. The tactile overlay includes one or more overlay inputs that provide a distinct tactile impression in comparison with the remainder of the overlay. For example, the overlay inputs can be depressions, apertures, protrusions, dimples, or the like, or provide a different texture such as a rougher or smoother texture than the surrounding overlay. The overlay inputs are configured to correspond with underlying touch screen inputs such that the consumer using the tactile overlay can discern the proper location on the touch screen for providing the desired input.

Abstract: A system for tactile presentation of information to a pilot of an aircraft. The system comprises a pilot seat, a plurality of tactors, and a controller configured to control the plurality of tactors to tactually present the threat information to the pilot by producing one or more tactile stimuli based on situational awareness information. The tactors in the plurality of tactors are physically coupled to the pilot seat and the threat information is indicative of a threat to the aircraft. In some embodiments, at least one pressure sensor may be physically coupled to the pilot seat and the plurality of tactors may be configured to tactually present the threat information to the pilot based at least in part on data obtained by the at least one pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and method of tactile relief stickers, decals or moldings to indicate object characteristics, for example to indicate object color. The system can include a plurality of stickers. Each sticker can have a first surface with a relief texture and a second surface opposite the first surface. Each sticker can also have a relief texture corresponding to a color according to a predetermined correspondence of one texture to one color. The second surface can have an adhesive applied thereto.

Abstract: A protrusion pattern forming device with a display function includes a transparent elastic sheet having an internal layer including colored liquid, and an actuator including a plurality of actuator elements disposed along one surface of the elastic sheet, each of the actuator elements changing its own shape in response to an application of a voltage, thereby allowing the surface of the elastic sheet to protrude. A protrusion pattern is formed on the elastic sheet, and a dot pattern corresponding to the protrusion pattern is displayed on the elastic sheet by selectively driving the plurality of actuator elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to define an insertion indicator on a Braille device are described. Information about an insertion indicator at a location on a display device is received. An output associated with the insertion indicator is provided to a Braille device. The output to the Braille device reproduces the location of the insertion indicator on the display device. The output associated with the insertion indicator may be provided to at least two cells of the Braille device. The output to the Braille device may be provided to raise a first dot of a first Braille cell on the Braille device, wherein the first Braille cell corresponds to a second location that precedes the first location on the display device. A Braille caption panel may be displayed on a display device, the Braille caption panel includes a simulation of the output associated with the insertion indicator on the Braille device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.

Abstract: A tactile display includes a base; movable pins having free ends for tactile sensing by a user, the pins arranged in rows and columns and movable between an extended position and retracted position with respect to the base so as to selectively display tactilely sensible data; a resilient element for supporting each pin in the extended position when at rest, and further operative to urge the pin from the retracted position to the extended position in the presence of an opposing force; one or more reset elements for lowering the pins from the extended position to the retracted position; row stoppers for lockably engaging rows of pins when in the second position.

Abstract: A dot unit includes an opening formed in a housing and a protruding member disposed in the opening. The protruding member is rotatably supported by a support shaft. The protruding member is rotated by a polymer actuator in a direction that follows a reading direction in which a unit of information is read, and the protruding member is stabilized in a protruding position by contacting a restricting portion. When a finger is moved in the reading direction and contacts the protruding member, the protruding member is likely to be stabilized in the protruding position.

Abstract: A tactile display may comprise an array of pins that may be raised in height relative to one another to represent contours of objects in a graphic image or picture when touched. Various physical attributes may be given to individual pins to represent color or brightness. For example, pins may be heated or cooled to represent cool or warm colors in the original image. Pins may also be vibrated or otherwise enhanced to represent color or brightness information in the original image.