Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device of braille points. In the device, a coating layer 40 is formed on the upper surface of a receiving holes 120, a recognition stick 130 is installed in the hole 120 and has a metal plate 130, a guide axis 150 is installed below a base part 110, a header part 180 which has a supporting part 170 having a number of pins 160 therein is installed on the guide axis 50, and a magnetic body 90 is attached to a side of the supporting part 170.

Abstract: The present invention provides a print lay-out of conventional textual characters and corresponding Braille characters that facilitates concurrent reading of the textual and the Braille characters, respectively, by a sighted person and a visually impaired, or blind, individual. More particularly, the textual and Braille characters can be presented in a pattern such that each textual character is associated with its corresponding Braille character in a one-to-one relationship. In some embodiment, the print lay-out is applied to one or more concordant pages of a book suitable for simultaneous use by a sighted person and a visually impaired individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tactile device provided with a number of fluid elements (1) containing an electrically conducting fluid (3, 4). The fluid level in each element is movable by actuator means (V, 6) applying a electric power to said fluid elements. Each fluid element is in contact with the fluid for perception of the fluid level by a user. The fluid elements comprise capillary tubes (2) in which the fluid level is movable as a result of electro-capillary pressure.

Abstract: A driving mechanism using shape memory alloys comprises a first and a second shape memory alloys coils (1, 2), a pin-like drive member (3) connected to each of the shape memory alloys coils (1, 2) extending in the axis direction, a substrate (4) having a wiring pattern (11) and a drive circuit (4a) to supply current to the shape memory alloys coils (1, 2), and a magnetic latch part (9) to hold the drive member (3), and the magnetic latch part (9) has a latch position in the axis direction of the drive member (3), the drive circuit (4a) selectively current-drives the first and the second shape memory alloys coils (1, 2), the driven first or second shape memory alloys coils (1, 2) is heated and compressed to move the drive member (3) in the axis direction, and magnetic bodies (9a, 9b) provided to the drive member (3) is magnetically fixed at the latch position, thereby fixed and held in the axis direction.

Abstract: A Braille display for use by blind and low vision users. The Braille display can be detachably mounted on a notetaker which includes either a Braille keyboard or a conventional QWERTY keyboard and a memory for storing in digital form information which is entered through the keyboard. Preferably, the Braille display includes a conventional port for connecting through a cable to a personal computer or other computer operated device for displaying information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating element for a heating and air conditioning system for the setting of air conditioning parameters in a vehicle interior, the setting being fed back to the operator of the operating element. In order to provide an operating element for a heating and air conditioning system, for the operating of which the attention of the vehicle driver is demanded as little as possible, the feedback of the set air conditioning parameters to the operator takes place by means of the operating element itself.

Abstract: A Braille block for use by the blind is disclosed. The Braille block includes a block body having a plurality of core holes, and a plurality of Braille cores selectively inserted into the core holes to transliterate desired letters into Braille characters. The Braille cores include short Braille cores and long Braille cores. When the long Braille cores are inserted into the core holes, they project from the surface of the block body. However, when the short Braille cores are inserted into the core holes, they do not project from the surface of the block body. Thus, the abrasion on the Braille blocks is concentrated on the Braille cores, so that the abraded Braille blocks can be renewed by changing only the abraded Braille cores with new ones. Further, when an existing Braille block breaks, only the broken Braille block can be changed with a new one.

Abstract: A Braille overlay member for use with a wireless cell phone by a blind or visually-impaired user. The Braille overlay member has a Braille embossed section thereon. The Braille overlay member includes a back surface having an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer; the adhesive layer has a peelable cover sheet attached thereto. The adhesive layer allows the Braille overlay member to be adhered to the keypad of the cell phone. The Braille-embossed section includes a plurality of number keys in Braille code representing the conventional number keys on a conventional cell phone keypad of a cell phone. The Braille-embossed section includes a plurality of special function keys in Braille code representing the conventional special function keys on the conventional cell phone keypad of the cell phone.

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: This is an entirely new type of tactile display based upon cuneiform writing concepts which is an alternative to Braille. This invention uses electromechanical components to display a tactile coding of letters, numbers and symbols using rotating linear components and pointer variations of these. These pointer parts rotate on the surface of the device. A user places fingers or skin on the surface and by feeling the direction in which the components are pointing determines the coded symbol.

Abstract: A tactile communications device includes a two dimensional surface configured to be positioned in contact with a wearer for tactual stimulation. A plurality of actuators are positioned on the surface and arranged in a generally planar array. Various of the actuators are operable for being sequentially activated, line-by-line, to produce a non-veridical perception of a three dimensional surface.

Abstract: Devices which contain tactile and visually readable identifying indicia to assist the visually handicapped in identifying room numbers and the contents of items such as condiment shakers and liquid containers. The visually readable indicia allow a sighted person to correctly associate the device with the proper item to be identified. The devices take the form of bands which fit around the condiment holders, tags which may be attached to items by tying or adhering, and sleeves which may partially or fully surround the item. The identifying devices for room numbers may be clip-on sleeves for doorknobs or plates which attach to peep-hole tubes.

Abstract: A method of weaving Braille and/or the resulting woven Braille textile may assist sighted persons in determining the woven Braille cells by differentiating the colors of each number 1 through number 6 Braille cell warp thread. A method of weaving Braille and/or the resulting woven Braille textile may assist blind and visually impaired persons in determining the woven Braille cells or determining the reading content weft threads from filler weft threads by differentiating the texture of the non-Braille cell warp threads from the texture(s) of the Braille cell warp threads.

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: A Braille pin has three parts sharing a common longitudinal axis. A first part has a first breadth 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: A molded product for an operation panel 1 is produced by injection molding or the like. A set of characters 7 indicative of the type of each operation switch 17 is formed, by a screen printing process, at a location near to the subject switch opening portions 6. Next, another screen printing process is executed to form a set of Braille dots 12 indicative of each set of characters 7 at a location overlapping the subject set of characters 7. Accordingly, sticking spaces which are required in the case of sticking seals of the Braille dots 12 are unnecessary any more. The Braille dots 12 can be arranged freely in a narrow space. Even though the surface 3 of the operation panel 1 is curved, it is ensured that the Braille dots 12 be arranged in a secured layout, unlike the case of sticking a Braille tape on the surface 3.

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: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of and loom for teaching Braille by weaving with a loom, wherein the levers to move the harnesses are shaped and spaced like the levers on a Perkins Brailler (a Braille typewriter).

Abstract: A apparatus and method are provided which assist the use of electronic documents in both a word processor (17) and Braille environment (16). The apparatus and methods facilitate conversion of electronic documents between various formats for subsequent use on word processor equipment (15) and Braille equipment (10) as required. The translation utilizes a temporary file (90, 91) in an intermediary format which retains formatting information relating the manner in which the document should be rendered in each environment (16,17). The transfer of electronic documents is transparent to the user in a manner that it appears only one document is being worked with.

Abstract: A system for detecting tactile information includes strain-gauge touch sensors and a controller. Based on the sum output from each of tough-sensor sensor units, an analyzer in the controller calculates touch force Fi(t) at each measurement point. An automatic gain control adjusts the voltage amplitude Ai(t) of a sine wave of frequency fi applied to the sensor units at each measurement point to bring the voltage amplitude measured at each measurement point in line with a target voltage. The adjusted voltage Ai(t) is applied to the bandpass filter with a composite sine wave y(t) which includes sine waves of each frequency corresponding to the adjusted voltage amplitude Ai(t). This makes it possible to reduce the number of lines between the controller and touch sensors that includes numerous measurement points, and enables the gain of the touch sensors constituted by strain gauges to be controlled within an appropriate range.

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 application relates to an electrotactile system and method for delivering tactile stimuli to a skin surface of a user. The system includes one or more electrotactile modules each comprising an array of electrodes electrically connected to an integrated circuit. Each integrated circuit has data processing and current driving capability. The current delivered from the integrated circuit to each electrode is relatively small, preferably less than 4 milliamps. The modules may be connected to a flexible PC board by spring-loaded connectors. In one embodiment a plurality of electrotactile modules may be grouped together to from an electrotactile device. Multiple electrotactile devices may in turn be deployed as part of a wearable article for use in virtual reality, telepresence, telerrobotics or other haptic feedback applications. The system is capable receiving and transmitting tactile data via a communication link, such as a conventional data network.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for semi-automatically feeding and inserting spherically and non-spherically shaped members into pre-drilled holes on an architectural sign face 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 cylindrical storage tube to a delivery end whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by pressure from the user in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

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: 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 plane keyboard equipped with a usual key input function and Braille input function is disclosed. The keyboard comprises a key input circuit in the form of a key matrix. In the key matrix, no two predetermined key switches of the keyboard, which are assigned as both Braille input function keys, are connected to any one of scan lines. This key input device is free from occurrence of a ghost key when a Braille input function is realized using, for example, a six-point-input system in which six keys assigned to realize the Braille input function are simultaneously operable.

Abstract: A refreshable display unit with a housing, a plurality of refreshable cells housed in the housing, the cells having a guide block with at least six holes, six motors each with a coupler which may be rotated by the motor, a pin fastened to each coupler and extending into engagement with one of the holes of the guide block, and a stop mounted on each coupler for engaging stop elements mounted on the housing for limiting the rotation of the coupler, the placement of the stop elements on the housing being such that it controls the height extension of the pin fastened to the coupler with respect to the guide block, the unit further having a connector for connecting the display unit to the electronic means of a computer. A unit may have a plurality of keys for inputting a character, including at least two sets of keys, a first set being used when the keyboard is oriented in a first direction and a second set being used when the keyboard is oriented in a second direction.

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 braille graphics cell module includes a unit substrate, a braille graphics display section which holds a plurality of tactile pins movably in a vertical direction to display braille graphics, a plurality of piezoelectric element pieces, which move the corresponding tactile pins in the vertical direction at a free end thereof by bending action, arranged on a surface of the unit substrate in association with the plurality of tactile pins, and a wiring part arranged at a lower end of the unit substrate so that an upper edge of the wiring part is located close to a node portion of each piezoelectric element piece for a bending operation and a lower edge thereof is located close to the fixed end of the piezoelectric element piece, and having an electric circuit in which the fixed ends of the plurality of piezoelectric element pieces are electrically connected to the wiring part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the punctiform representation of graphical information which may be read by touch, in particular for the representation of Braille script, comprising a support sheet, a number of systematically-arranged touch points and actuators for activating or deactivating selected touch points, whereby the touch points are formed such as to be integral with the support sheet. The touch points (2) have a touch region, which, in the activated state, extends above the plane formed by the touch surface of the support sheet and a flexible boundary region between the support sheet and the touch region and an erasing element is provided bring all the touch points into the activated state, or into the deactivated state, by means of a return spring action on the touch region on or below the plane formed by the touch surface on the support sheet.

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: 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: 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 electro-tactile panel (ETP) apparatus for a display panel is disclosed. The ETP apparatus is composed of three major parts: a controller, a panel, and a holder. The panel consists of four layer made of transparent material. The first layer is an insulating substrate, the second layer is a conductive layer formed of a plurality of horizontal electrodes on the first layer. The third layer is an insulating layer having holes formed therein, which corresponding to the electrodes on the second layer. The fourth layer is a conductive layer formed of a plurality of vertical electrodes on the third layer. The panel is attached to the display panel by means of the holder apparatus. The electro-tactile signal and cursor position is process by the controller when the skin touches the panel so that some positions of the vertical electrodes and horizontal electrodes are electrically connected through the holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading aid that generally is in the shape of a ruler (1; 1′; 1″; 1′″). The reading aid according to the present invention may for instance be used in school but also in office environments. The reading aid is certainly not restricted to be used in connection with letters, figures or signs of that type, but it is also feasible to use the aid to “read” or aim stitches, e.g. in connection with embroidery. It is significant for the reading aid according to the present invention that the ruler (1; 1′; 1″; 1′″) is equipped with a tongue (3; 3′; 3″; 3′″) that is integral with the ruler (1; 1′; 1″; 1′″), and that a grooving line (7) between the ruler (1; 1′; 1″; 1′″) and the tongue (3; 3′; 3″; 3′″) extends transverse to de longitudinal direction of the ruler (1; 1′; 1″;1′″).

Abstract: A tactile display system includes a housing containing a tactile pin movable axially transverse of a reference surface and an actuator mechanism engageable therewith for selective movement between raised and lowered positions. An elongated electromagnet distant from the reference surface is aligned with the tactile pin and has spaced poles of opposite, selectively reversible, polarity. A generally spherical rotatable positioning member being a permanent magnet having a peripheral surface which is partially a spherical surface and partially a truncated surface has an axis of rotation coaxial with the tactile pin and the electromagnet and is responsive to operation of the electromagnet, being movable between a first position at which the spherical surface faces the tactile pin, causing positioning of the tactile pin at the raised position and a second position at which the truncated surface faces the tactile pin causing positioning of the tactile pin at the lowered 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: 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 tactual computer monitor includes rows and columns of rectangular cells. Each cell includes four rows and two columns of movable pins which are felt and read by a blind person. The pins are driven by electromechanical impact drivers and are held in position by resilient elastomeric cords. The impact drivers are carried on a bi-directional printhead which travels beneath the movable pins. An erasing mechanism is provided to positively drive the pins downwardly to erase the characters produced by the printhead.

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: A raised surface sign with a Braille portion (8) has a reference notch (13) or elevation along its outside border to serve as a Braille locator. The visual presence of the notch or elevation is masked by an underlying colored layer (12) that spans the Braille locator and is of the same color as adjacent areas of the sign.

Abstract: A tactile transducer is able to provide a tactile display or serve as a tactile input sensor. Paired contactors having contactor tips separated by a gap are connected to transducer means (an actuator or sensor). Variations in the gap distance can create a tactile experience through skin stretch, or provide tactile input in sensor mode.

Abstract: A refreshable Braille reader apparatus and method are disclosed, the apparatus preferably utilizing a rotating cylinder having endless rows of openings defined therethrough to a display surface with a pin held in each opening and freely movable therein. Static actuators at least equal in number to the rows of openings through the cylinder are maintained at a station adjacent to the surface of the cylinder, and are configured and positioned so that the pins are selectively contactable at either of their ends by different ones of the actuators during cylinder rotation in either forward or reverse direction thereby selectively positioning first ends of the pins relative to the surface of the cylinder to allow streaming of Braille text across a display area in either forward or backward order depending upon selected direction of cylinder rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating use of a mobile station by a visually-impaired user. A data message, such as a SMS (Short Message Service) message provided to the mobile station during operation of the radio communication system in which the mobile station is operable is converted into Braille patterns readable by a visually-impaired user of the mobile station.

Abstract: The methods and systems of the present invention receive video or image data, for example via television broadcast, cable, or satellite television signal, or directly from a video player, and process the data to determine the geometry and material properties of various objects represented in the video image. Geometry and material property information may be deciphered from a video image by reference to various fixed data sources and/or the application of known methods for elucidating such information from video or image data, such as shape-from-motion or shape-from-shading techniques. Alternatively, all or some of this information may be provided to the system together with the video or image data via a preconfigured side channel. The system coordinates and assembles the image data with the data relating to geometry and material properties of the objects and provides a realistic haptic interaction with those objects to the user.

Abstract: A tactile reading system and a communication device for tactile data reading and input with a computer. It includes a set of sensitive means (13, 13′) located each in the proximity of or inside the input means (12, 12′) and arranged such that they can, under the control of the computer, communicate a binary sensation on each one of the user's finger. To each combination of simultaneous detection of sensations on the fingers, corresponds a read character, the character being the same as the one transmitted by the computer under the simultaneous action on the input keys associated with the active reading keys for the combination concerned. The invention is particularly designed for blind people.

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: 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 tag for attaching to a garment having an attribute and identifying the attribute to a person unable to visually identify the attribute. The tag includes a strip for attaching to the garment, and tactically discernable indicia disposed on the strip and being representative of the attribute of the garment. The strip is divided into a plurality of portions that are break-apartable from each other. The tactically discernable indicia includes a plurality of differently formatted discernable indicia that each represent the same attribute of the garment and include a symbol, Braille, and a letter. Each differently formatted discernable indicia is disposed on a different one of the plurality of portions of the strip. Depending upon which of the plurality of differently formatted discernable indicia the person prefers, an associated one of the plurality of portions of the strip is broken off and attached to the garment.

Abstract: A method of communicating electronic information via a display device having a matrix of movable tactile elements. The method includes displaying a representation of a file containing hypertext links on a first portion of the matrix, and displaying a list of the hypertext links on a second portion of the matrix. The representation may include graphical elements and text symbols such as Braille.