Abstract: A tactile recognition language display device includes at least one language communication segment. Each language communication segment includes a top portion having a tactilly recognizable language symbol and a side portion having a corresponding visually recognizable language symbol. The language communication segment further includes engaging members for mounting language communication segments to form words or phrases displaying a message, such as in a public place. The language communication segments of the tactile recognition language display device are removably mounted in such a way that the tactilly recognizable portion of the displayed message is easily accessible to touch by visually-impaired individuals while the visually recognizable portion of the displayed message is easily viewed. The language communication segments are removably mountable on a mounting board which may be moved to various locations for conveying the tactilly and visually recognizable message.

Abstract: A tactile recognition language overlay system includes a piece of pliable material for covering a pressure sensitive or push button operated device, such as a keyboard or control panel. The piece of pliable material includes depressible portions which move below the piece of pliable material to contact detection regions disposed on the pressure sensitive device, such as keys on a keyboard. Each depressible portion has an engaging region which is adapted to engage a tactile recognition language block having at least a tactilly recognizable character, such as a Braille character. The tactile recognition language blocks may also include visual indicia. The depressible portions and engaging regions are spaced and oriented in a predetermined pattern corresponding to detection regions on the pressure sensitive device.

Abstract: An improved combination lock includes a plurality of patches of different daylight fluorescent colors with or without additional nonnumerical indicia, for indicating a predetermined combination. Alternatively, the patches can all be of the same fluorescent color and used as a contrasting background for the additional nonnumerical indicia. The additional nonnumerical indicia can comprise different geometrical patterns including sets of at least three parallel lines, or pictures of different animals. The indicia are preferably made larger than is conventional.

Abstract: The present invention will utilize refreshing braille pins to form the symbols displayed on a slot machine. The braille pins will move vertically and independent of each other. A read only memory (ROM) will send the information to the braille pin cluster that will form the braille symbol. At this time of conception of the invention, the play of the slot machine will utilize one coin per play.

Abstract: A printing compound and methods of producing 3-dimensional signs and lettering and tactile and Braille reading materials is disclosed. The printing compound includes an ultraviolet radiation curable resin and a filler mixed with the resin to form a paste. The resin can be an acrylated urethane oligomer or an epoxidized oil. The compound is applied to a substrate manually or by a computer controlled dispensing apparatus. The compound is subjected to ultraviolet radiation to cure quickly allowing for mass production.

Abstract: A tactile display device utilizes an electrorheological fluid to activate a plurality of tactile dots. A voltage is selectively produced uniformly across an electrorheological fluid flowing between a common ground electrode and a plurality of conductive dot electrodes, thereby producing an increase in the fluid's viscosity to the extent that fluid flow between the two electrodes is restricted. The flow restriction produces a build-up of electrorheological fluid in a corresponding dot actuator chamber. The resulting pressure increase in the chamber displaces an elastic diaphragm fixed to a display surface to form a lump which can be perceived by the reader as one dot in a Braille character cell. A flow regulation system provides a continually pressurized flow system and provides for free flow of the electrorheological fluid through the plurality of dot actuator chambers when they are not activated.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a visually impaired computer user to distinctly visualize individual objects classified among multiple classes of objects within a graphical user interface environment. Within the graphical user interface environment, graphical user interface objects are classified among multiple classes of objects. An audio signal, having at least two audible characteristics, is associated with each object within a class of objects. The first audible characteristic is common among all objects within a class of objects and unique among all objects in other classes of objects. The second audible characteristic is unique among all objects within a class of objects. Thereafter, a composite audible signal is generated for each displayed object which includes audio signals which each include these two audible characteristics.

Abstract: This invention discloses a tactile reading device including sensing rods that are supported to be vertically movable, piezo-electric actuating elements disposed in the vertical direction such that their free end portions are directed upward, and pushing-up cams having first levers which are axially and pivotally supported on support rods provided at an upper position of the free end portions of the piezo-electric actuating elements, extending downward from the support rods, and having side surfaces at distal end portions thereof which are freely abutted against the free end portions of the piezo-electric actuating elements, and second levers extending horizontally from the support rods and freely mounting, on their mounting planes, lower end portions of the sensing rods corresponding to the piezo-electric actuating elements.

Abstract: An interior building sign for assisting sighted and visually impaired or blind persons to locate an escape route from point A to point B includes a first planar sheet printed in a first color with a floor plan corresponding to a building floor on which the sign is to be posted. The floor plan is also printed with two dimensional marks in a contrasting color indicating a route from point A to point B. A second planar sheet of substantially transparent material overlies the first planar sheet, the second planar sheet having three dimensional marks machined or routed thereon in substantially overlying relationship with the two dimensional marks to thereby provide a tactile representation of the route. Signs of similar construction have application in non-emergency situations and in other environments including, for example, convention centers, parks and the like.

Abstract: The present invention will utilize refreshing braille pins to form the symbols displayed on a slot machine. The braille pins will move vertically and independent of each other. A read only memory (ROM) will send the information to the braille pin cluster that will form the braille symbol. At this time of conception of the invention, the play of the slot machine will utilize one coin per play.

Abstract: A system of handrails extends throughout a building with braille messages imprinted on the inside of the handrail to give identification, direction and warning to the user. The handrail also includes audio message means operable by a message initiation means that is operable by a visually impaired person.

Abstract: A touch screen apparatus with tactile feedback is disclosed. Tactile information, such as Braille or other symbolic representations, is integrally connected to an area on the touch screen surface. This tactile information can be molded into the touch screen surface as part of its initial manufacturing process, or can be added later by making the tactile information our of epoxy or or by placing a plastic film containing the tactile information over the touch screen surface. The touch screen display can be part of a desktop or laptop computer, can be part of a computer system in a public information kiosk or automated teller machine application, or can be included as an information panel in stereo equipment, transportation equipment, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for placing braille letters on an architectural sign face by drilling holes in the sign corresponding to the pattern of braille letters designed to be formed in the sign and then inserting ball bearings or the like in each opening and securing them either by friction or glue in each respective hole to form the braille letters desired. A device is disclosed for drilling the holes by using a template for accurately placing the holes in a desired place on the sign face in an arrangement desired, for accurately duplicating braille letters. Another device is disclosed for pneumatically grasping ball bearings or the like and facilitating forcing these ball bearings or the like into the holes formed in the sign face whereby braille letters are formed in the sign face.

Abstract: A symbolic language teaching and communication system is disclosed which includes at least one block having a pattern of raised protrusions with rounded top surfaces for tactile discrimination. Each pattern represents an alpha-numeric character for recognition by a visually impaired individual, and the block has indicia on one of the sides corresponding to the alpha-numeric character for recognition by a non-visually impaired individual. Each block also has a curved region on one of the corners of the block to provide for the proper orientation of the block on a block retaining slate when forming words or sentences with a plurality of blocks. The block retaining slate also has a rounded corner to provide for the proper orientation of the block retaining slate when forming or reading words or sentences on the block retaining slate. The blocks are removably engaged with the block retaining slate by protrusions which are frictionally engaged with protrusions on the block retaining slate.

Abstract: A continuous polyvinyl chloride cartridge is insertable in a handrail groove, or adhered to it. A series of inserts bearing braille messages are insertable into, and are captured by, a groove in the cartridge. The cartridge is configured to have edges that are continuous with the braille inserts. The braille inserts have front and rear tapered surfaces to smoothly meet the back wall of the cartridge groove.

Abstract: An early age abacus type teaching device comprising a rod having movable counters thereon with corresponding sequentially spaced numerals therealong whereby the numerals are utilized to represent the calculation of the preceding manipulated counters and the rod is equipped at each end thereof with a device to support and hold the same upon a horizontally or vertically disposed surface.

Abstract: Tactile symbols for color recognition by blind or visually impaired persons comprising a surface above which a color symbol is raised substantially parallel to the first surface. The raised surface of the unitary symbol is continuous such that persons may identify the symbol by touch.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer comprise a piezoelectric transducer element (5), which is arranged in a pressurized chamber (3) filled with a fluid (4). The piezoelectric transducer element (5) can comprise a plurality of piezoceramic platelets connected with each other by thin-walled metallic contact platelets, which are also connected electrically to connector pins (10) on the outside of a housing (1) in which the pressurized chamber (3) is located. When a controlling voltage is applied to the connector pins, the transducer element (5) experiences a reversible deformation, which is transmitted to the fluid, so that an operating element (14) is raised above a contacting surface (16) according to the force on the fluid. The transducer element (5) can be separated from the fluid (4) by a membrane (17). The platelets can be connected to the connector pins via spring-like resilient conductive contact pieces for maintaining electrical contact when the piezoceramic platelets are in a deformed activated state.

Abstract: A system of handrails extends throughout a building with braille messages imprinted on the inside of the handrail to give identification, direction and warning to the user. The handrail also includes audio message means operable by a message initiation means that is operable by a visually impaired person.

Abstract: Toy blocks and sets of toy blocks containing Braille characters for teaching young, sight-impaired children. A typical wooden block is cubical, comprising a pair of opposite, spaced apart display sides having recessed surfaces. One recessed surface contains a raised Braille character, and the opposite side displays the corresponding alphabetic or numerical character or characters. The recessed sides have borders comprising a bottom tactile-sensing portion that includes a plurality of raised nubs adapted to be touched for orienting the characters properly. Smaller Braille characters are preferably disposed beneath each alphabetic character.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a braille cell comprising plural piezoelectric element reeds which are bent at the free ends thereof when DC voltage is added to them, a base body to which the piezoelectric element reeds are fixed at the base ends thereof through a print circuit board and which supports the piezoelectric element reeds piled like steps at a certain interval, and tactile pins provided corresponding to the free ends of the piezoelectric element reeds, wherein a tactile section for holding the tactile pins and provided with a detachably attaching means is detachably attached to the base body and wherein fixing plates are attached to both sides of the base body by means of their detachable attachment which is to define the piezoelectric element reeds in left and right directions of the base body.

Abstract: A tactile screen for blind users is formed by a board with an array of holes filled with an electrorheological fluid and a membrane fixed on the surface of the board. The holes are equipped with electrodes forming electrically controlled valves which connect or disconnect the cavities under the membrane with the fluid on the back of the board. To set the membrane section over a valve to a certain state, the pressure of the fluid must be set to the desired valve and the valve must be opened. Another possibility is to form by electrodes, a bidirectional pump in each hole. The user is getting the information by immediately touching the membrane or by touching pins lifted by the membrane. By successively switching electrical impulses on all rows and columns of electrodes and evaluating the electrical signal capacitively coupled to the body of the user, the coordinates of the users fingertips are determined. In this way the board is used as an input device.

Abstract: A tactile edge-warning strip made from a sheet-metal strip having a series of projections formed in the strip to present an uneven surface for tactile feedback. The upper surface is covered with a roughened coating to inhibit slipping. The strip further includes an angled strip edge portion for anchoring the strip edge into the surface to which it is fixed to inhibit lifting of the strip from the surface.

Abstract: A Braille mouse uses a character-code carrying member such as a disc, belt or drum to selectively raise Braille pins with a single solenoid. The Braille pins are provided with eccentric fingers which interact with a character-code carrying member, so that the character codes can be arranged in straight radial lines to allow all possible six-pin Braille symbols to be provided on a member of minimum size.

Abstract: A tactile stimulator array system and method of operational incorporating a plurality of tactile elements having touch-stimulating portions which are positioned through corresponding openings formed in a touch plate. The tactile elements are moved by actuator wires which are formed of a shape-memory alloy material. Electrical control signals from a programmed computer system heat individual wires through the materials phase change transition temperature so that the wires contract to their memory shapes and raise the elements. The touch-stimulating portions then extend above the touch plate where they can be sensed by the user.

Abstract: A braille teaching device presents a planar base with opposed writing and reading surfaces. A plurality of cells in the base comprises an array of six bores corresponding to the location of potential embossed dots in the braille matrix. Dowels in each bore have writing and reading ends. To simulate the writing of a braille character selected dowels in each cell are plunged through the bores until the writing end of each dowel is positioned flush with the writing surface. Upon presenting the reading surface to the user, the user can read the previously written braille character by tactilely sensing the reading ends of each previously plunged dowel as displaced from the reading surface.

Abstract: Six sided blocks contain visual and tactile letters and words in English, Braille and American Signa Language (ASL). Raised surfaces on the blocks can be inked and used for trilingual printing on paper. With two letters per block a set of thirteen blocks is suitable for learning by hearing, deaf blind and deaf/blind. Adjacent sides of a block can serve to represent ASL signs which require movement or two hand positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tactile imaging paper comprising a tactile sheet and a backing sheet laminated together. The tactile sheet is a cellulosic sheet formed from a highly dilute furnish of from 30% to 60% chemically modified high alpha pulp, 35% to 70% solftwood pulp (or a mixture of softwood pulp and hardwood pulp with the hardwood pulp comprising up to 50% of the mixture), and 0.5% to 6% polyvinyl alcohol fiber. The tactile sheet is formed from the furnish without any wet pressing of the tactile sheet. Once the tactile sheet is dry, it is dry calendered to a density of from 0.3 to 0.9 grams per cubic centimeter. Moreover, the tactile sheet has a porosity of greater than 1000 centimeters per minute. The tactile sheet has a basis weight from 75 to 200 grams per square meter and with a laminated backing sheet the tactile imaging paper has a basis weight of about 190 gsm.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying patterns of balls forming a Braille-sign or other symbol or picture, comprise a driven running belt carrying the balls with it. According to the invention the belt is smooth--instead of being perforated--whereby the balls may be grouped upon the belt in arbitrary mutual positions. The balls are kept in place by being clamped against said belt by means of a second belt and due to the spaces between the two belts being maintained at a reduced air pressure.

Abstract: A display surface for presenting information in tactile form by means of a grid-shaped array of tactile elements. It can be selectively caused to project into the space above the display surface by using lifting elements. According to the invention, there are a number of line slides (8) corresponding to the number of lines of tactile dots, and a number of column slides (3) corresponding to the number of columns of tactile dots. On the line slides a part (9) is allocated to each lifting element (7) in such a way that the lifting element is fixed in the plane of the line, although it is movable in the plane of the column. Similarly on the column slides a part (4) is associated with each lifting element to shift the latter in the plane of the column.

Abstract: An improved handrail is provided to aid a visually handicapped person in moving up and down stairs. The handrail extends along the stairs. Indicia on the handrail identifies the steps along which the handrail extends. The indicia is in the braille system and includes characters which project downwardly away from a lower side of the handrail.

Abstract: An image information processing apparatus having a multi-function switch includes an image information reader for reading image information, wherein the reading frequency of the reader can be varied. A first switch is provided for switching between a first reading mode in which the image information printed on a sheet is read by the reader, and a second reading mode in which image information displayed on a screen is read by the reader. A second switch is provided for selecting between a plurality of different reading frequencies in the second reading mode. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the reader to read the image information at a predetermined reading frequency higher than the plurality of reading frequencies in the first mode, and to read the image information at one of the plurality of reading frequencies selected by the second switch in the second reading mode.

Abstract: A book permitting one person to hold and read, or to follow along with the reader of the book, in which a set of removable pages that correspond numerically to fixed pages in the book include material corresponding to that appearing on the fixed pages. The book can be held and read by an unsighted or visually impaired person by means of Braille and/or large-sized type printed upon the removable pages. The relationship of sighted/unsighted may be reversed; and the invention may be adopted to other educational, translation or instructional purposes.

Abstract: A series of interrelated solid, geometric shapes having informational - processing applications. Each solid, geometric shape may be assigned a specific meaning; additionally, any one solid, geometric shape may be assigned several specific meanings by changes of color, braille, scoring, texture, and/or tone (sound). Means for connecting different solid, geometric shapes are provided and are called connectors, which may or may not be assigned specific meanings or several meanings by changing the solid, geometric shape, color, braille, scoring, texture, and/or tone (sound). The series of interrelated solid, geometric shapes may be used for (1) physiology--fine motor coordination, visual or auditory/tactile perception, and joint hemispherical stimulation of the cerebral cortex and (2) communication--language, history, art, computer programming, computer processing (grammatical and parallel), and abstract thinking.

Abstract: A teletext receiving device for converting a teletext letter information into Braille for the blind users. The device includes a Braille head for converting a letter similar to the teletext letter on CRT into Braille, Braille code converter for converting the teletext letter code into Braille code; and Braille head driver for driving Braille head by an output signal of Braille code converter.

Abstract: A working station includes a keyboard for the input of data into a memory, the keyboard including cursor control keys. The working station is provided with a braille reading line and adjacent the braille reading line there are provided additional cursor control means adapted to be operated by a visually handicapped person without the orientation of the hand(s) with respect to the braille reading line being lost.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for reading an image pattern such as characters, graphics or the like written on a printed matter comprises: a lamp for illuminating such an image pattern; a photo-sensor as an image reading unit for converting the light reflected from the pattern to an electrical signal as multi-value digital data; a converter for converting the output data from the photo-sensor to a binary digital value on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value of this data; and a control unit for controlling the photo-sensor so as to stabilize the binary output data from the converter on the basis of this output data. With this apparatus, the image pattern is converted to the mechanical vibrational pattern or enlarged display pattern due to the piezoelectric elements or LEDs, thereby enabling a blind person or person with poor vision to easily and certainly perceive the characters or graphic information on the printed matter.

Abstract: Selecting switches are provided near a converter for converting an optical image into an electric signal, thereby enabling the electric signal before or after it was stored to be effectively selected. A plurality of convertors are provided and when an electric signal is not output from one of the convertors, the other convertors can be used. The analog electric signal output from the converter is binarized by a reference level signal before it fluctuates. An electric power consumption when the apparatus is not used is prevented by a power controller arranged near a sensing display.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching Braille letters, words and sentence structure is disclosed. The present invention provides the construction of a number of blocks, each containing the appropriate dot arrangement on its surface to represent a Braille character, sound, word, or number. The Braille blocks are similar in construction to a two by three matrix Lego.TM. brand building block. However, the two by three matrix of dots is altered such that the dots on a block are representative of a Braille character. The present invention also involves the structure of a rigid board upon which the Braille blocks may be affixed. This board allows for the creation of words and sentences upon its surface. The board also prevents the inadvertent jumbling of the blocks placed upon it such that a tutorial lesson is not interrupted by any disturbances. This feature is particularly important when one is teaching the young or the retarded to read Braille.

Abstract: A set of characters is provided wherein each character is formed by arranging a number of relatively small like characters in a pattern that presents a filled-in outline of the character. Each of the small like characters are printed by a thermographic process to provide a character which protrudes slightly from the media surface thus providing tactile feedback when the character is touched or traced with a finger.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a tactile display according to which a touch pin is selectively movable relative to a reference surface. An electromagnet distant from the reference surface has spaced poles of opposite, selectively reversible, polarity. A cam rotatable about an axis transverse to the reference surface has an integral permanent magnet with similarly spaced poles of opposite polarity equidistant from the axis of rotation. The cam is rotatable between an active position at which its respective poles are attacted to and positioned adjacent the poles of the electromagnet and an inactive position at which the reversed poles of the permanent magnet are attracted to and positioned adjacent the opposite poles of the electromagnet. A touch pin has a longitudinal axis transverse to the reference surface and includes a follower end engageable with the cam and a tip end distant from the follower end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displaying information on a reading unit for the blind. Instead of character fields arranged with certain spacings apart from one another for displaying Braille characters, the reading table is occupied by a dense matrix of character elements (4) with uniform line and column spacings. In the totality of character elements, certain character fields (6) are provided which serve for displaying the Braille characters. These are surrounded by other character elements which are not set in the displaying of Braille text, so that the Braille characters have the required spacing apart from one another. The whole reserve of character elements (4) is used for reproducing large-area graphics, large symbols, tables or the like. With a certain arrangement, described in detail, of the character elements, all of the information displayable on a viewing screen can be reproduced on the reading table, with the exception of reverse-brightness information and that displayed in colors.

Abstract: The sense of touch is enhanced by: (1) placing two layers of a pliable, elastic material between the fingertips and the object being touched; (2) maintaining the coefficient of kinetic friction between the two layers at less than the coefficient between the fingertips and the top layer and less than the coefficient between the object being touched and the bottom layer; and (3) moving the fingertips over the object being touched separated by the two layers of material.

Abstract: A coin cue device having a pliable support, a circular backing secured to the pliable support and elevated pictorial coin indicia integrally bound to the circular backing. A circular ridge is secured to the pliable support and to the circular backing, and a removable backing is removably secured to the back of the pliable support. A method for aiding the handicapped in determining which monetary coins are to be desposited in a machine.

Abstract: A tactile code for use by visually impaired and blind persons comprising embossed alphabet symbols representing the letters of the conventional Roman alphabet and embossed numeral symbols representing the conventional Arabic numerals. All of the alphabet symbols and the numeral symbols comprise at least a frame, and at least some of the alphabet symbols and numeral symbols also comprise an interior portion surrounded by the frame. The alphabet symbols are divided into four regions, the alphabet symbols in the first and third regions having a circular frame and the alphabet symbols in the second and fourth regions having a square frame. Each of the alphabet symbols embodies at least a physical association with its corresponding capital letter of the Roman alphabet. The numeral symbols all have a diamond frame, and each of the numeral symbols embodies at least a logical or physical association with its corresponding Arabic numeral.

Abstract: The convention is established and made known to a blind person that a first set of substantially parallel first lines oriented on a substrate in a first direction represents a first color, a second set of substantially parallel second lines oriented on the substrate in a second direction represents a second color and a third set of substantially parallel third lines oriented on the substrate in a third direction represents a third color. The three colors are different from each other and, when mixed together in different combinations, provide other different colors. The three colors may be magenta, cyan and yellow from which green, purple and red can be derived by various combinations of two of the three basic colors and black from all three. The three directions are different from each other, e.g., horizontal, 60.degree. and 120.degree..

Abstract: Readable Braille dot matrix formations are easily formed and utilized to print Braille books and the like. A belt forms an endless loop and has a number of small holes each for receiving a ball. An upper horizontal or slightly inclined path of the belt is supported by and drawn in contact with an underlying support. The belt has a smaller thickness than the diameter of the balls, and the uppermost parts of the balls extend above the upper face of the belt so that they may be tactilly perceived. Empty belt holes are filled with balls at a first area of the belt along its path, and some of the balls are selectively removed from the belt holes at another, second area along the looped path. Selective removal of the balls may be provided by disposing slots in the underlying support with piezoelectric bars providing movable obstacles in the slots. Alternatively electromagnets disposed above the balls may be provided.

Abstract: A space thermostat for the sight handicapped has a raised pointer on the center control point adjustment means which cooperates with raised numbers representing temperature on a cover ring surrounding the control point adjustment means whereby a sight handicapped person can place a finger on the raised pointer and move the control point adjustment means by feeling the raised number to the desired temperature setting for the desired temperature in the space.

Abstract: A tactile sensibility testing equipment used for those who have a poor eyesight or the blind is disclosed. The testing equipment includes a plate member having a raised pattern formed its surface to be discriminated through the tactile sensation, a mounting member on which the plate member is detachably mounted and a supporting member for rotatably supporting the mounting member. Various patterns can be provided and exchangeably used to test and train the blind or those who have a poor eyesight for tactile sensibility according to their tactual ability.

Abstract: A method of information transfer for sightless persons, sighted persons and mixed sightless and sighted persons comprises the steps of choosing and conveying a message from a stock of messages, the messages being set forth on a message medium in optically discernible form and in tactilely discernible form, said forms at least partly corresponding. The optical form comprises text and/or pictorial depictions, and the tactile form comprises braille. The method is especially applicable to greeting cards.