Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting data into Braille text and permitting scrolling of a Braille display are provided. Embodiments may include a Braille display configured to present Braille text, a control device configured to allow a user to at least partially control scrolling of the Braille text, communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive data, and a processor that is operably coupled to the Braille display and communication circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to convert at least portions of data received by the communication circuitry into Braille text for presentation by the Braille display. Embodiments may further include a memory for storing Braille text.

Abstract: A system for controlling physical activity for a person, including the steps of providing a task database having a plurality of task files which each have data relating to physical task requirements for a person and a plurality of frequency requirements which indicate a frequency for performing a physical task for the particular type of task of the task file, providing a personal data file for a person including data relating to allowable physical tasks and allowable frequency limits for the person when performing the physical task, comparing one personal data file having a selected persons allowable physical task and allowable frequency limits data with a task file having data relating to physical task requirements and frequency requirements of the task type of the task file and from the comparison outputting an indication of whether the selected person is able to safely perform one or more physical tasks in the task file.

Abstract: A screen reader software product including a pattern store containing at least one user-definable array of keywords relating to a subject of interest and skim reading module adapted to apply the at least one array of keywords to a target document whereby only portions of the target document matching the at least one array of keywords are output by the screen reader software to an end user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a haptic motion feedback mechanism. One embodiment of an apparatus for communicating motion in a virtual space includes a base and a feedback mechanism coupled to the base, the feedback mechanism using forced air to convey motion in the virtual space. In another embodiment, a method for communicating motion in a virtual space using a feedback mechanism includes receiving a signal indicative of user motion from a computing device on which the virtual space is running and forcing air through the feedback mechanism in order to convey the user motion.

Abstract: A Braille writing device capable of processing information, comprises a motherboard (10) including a plurality of Braille cells (11) arranged in rows and columns, each cell consists of six dot-shaped recesses or pinholes, a sub-board (20) is configured to be inserted into a flute (12) being provided at each of left and right margins of the motherboard and moveable along the flute, a plurality of marks (13) are provided on an outer surface of the flutes (12), and a detent member (30) is formed between each two of the marks (13) in the inner side of the flute (12) and configured to prevent the moveable sub-board from being moved during writing. A Braille information processor (40) is fixed on a concave formed on the backside of the motherboard (10), comprising a circuit board (41), a central processing unit (42), a plurality of Braille trigger switch groups (44) each of which consists of six trigger switches (43), and an infrared transmitter (45).

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for implementing a test delivery system is provided. The method includes implementing a plurality of interoperable accommodation and accessibility tools, and providing an interface to the test with the plurality of interoperable accommodation and accessibility tools provided on the interface. The method also includes receiving one or more tool settings for a test-taker specifying one or more permitted tools in the plurality of interoperable accommodation and accessibility tools, and customizing the interface based on the one or more tool settings to allow the test-taker access to the one or more permitted tools during the test. The method further includes allowing the test-taker to activate or deactivate each of the one or more permitted tools.

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: Identifier tags are embedded in pages of a document. Each of these identifier tags identifies the particular page that a reader is viewing. By correlating the currently read page to information stored memory, dynamic content corresponding to the currently read page can be activated. This dynamic content can include, for example, lighting, sound effects, environmental conditions, or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for printing characters that is developmentally appropriate for children are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention introduces children to character shapes using the familiar shape of a snowman and through calisthenics that involve gross motor skills. When the children have become familiar with the shapes of the characters and the movements necessary to form the shapes, the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention teaches the children to use similar movements on a smaller scale to form the characters on writing paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article for providing a support surface for a check. The article is formed of a check pad comprising a rigid or semi-rigid material. The check pad has a width and a length corresponding to the shape of the check. Indicia can be applied to at least one surface of the check pad. A writing surface is included on the check pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data input/read-out device, including at least one output element, more particularly a Braille element, for outputting Braille data by correspondingly changing the surface profile; and at least one input element for inputting data, the input element being positionable in at least two different positions to thus enter data wherein the maximum spacing between the at least one input element and the at least one output element does not exceed a specific maximum value so that the input element and the output element can be touched or actuated simultaneously by one hand.

Abstract: A sheet material, such as a bank note, having tactile indicia therein, the tactility of which is resistant to deterioration and useful for assisting persons with impaired vision to identify one or more predetermined characteristics of the sheet material such as a bank note. The sheet material has therein at least one embossment forming the indicia and comprises a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces defining a cavity in the area of the embossment. A layer of reinforcing material is provided to at least the area of that surface which comprises the cavity. Once the reinforcing material is dried and/or cured the embossment (indicia) is strengthened by the layer of reinforcing material and thereby rendered more durable when the bank note is subjected to the wear of circulation. The reinforcing material may be selected from the group consisting of varnishes, inks, adhesives and caulking compounds.

Abstract: A check writing guide for use by people with writing difficulties caused by old age, blindness, stroke, amputation, arthritis, nervous disorders, etc. The guide includes a base plate and a template. The template has a first guide sized and positioned to facilitate writing the date on a check, a second guide sized and positioned to facilitate writing the name of the payee on a check, a third guide sized and positioned to facilitate writing the amount, in numerals, on a check, a fourth guide sized and positioned to facilitate writing the amount, in text, on a check, a fifth guide sized and positioned to facilitate signing the name of the payor on a check, and a sixth guide sized and positioned to facilitate endorsing a check. The check writing guide is also useful when endorsing common brands of travelers checks.

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 scriptwriting guidance device for use by individuals who are visually or otherwise impaired, the device acting to guide the writer's pen or other writing implement along a straight, horizontal path across a writing surface to form complete letters and other characters without interference from the device. The device includes a backboard having a shaft mounted for rotation adjacent one side edge thereof. Slidable along the shaft in incremental steps is a slide from whereby is cantilevered a guide element formed by a rectangular frame that overlies a paper sheet lying on the backboard. Disposed within the window of the frame is a rectangular template of smaller dimensions, the template having a narrow slot that defines a straight, horizontal path. The opposite ends of the template are coupled by springs to the corresponding ends of the frame whereby the template effectively floats within the window and is free to shift laterally.

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: The painting kit is proposed for use by the visually impaired and includes a board having a clip at one end thereof, at least one drawing sheet having a shape defined thereon by means of a raised ridge, and at least one bottle of specifically scented paint, the bottle having a braille indication of the color of paint therein, thereon. The drawing sheet is of such dimensions as to be engaged to the board by the clip. The board further includes actuatable buttons on a top surface thereof functionally engaged to a voice synthesizer for causing at least one voice message to be produced, the voice message defining at least one characteristic of the shape, such as its color.

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: The invention provides a writing aid comprising a contoured surface having a plurality of relatively depressed surface portions and raised ridges or surface regions at least partially surrounding each depressed surface portion at a level differing therefrom by an amount rendering transition between a ridge or region and a depressed portion tangible to a person through a hand-held writing implement traversing the surface. The contoured surface may be provided by embossing writing paper or embedding threads therein, or may be provided on a substrate or backing sheet for a piece of plain paper.