Abstract: Keycaps for keyboards that have transparent top portions have a set of layered components to define a top surface that provides key definition by curvature, texture, ridges, or other external structural features. Other portions of the keycaps define a glyph or support structure for the top layer. Features such as angle filters and partially reflective materials are implemented to improve the visibility, contrast, and reflectivity of the keycaps. Multiple methods are used to bend or otherwise modify rigid transparent materials such as glass in order to add surface features and to improve aesthetics of the keycaps of a keyboard.

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: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes including a base portion and a keyboard assembly at least partially disposed in the base portion. The keyboard assembly may include a first portion having at least a first key of a first thickness, and a second portion having at least a second key of a second thickness. The first thickness is different than the second thickness. In a particular embodiment, the first thickness is less than the second thickness. In a particular embodiment, the first portion includes a key row of the keyboard assembly. In still another more particular embodiment, the first portion is a top key row of the keyboard assembly. In still another more particular embodiment, the first portion is a bottom key row of the keyboard assembly. In particular embodiments, a reduced thickness of the first portion may provide for additional space within the base portion to allow other components to be located therein.

Abstract: An electrically-assisted mechanical Braille writer includes a main solenoid to apply force to emboss Braille onto a printing medium, and advance an embossing mechanism to the next cell. A second solenoid engages a mechanical stop to prevent one or more embossing keys from being fully depressed, to prevent kickback from the keys mechanically coupling to the main solenoid. In unpowered operation, the mechanical stop is disengaged, and the embossing keys may be fully depressed to apply force to emboss Braille and advance the embossing mechanism. Accordingly, with electrical power, the user may supply a lesser amount of force and still fully emboss Braille cells, while without electrical power, the Braille writer remains fully operational.

Abstract: The invention relates to a taste masked pharmaceutical composition comprising duloxetine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of such compositions. The invention further discloses an inclusion complex comprising duloxetine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof with one or more cyclodextrin or derivatives thereof.

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 portable apparatus to electromechanically emboss Braille patterns includes a user input, such as a six-key with spacebar keyboard, actuators that drive embossing pins via cam shafts coupled to servo or stepper motors, a tape advancing mechanism, and a cutting and scoring assembly. Three actuators, such as servo or stepper motors, may each be coupled to one shaft on which two or more cams drive two or more embossing pins for each row of two dots in the six dot Braille cell.

Abstract: An embossing control method used in a braille-embossing apparatus includes an embossing head that embosses a braille string on a tape fed along a tape-conveying path, the braille string being embossed in an area biased to one of upper and lower sides of the tape along the width of the tape without changing the upper and lower direction of the braille string. The embossing control method includes the steps of designating the area biased to one of the upper and lower sides of the tape along the width of the tape as a braille-embossing area in which braille embossing is to be performed and embossing the braille string in the designated braille-embossing area.

Abstract: A print processing method of a printing-and-embossing composite apparatus in which ink-characters printing and braille embossing are performed on the same object based on inputted character information, wherein, in cases where the ink-characters printing and the braille embossing are performed on the same object in a superposed state, and a character size for use in the ink-characters printing is set equal to or less than a given size, the ink-characters printing is barred.

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: A braille layout creation method includes the steps of sequentially reading information for braille embossing from a list file in which a plurality of pieces of information for braille embossing is listed, converting the read information into a braille pattern, and importing, for each reading of the information, the braille pattern into an object frame disposed in an image of a braille sheet on which a braille character is embossed.

Abstract: In displaying cell images of raised letters under editing on a display screen together with a notation character string corresponding to the cell images, the maximum continuous embossing amount that can be embossed on a single processing sheet when embossing the raised letters on the processing sheet, is predetermined. A continuous embossing amount of the raised letters is determined, and when the continuous embossing amount is in excess of the maximum continuous embossing amount, the excess cell images corresponding to the portion exceeding the maximum continuous embossing amount out of the cell images and the notation character string, or excess notation characters corresponding to the excess cell images are displayed so as to be distinguishable from the remaining portion.

Abstract: A data producing apparatus has: a first Braille translation device producing information processing Braille data for embossing information processing Braille on a processing sheet based on an ink-character array having one or more ink characters; a second Braille translation device producing general Braille data for embossing general Braille, other than the information processing Braille, on the processing sheet based on the ink-character array, thereby producing from the inputted ink-character array Braille data having the information processing Braille data and/or the general Braille data.

Abstract: There is provided a printing-and-embossing composite apparatus which performs a printing process of a symbol image and an embossing process of a braille character on the same process sheet, the apparatus including: a printing-area setting device for setting a printing area for the symbol image on the process sheet; an embossing-area setting device for setting an embossing area for the braille character on the process sheet; and a notifying device for issuing an alarm when the printing area and the embossing area are at least partially overlapped with each other.

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 Braille input device includes eight keys for entering dot information that forms a Braille character. The device further includes a space key and eight function keys, with a separate function key arranged above each dot key. This allows a user to rapidly and accurately select any desired function key without removing his or her hands from the Braille keyboard. A cursor router key and a Braille display including a plurality of Braille cells may also be provided.

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 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: An error feedback system for use in correcting habitual keyboarding errors makes use of a set of markers for the keys that are mis-keyed. Each marker has an indicating side which can be identified by a user by feel and an adhering side which allows the marker to be adhered to the top surface of the key. The indicating side provides immediate feedback about a keyboarding error so that the error is not reinforced and repeat errors are minimized.

Abstract: A configurable touch sensitive keyboard system is used to adjust or control the interface to a computer or other electronic device, particularly, for disabled individuals. The configurable touch sensitive keyboard system includes a touch sensitive keyboard having touch sensitive regions and a keyboard overlay having symbols corresponding to the touch sensitive regions. The symbols can be visually recognizable symbols or tactually recognizable symbols, such as Braille characters. A keyguard template is disposed on the keyboard over the overlay and includes keyboard access regions spatially separated on the keyguard. The keyboard access regions on the keyguard help disabled individuals to locate the touch sensitive regions for activation. Keyboard access cover members are used to selectively cover the keyboard access regions and the symbols and corresponding touch sensitive regions.

Abstract: A braille label writer for inscribing braille on a labeling tape, according to the invention, comprises an operating section provided with operation keys including an input key, a memory for storing information concerning letter codes and braille codes, a display section for displaying information including letters, converting means for converting a letter code into a braille code, and an inscribing section for inscribing braille corresponding to the converted braille code. The inscribing section includes a plurality of solenoids having plungers, levers provided for the respective solenoids for transmitting driving forces of the plungers of the solenoids, and push pins for forming raised braille characters on the labeling tape. The plungers are arranged parallel to the push pins.

Abstract: A tactile recognition input device is used by a visually impaired individual, for example, to interact with an electronic device, such as a computer. The input device includes a plurality of activation keys movable in a direction generally parallel to the input device and preferably away from the individual to activate the input device and transmit input signals. Each of the activation keys includes a tactilly recognizable region including, for example, a Braille character. A tactile recognition overlay is used with an existing input device, such as a membrane computer keyboard. The overlay includes an overlay member having a plurality of depressible portions that are movable to below the overlay member to activate input regions on the input device. Activation keys are disposed on the overlay member over each of the depressible portions and are movable in the direction generally parallel to the input device.

Abstract: The invention applies to keyboards--for example, musical or typewriter keyboards. Various key top shapes are disclosed which may be identified by touch. These shapes include longitudinal ridges, slots, and rows of ridges, slots, knobs, craters and texturing. Various angled key tops are disclosed also. The preferred embodiment applies to a musical keyboard similar to the Janko design.

Abstract: Touch checking key tops for keyboard on a cash register in which the keyboard is provided with a plurality of keys arranged in a generally rectangular matrix with the keys being arranged in three rows extending in one direction and three rows extending in a direction at substantially right angles to the other three rows. The keys are assigned the digits 1 through 9 with four of the keys being disposed on the corners of the matrix. The keys have key tops. The key tops for the four keys on the four corners of the rectangular matrix have diagonally disposed ridges formed thereon which serve as tactile indicia to the operator using the keyboard to improve the operator's confidence and productivity and to minimize operator errors.