Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about a physical surrounding environment to a user includes an elongate body having first and second opposing ends and a mast, at least one sensor mountably coupled to the mast, at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device including first and second haptic force feedback mechanisms and a vibrator, and a processor, which receives signals from the at least one sensor and operatively controls the at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device.

Abstract: A head set is provided. The head set is beneficial for assisting an individual who is significantly impaired in the use of his or her upper extremities. The system enables this individual to manipulate an object through lingual movement. The object may be a mechanical device such as a door or a bed. Alternatively, the object may be an appliance, wherein “moving” the appliance means turning it on, off, up or down. Alternatively still, the object may be a cursor on a digital display or screen that facilitates the typing of alphanumeric characters on a virtual keyboard. The head set includes a head piece. The head piece supports an articulating arm. The articulating arm supports a mouthpiece at a distal end. The mouthpiece has a plurality of cells embedded therein. The cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of the user. Movement of the tongue over and against the cells causes the object to be moved, either directly or through a cursor on a display.

Abstract: Provided are a braille display device using an electrorheological fluid and a method for manufacturing the same. The braille display device includes: a base body in which a plurality of insulating reception grooves are formed; a first electrode arranged below the base body; an electrorheological fluid received in the reception groove; a microcapsule having an electrophoresis particle which is dispersed in the electrorheological fluid; a second electrode arranged above the microcapsule; a braille pin installed above the second electrode; and a braille pin protection film arranged above the braille pin.

Abstract: A dynamic tactile code in which embossed alphabetic symbols represent the letters of the conventional Roman alphabet and embossed numeric symbols represent the conventional Arabic numerals. The alphabetic symbols are divided into four regions, the alphabetic symbols in the first and third regions being denoted by a circular frame, and the alphabetic symbols in the second and fourth regions being surrounded by a square frame. At least some of the alphabetic symbols embody at least a physical association of their corresponding letter of the Roman alphabet. Uppercase symbols differentiate from the lowercase symbols by the placement of a dot centrally located above the lowercase symbol frame. The numeric symbols are denoted by a diamond-shaped frame. Certain essential attributes of the font remain constant while other attributes change as the font's size is changed.

Abstract: Communication device for patients unable to speak and partially paralyzed but visually not impaired consisting of a code communication board equipped with letters, numbers and symbols visible for the patient and movable electromagnetic pointing device operated by the patient enabling him to indicating letters, numbers and phrases on the code communication board and by this mean compose messages to the caretaker.

Abstract: A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit; and an identification mark imparting unit that imparts an identification mark which is identifiable by a sense of touch on the recording paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an educational edible novelty product. In some embodiments the novelty product may comprise a representation of a visually transmitted manual language element. The representation may comprise a depiction of a first human hand, which may comprise at least one finger and a first palm. The at least one finger may be articulated to communicate a manual language element.

Abstract: An aid for a blind person (1), includes a distance sensor (3), which creates a distance image of an object (2). The distance information that is generated by the distance sensor (3) is transmitted to a tactile matrix (10), which is integrated into a guide stick (11). The blind person (1) obtains information about his or her environment by touching the tactile matrix (10).

Abstract: The V2V XLC system is a mobile, wireless trans-language communication (XLC) system enabling direct, real-time communications between people conversing in different languages, including visual (e.g. American Sign Language) and verbal (e.g. English) languages. The acronym “X-L-C” stands for Trans Language Communication. The FREEDOM XLC model enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) users with real-time bidirectional communications capability to facilitate their interaction with the hearing society. A Freedom client using a Visual language (e.g. ASL) can converse directly with someone using a Verbal language (e.g. English) and vice versa. This is referred to as V2V communications. Equipped with wireless mobility, it is lightweight and “transparent”, providing anytime/anywhere availability. The Freedom features hands-free operation and multimedia interaction, including digital sign, video, synthesized voice and text.

Abstract: A reading machine has processing for detecting common text between a pair of individual images. The reading machine combines the text from the pair of images into a file or data structure if common text is detected, and determines if incomplete text phrases are present in the common text. If incomplete text phrases are present, the machine signals a user to move an image input device in a direction to capture more of the text.

Abstract: An electrographic position location apparatus and a data cartridge are disclosed. The data cartridge comprises a body and a memory device in the body. A connector extends from the body and is coupled to the memory device. A microphone is attached to or is incorporated within the body.

Abstract: The tactile transmission device includes a plurality of cells arranged at regular intervals, each having a storage space therein. A contact member is installed in each of the cells, an upper portion of the contact member protruding out of the cell. An elastic member is installed in each of the cells, and biases the contact member upwards. A sensor is installed in each of the cells, and measures displacement of the contact member. A magneto-rheological fluid is contained in each of the cells. A coil is installed in each of the cells and generates a magnetic field in the cell. A control means compares a shape information value of the image with a displacement value of the contact member output from the sensor, thus controlling a quantity of current applied to the coil. According to the present invention, the shape information of an image displayed on a screen is corrected to be suitable for a user's characteristics, thus more precisely transmitting the shape information on the screen to the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing instrument for processing an input sound and to provide an output stimulus according to a user's particular needs, and related system, computer readable medium and data processing system. An object is to provide an improved customization of a hearing instrument. The method includes the steps a) providing an estimate of the present cognitive load of the user; b) providing processing of an input signal originating from the input sound according to a user's particular needs; and c) adapting the processing in dependence of the estimate the present cognitive load of the user. The estimate of the present cognitive load of a user is produced by in-situ direct measures of cognitive load (e.g. based on EEG-measurements, body temperature, etc.) or by an on-line cognitive model in the hearing aid system whose parameters have been preferably adjusted to fit to the individual user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile feedback device for giving realistic touch sensation to the user by stimulating the skin of the user. The tactile feedback device of the present invention comprises a housing having one end positioned near the skin of the user in use, an actuator, touch pins and an elastic means. The actuator is mounted inside the housing to convert electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy. The touch pins are mounted inside the housing so as to pop in and out, and the front end thereof is popped out of one end of the housing to contact the skin, and is connected with the actuator so as to be operated by kinetic energy of the actuator. The elastic plates of the elastic means are mounted between one end of the housing and the actuator, and have the touch pins fixedly passing through so as to be interlocked with the touch pins, and when the touch pins pop in and out, they are elastically deformed to have elastic energy.

Abstract: An electromechanical Braille cell assembly includes a plurality of parallel bimorph reeds. A first plurality of bimorph reeds is mounted to a first side of a printed circuit board by a first plurality of clips and a second plurality of bimorph reeds is mounted to a second side of the printed circuit board by a second plurality of clips. A frame has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall in the form of an angle wall and a second side wall in the form of a flat wall. Pinholes are formed in the angle wall to accommodate Braille pins and the flat wall is slotted to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards. A monolithic cap covers all of the Braille pins. Pinholes formed in the cap receive the respective tips of the Braille cells when actuated bimorph reeds cause displacement of the Braille pins.

Abstract: A multifunctional apparatus for visually handicapped persons comprises a RFID technology credit card, an integrated Bluetooth technology palmar apparatus, an optimized palmar device for blind persons, a RFID card reader, a palmar GPS system, and a managing internet platform. The apparatus comprises elements which are commercially easily available, of a standardized type, made by several makers, and of comparatively low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for communicating with a voice-disabled person. The device includes, generally, a housing, a plurality of means for receiving physical input, each physical input receiving means generating a specified response signal upon being physically manipulated, a display means, and means for receiving the response signals and converting the response signals into a corresponding visual representation on the display means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an interactive system that can receive input and present content in an interactive manner.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for creating educational worksheets is provided. In one embodiment, a worksheet creation wizard receives worksheet selection criteria from a teacher. The worksheet selection criteria may include, for example, grade level, textbook title, and number of questions of a specific type and difficulty level. Question type may include multiple choice, true/false, and short answer. Once the selection criteria have been entered, the worksheet creation wizard retrieves appropriate questions matching the selection criteria from a question database and creates a worksheet. The worksheet creation wizard may also allow a teacher or administrator to enter questions into the question database as well as allows students to take practice exams utilizing questions from the question database and obtain instantaneous scoring results as well as possible explanations of answers.

Abstract: A way of delivering recipe preparation instruction to disabled individuals is provided using an interactive cooking preparation device. The device retrieves an instruction delivery preference that corresponds to a user with a disability, such as a hearing or sight disability. The user then selects a recipe from list of recipes. Preparation steps that correspond to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store, such as a database. The retrieved preparation steps are provided to the user using the interactive cooking preparation device that provides the preparation steps in an alternative delivery mode based on the user's delivery preference.

Abstract: There are provided an input means 2 that allows information to be input as touched by an operator, a vibration application means 3 disposed on a back side of the input means 2, and a control means 5. The input means 2 is a touch panel 6. The vibration application means 3 is shaped like a flexible sheet, and includes a plurality of actuators 17 arranged as vibration sources. Each of the actuators 17 includes a first electrode 13, a second electrode 14, and an insulating layer 15 is provided between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 and containing a ferroelectric layer. The control means 5 drives a preset actuator 17 of the actuators 17 according to input from the control panel 6.

Abstract: A reading device for blind or visually impaired persons for recognizing and reading text passages comprises an image capturing unit being configured to capture an image of an environment of a blind or visually impaired person and to output image data corresponding thereto, an image processing unit being configured to process the image data such that text is recognized and extracted from the image data and to output text data corresponding thereto, a text outputting unit being configured to output data corresponding to the text data in a form noticeable or convertable to be noticeable by the blind or visually impaired person, and a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first part having the image capturing unit attached thereto and the second part accommodating the image processing unit and the text outputting unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

Abstract: A system for improving social skills and feature recognition including a user interface displaying an electronic image, the image including two or more features, software for visually amplifying a first portion of the image, software for visually partitioning the image into two or more second portions, software for visually quantifying the image, and software for animating at least one of the first portion and the second portions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a Braille display assembly including a plurality of individual Braille cells positioned in a substantially rectangular housing having a backplane forming a portion of a top wall of the rectangular housing, the backplane adapted to receive a plurality of Braille cells, the rectangular housing selected to maintain each of the plurality of individual Braille cells in a predetermined position, independent of the positioning of the other cells. A plurality of sets of tactile pin holes are formed in the top wall of the rectangular housing, each tactile pin being adapted to slideably receive a tactile pin and a plurality of control buttons are positioned adjacent the top wall and in circuit communication with the backplane. A cell cap, providing a common tactile surface for the plurality of Braille cells, is included, the cell cap being releasably engaged to the top wall of the rectangular housing.

Abstract: Position based tactile reporting provides for adequate and socially acceptable reporting. A tactile element is moved from a first position to a second position to indicate a status. The tactile element is maintained in the second position so that touching the tactile element and detecting the second position determines a status. In another aspect, the tactile element oscillates to indicate status. In this manner, a user may adequately and discretely detect a status of a computing device without engaging in socially inappropriate behavior.

Abstract: The system is a universal code whose main purpose is to provide visually impaired people with much wanted personal independence. A mobility map of the invention comprises a series of embossed/engraved symbols and/or other raised pictographs combining Braille code and other alphanumeric symbols. This symbols are exposed atop of a surface, and will be composed of two different panels combined together to form a mobility map or plan. A multi-level hierarchy mobility system is also provided to allow visually-impaired individuals to move freely and relocate not only within a structure such as a building but also within many geographical levels such as states, cities, and neighborhoods without losing the structural and/or spatial relationship among the different levels.

Abstract: A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs.

Abstract: This invention provides a device, or product of manufacture, for use as a teaching device for tying knots, or as an aid in tying knots, e.g., as for use by handicapped or disabled individuals. The invention provides device, or product of manufacture, completely automated for tying knots using the device and/or methods of the invention. The invention also provides methods for making and using these devices of the invention.

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

Abstract: 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 device for communicating, preferably between two people who could not normally orally communicate, by at least one user pointing to pictograms on the device. The device can be a static medium having a plurality of icons thereon or can be part of a computer generated program having a graphic display that is either moving or stationary so that a user can select at least one icon to communicate an idea. When two or more people use the device to communicate, the device enables a dialogue to develop between the people. A first responder to an emergency situation could use the device in any country to gather information to quickly respond to the situation.

Abstract: A portable communication device and learning tool for use by speech impaired individuals or monolinguistic individuals is provided by the present invention. The device is foldable for convenient carrying and storage. A method of using the communication device and learning tool is also provided.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to enable the hearing training of hearing aid wearers to be conducted more effectively without great additional resources. Toward that end it is provided to present in individual training steps a sound sample with the hearing aid and to record and analyze the response of the hearing aid wearer in each case. The training steps are repeated multiple times with different sound samples. At the end of each training step or at the end of the training session, the hearing aid wearer receives feedback on the progress in the training success. This means that the hearing aid wearer can conduct the training himself or herself and yet still receives a professional assessment of the progress of his or her training.

Abstract: Methods of programming a pump and insulin pumps are disclosed. One method includes displaying a first screen on a display of the pump. The method also includes, upon displaying the first screen, emitting a first sound. The method further includes displaying a second screen on the display of the pump, the second screen different from the first screen. The method also includes, upon displaying the second screen, emitting a second sound different from the first sound.

Abstract: The method for supplying a recipient with materials comprises the steps of a) providing said materials in form of digital data; b) providing a device of a hearing system, which device comprises a non-volatile memory; c) storing said digital data in said memory; d) forwarding said device to said recipient; e) reading said digital data from said memory. The device of a hearing system comprises a non-volatile memory; materials to be supplied to a recipient, stored in said memory in form of digital data. A use of a device of a hearing system for supplying a recipient with materials stored in a non-volatile memory of said device is disclosed. Preferably, said materials are hearing-related materials such as sales promotion materials, materials providing scientific information, training materials, educational materials. Preferably, said memory is free from data, which are individual to a user of said hearing system.

Abstract: A manual communication system is disclosed for effectively communicating with a voice disabled and physically impaired person who is enabled to communicate using merely limited gestures as triggers such as by the use of blinking eyes for YES or NO and use of placards for instruction and a means for spelling out words in response to the yes/no gesture.

Abstract: An electromechanical Braille cell assembly includes a plurality of parallel bimorph reeds. A first plurality of bimorph reeds is mounted to a first side of a printed circuit board by a first plurality of clips and a second plurality of bimorph reeds is mounted to a second side of the printed circuit board by a second plurality of clips. A frame has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall in the form of an angle wall and a second side wall in the form of a flat wall. Pinholes are formed in the angle wall to accommodate Braille pins and the flat wall is slotted to accommodate a plurality of printed circuit boards. A monolithic cap covers all of the Braille pins. Pinholes formed in the cap receive the respective tips of the Braille cells when actuated bimorph reeds cause displacement of the Braille pins.

Abstract: A signal processing system for detecting purposive signals includes an input receiving a signal having a signal characteristic subject to user manipulation. An activation detector compares a property of the signal characteristic to one or more signal characteristic property thresholds over time. A filter module determines whether the signal characteristic is purposively manipulated based on an amount of time preceding or following an occurrence of the property exceeding or falling below one or more signal characteristic property thresholds.

Abstract: A device for communicating, preferably between two people who could not normally orally communicate, by at least one user pointing to pictograms on the device. The device can be a static medium having a plurality of icons thereon or can be part of a computer generated program having a graphic display that is either moving or stationary so that a user can select at least one icon to communicate an idea. When two or more people use the device to communicate, the device enables a dialogue to develop between the people. A first responder to an emergency situation could use the device in any country to gather information to quickly respond to the situation.

Abstract: Pressure-based refreshable scanning tactile graphic display apparatus and methods are disclosed for localized sensory stimulation. The apparatus include a display array having stimulus points embedded in a matrix, an energy source applied at the stimulus points through a modulator, a control unit, and a position sensing and feedback unit or units (such as a mouse-type device or data glove, for example). The energy source is preferably stored and pressurized fluid with application to selected stimulus points (pins, for example) preferably directed at a microvalve array under the control of a computer-based control unit.

Abstract: A Braille type device including printed or displayed matter on a medium in combination with printed or displayed Braille type code, preferably machine readable Braille type bar code. The Braille type system includes the combination of the Braille type device and a Braille type-scanning device. The Braille type method includes printing or displaying a Braille type bar code on a medium.

Abstract: A method of operating a reading machine includes receiving an image and receiving an user-initiated command. The reading machine interprets the command to determine the portion of the image to process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

Abstract: A basic control process is performed on a mobile phone. From the basic control process, various processes are branched and performed, such as a normal standby process, unread mail reading standby process, and Braille pattern data generation process. In each of the processes, each of the Braille pins of a Braille display device provided for the mobile phone is raised, as occasion demands, by drive-control performed by a Braille driving device, and for example, the content of an unread mail, the content of a creating email, and a phone number in a phone call or the like on the mobile phone are displayed as a Braille pattern. The raising direction of the Braille pins is set on the rear surface different from the operation surface of the mobile phone. Thus, while holding the mobile phone in one hand, a user can perform the operation related to the phone call or email and can quickly and accurately perceive or sense various text information displayed in Braille.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating to sighted persons who cannot read a standard alphanumeric text, the informational content of that text includes an alphanumeric text is converted to a machine-readable set of informationally corresponding data, and then scanned to obtain an informational content data set. The informational content data set is then correlated with hieroglyphs that are representative of the actions, physical objects and the relationship between the actions and the physical objects presented by the informationally corresponding data set. The one or more hieroglyphs are then syntactically arranged to pictorially represent the informationally corresponding data set for a sighted person thereby to inform them of the actions, physical objects and the relationship between those actions and physical objects as was originally presented in the standard alphanumeric text.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a visually impaired individual are disclosed. In one embodiment, when the visually impaired individual encounters a situation with an obstacle, the visually impaired individual employs a first wireless device to transfer audiovisual information about the situation to an assistant with a second wireless device. The assistant analyzes the rendered audiovisual information and provides audio information to the visually impaired individual which presents a solution to the obstacle.

Abstract: Barcode scanning and digitizing technology incorporated in the tip of a white cane for the blind, which houses barcode reader, sonar, color sensory and audio production mechanisms. Apparatus detects and announces via audio or vibratory output, obstacles, drop-offs, colors or suitable informational barcode sites placed with a plurality of locations or environments for assisting blind or visually impaired users to navigate. In one embodiment, the apparatus combines the white cane with a barcode scanner and decoder with laser depth finding capacity in the cane tip, an sonar technology within the cane housing; and a separate hand-held unit having color and standard UPC barcode scanners, both the cane and the hand-held unit being connected to the audio output device by a hard-wire or wireless connection.