Abstract: A reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. Simplified tactile and optically machine readable code of raised embossments, particularly for unsighted and visually impaired persons is provided, in which each character is represented by a cell of indicia of an intuitive systematic code. For the alphabet, the cells are configured in ordered positions, which correspond to the order of the alphabet, and thereby, assist in tactile perception so that a person may easily identify the character by touch. Also, optical machines are enabled to easily read the characters; and a keyboard is provided for producing the same.

Abstract: When a user positions a handheld Braille converting device on an object, a CCD camera captures an image of a predetermined range around it. The presence/absence of character(s) is detected based on the captured image. When the characters exist, the characters are recognized, and the recognized characters are converted to Braille and displayed. When the relative position between the moving direction of the handheld Braille converting device and the character string existing in the captured image is not correct, an error is displayed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for converting digital music scores to Braille, and vice versa and for creating Braille and digital music scores directly from music keyboard entry. The system and methods are embodied in computer programs which can extract note data from a digital score or Midi file, and correlate the note data with Braille cell data in a computer processor. A digital Braille score is created from the Braille cell data, and can be output as an embossed score, as a printed simulated Braille score or on a refreshable Braille display. The computer programs can also create digital scores from input Braille scores. Hardware components can include a music keyboard having a processor, a digital storage device and an integrated refreshable Braille display.

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: A processor, portable power source and Braille character touchpad with a first column area is described, containing three substantially linearly arranged finger responsive areas corresponding to column representations of a Braille character and an adjacent-offset second column area containing one finger responsive area to indicate a null column. Braille character is input by engaging at least one area of the three substantially linearly arranged finger responsive areas and the one finger responsive area. Alternatively, a Braille touchpad containing six finger responsive areas arranged in two columns corresponding to first and second column representations of a Braille character and an adjacent touch gesture pad is described, containing a plurality of finger and gesture responsive areas. A Braille character is input by engaging at least one of the six finger responsive areas and the plurality of finger and gesture responsive areas. Word processing and command action may be initiated by the gesture pad.

Abstract: An electronic aid which comprises a device (1) which is configured to record and play back sound clips. The device (1) incorporates a reader (10) which is configured to read identifiers. The device (1) can be used in combination with a data carrier which may be provided with a plurality of different identifiers. A user can record sound clips and associate each sound clip with a corresponding identifier. The device (1) is configured to play back a sound clip when the reader (10) reads the corresponding identifier.

Abstract: Techniques for performing Braille mirroring are disclosed. In one aspect, content is converted into Braille content, and then formatted for each of a plurality of Braille displays. The formatted content is then sent to each of the Braille displays. In another aspect, data identifying a primary Braille display in a plurality of Braille displays is stored. Input requesting that a data processing apparatus perform an action is received from one of the Braille displays, and it is determined whether to perform the action, based in part on whether the requesting Braille display is the primary Braille display.

Abstract: A Braille cell is incorporated within a messaging device. The Braille cell may be defined on a portion of a keypad, a touchscreen, or a navigation pad. An alphanumeric string, such as a text message, is transcribed into Braille. A resulting Braille character or contraction is represented on the Braille cell via actuators coupled to the keypad, touchscreen, or navigation pad. The actuators mechanically raise, lower, or vibrate to correspond to active bits in the Braille character. A tactile sensation is therefore experienced by the user.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reproducing and applying reproductions of haptic vibrations that occur at a live activity to a remote video and audio viewer. In synchronism with sensing visible and audible stimuli to generate video and audio signals representing the video and audio at the activity, haptic vibrations of an object at the activity are sensed and converted to haptic vibration signals. A haptic vibration signal that is a reproduction of the sensed signal, a simulation of the haptic vibration, or an enhancement of the sensed haptic vibration signal is transmitted to a remote location or recorded. The haptic vibration signal contains information about the timing and characteristic of the sensed haptic vibrations and is recoverable separately from the visible and audible signals.

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: A user interface system for entry of Braille input to electronic devices comprises a module with a single set of six tactile keys arranged in a 6 dot Braille configuration. The user interface system is configured to recognize data entered therein by user contact with one or more of the tactile keys as Braille input and to transmit said Braille input to an electronic device for display or further transmission. The interface further includes function keys which allow the user to manipulate, modify, or otherwise control the data entered and how the data is transmitted.

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 present invention discloses an electromechanical tactile cell assembly comprising a plurality of piezoelectric element reeds, each one of the piezoelectric element reeds being bendable at an elongated end portion when a voltage is applied to the reed, a plurality of conductive fulcrum pins secured to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of multiple element conductive supports secured to a printed circuit board, each multiple element conductive support, in combination with the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, adapted to secure a plurality of piezoelectric reeds, corresponding to the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, to the printed circuit board. The electromechanical tactile cell is adaptable for use with a Braille display.

Abstract: A method and system for supporting and augmenting a non-reading sighted person's capabilities to interact with her environment using visual language hieroglyphics and computer sensory perception. This invention provides navigational support by displaying orientation hieroglyphics in a dialog with the user similar to that of a “seeing-eye” dog and visually-disabled owner. The present invention supports and augments a person's capability to plan, problem solve, and learn. This is accomplished through interactive dialogue executed in real time between the non-reading sighted person and the system, by utilizing an artificially intelligent method for providing visual communication and cognitive reasoning support for non-reading sighted persons.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanical tactile cell assembly comprising a plurality of piezoelectric element reeds, each one of the piezoelectric element reeds being bendable at an elongated end portion when a voltage is applied to the reed, a plurality of conductive fulcrum pins secured to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of multiple element conductive supports secured to a printed circuit board, each multiple element conductive support, in combination with the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, adapted to secure a plurality of piezoelectric reeds, corresponding to the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, to the printed circuit board. The electromechanical tactile cell is adaptable for use with a Braille display.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of virtual tactile sensing, specifically to the field of virtual extension of the senses of the fingertips. Specifically, the present invention is the tactile transfer of environment information to the fingertips of the operator in the form of a line. The present invention senses information regarding distance, thermal values and optical spectrum values and conveys this information to the operator by means of mechanical movements and/or thermal changes of the actuators. These actuators are the equivalent of placing the operator's fingertips on the object. The device as a whole acts as an extension of the hand that senses information by placing virtual fingertips on an object and conveys that information to the operator's fingertips.

Abstract: A tactile pin display apparatus comprises: tactile pins 20 for braille display; a support housing 30 for supporting and allowing the tactile pins 20 to move forward and backward; cams 40 for raising ends of the tactile pins 20 to a desired height (ON-state) from a tactile surface 35; compression coil springs 10 for biasing the tactile pins 20 against the cams 40; shape memory wires 60 to be heated by current for pivoting the cams 40 forward to bring the tactile pins to the ON-state; and a cam return plate 50 for pivoting the cams backward to lower the tactile pins 20 back to a level (OFF-state) of the tactile surface 35. Even if in the ON-state the tactile pins 20 are strongly pressed by a user, or the current to the shape memory wires 60 is disconnected, the tactile pins 20 are not lowered back because upper surfaces of the cams 40 support lower surfaces of the tactile pins 20. All the tactile pins 20 can be lowered back to the OFF-state by a single reciprocal movement of the cam return plate 50.

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 tactile alphanumeric font includes raised alphabetic symbols representing the letters of the Roman alphabet and raised numeric symbols representing the Arabic numerals. The alphabetic symbols are divided into first-fourth 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 denoted by a square frame. Uppercase symbols are designated by a dot centrally located above the lowercase symbol frame. The numeric symbols are denoted by a pentagonal frame. All of the frames have an aspect ratio of less than or equal to approximately 1.25. At least some of the alphabet and numeric symbols also include an interior element inside of and separated from the frame; and at least some of the alphabet and numeric symbols embody at least a physical association, such as a dominant characteristic, of their corresponding letter of the Roman alphabet or corresponding Arabic numeral 0-9.

Abstract: For providing a tactile feedback to a user of a device, textual or graphical information is converted into instructions for a sequence of pulses representing the information. An actuator is then caused to move at least a part of a display according to the obtained instructions.

Abstract: Device for printing Braille characters on cardboard blanks travelling in a folder-gluer along a substantially planar path, the device comprising rotary embossing tools carried by two respective parallel shafts rotatably mounted above and below of the plane of said path and operable for printing Braille characters on their blanks during their run through the folder-gluer. The tools are supported on shafts and the tools are adjustable axially and angularly with respect to each other.

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: 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 tactile display may comprise an array of pins that may be raised in height relative to one another to represent contours of objects in a graphic image or picture when touched. Various physical attributes may be given to individual pins to represent color or brightness. For example, pins may be heated or cooled to represent cool or warm colors in the original image. Pins may also be vibrated or otherwise enhanced to represent color or brightness information in the original image.

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

Abstract: A system for measuring the position of transponders for testing and training a user to manipulate the position of the transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback through a bidirectional communication link to a processing system for the purpose of functional movement assessment for exercise and physical rehabilitation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanical tactile cell assembly comprising a plurality of piezoelectric element reeds, each one of the piezoelectric element reeds being bendable at an elongated end portion when a voltage is applied to the reed, a plurality of conductive fulcrum pins secured to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of multiple element conductive supports secured to a printed circuit board, each multiple element conductive support, in combination with the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, adapted to secure a plurality of piezoelectric reeds, corresponding to the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, to the printed circuit board. The electromechanical tactile cell is adaptable for use with a Braille display.

Abstract: A refreshable tactile reader apparatus for Braille text and graphics, utilizing a plurality of compressible tactile pins that can absorb strong downward forces. Such strong forces transmitted through tactile pins can damage pin actuation mechanisms. The physical enclosure of the reader provides open channels that allow the apparatus to be more easily cleaned than prior art enablements.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for facilitating tactile identification of a document attribute. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a document. The document has a set of document attributes. The apparatus also includes a fluid incorporated within the document at a designated location associated with a document attribute in the set of document attributes. The fluid changes rigidity in the presence of an electric field to facilitate tactile identification of the document attribute.

Abstract: An electromechanical relief display device comprising: a frame; at least one tactile member provided in said frame which is movable between at least a first position and a second position such that by feeling for said tactile member a user determines in which position said tactile member is; an oblong piezoelectric flexion member which may be bent (in a bending plane) under the influence of voltages applied thereto and subsequently flex back if these voltages are removed or if voltages with and inverted polarity are applied thereto; and supporting means for supporting said flexion member on said frame at two opposite sides of the flexion member wherein the flexion member comprises a contact-location which is coupled to the tactile member for moving the tactile member between the first and second position by bending or flexing back the flexion member, wherein the flexion member is a bimorph flexion member wherein the supporting means comprises at least a first and second supporting member for supporting the

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

Abstract: A 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: 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 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: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A Braille-character display device includes a movable pin array, a plurality of movable pin pressing parts, a Braille-character generating part and a movable pin controlling part. The movable pin array has a plurality of movable pins arranged in a matrix form. The plurality of movable pin pressing parts presses the plurality of movable pins, respectively. The Braille-character generating part generates Braille characters. The movable pin controlling part allows the movable pin pressing parts to press the movable pins corresponding to a pattern of the generated Braille characters.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. A user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of an identity of the interface surface and of at least one reference point of the interface surface. The user places a sensing device into an operative position relative to the interface surface. In this operative position, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of: the identity of the interface surface; and a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and uses the indicating data to identify at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. The computer software is then operated in accordance with instructions associated with the at least one interactive element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanical tactile cell assembly comprising a plurality of piezoelectric element reeds, each one of the piezoelectric element reeds being bendable at an elongated end portion when a voltage is applied to the reed, a plurality of conductive fulcrum pins secured to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of multiple element conductive supports secured to a printed circuit board, each multiple element conductive support, in combination with the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, adapted to secure a plurality of piezoelectric reeds, corresponding to the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, to the printed circuit board. The electromechanical tactile cell is adaptable for use with a Braille display.

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 tactile display device includes: a touch plate with a touch surface, a network of taxels formed in solid parts of the touch plate or in solid parts of a sub-plate that forms part of the touch plate with each taxel made up of a strip that can be in at least two states, with the change from one state to another indirectly or directly modifying the tactile sensation, and a mechanism for modifying the state of the taxel strips in a selective manner, including for addressing and for modifying the taxels' tactile sensation. Each taxel strip has a spiral shape, bordered on either side by a gap in the form of a spiral.

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

Abstract: A braille-information processing apparatus includes: a braille pattern converting device that converts input character information into a braille pattern based on a first grade braille description processing rule or a second grade braille description processing rule; and an input environment setting device that sets an input environment to a first grade braille mode based on the first grade braille description processing rule or a second grade braille mode based on the second grade braille description processing rule, wherein the braille pattern converting device converts the input character information into a first grade braille pattern based on the first grade braille description processing rule when the input environment is set to the first grade braille mode, and converts the input character information into a second grade braille pattern based on the second grade braille description processing rule when the input environment is set to the second grade braille mode.

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: 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: An apparatus and method for generating tactile sensation by using constellation metaphor are provided. The apparatus includes: a tactile generator generating a tactile pattern by using a shape of image inputted from a user and generating a tactile icon having a shape of dots and lines by using the constellation metaphor according to the tactile pattern; a tactile indicator indicating a tactile sensation by using the generated tactile pattern; and a display unit displaying the generated tactile icon. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the tactile pattern is easily generated, and a user can easily recognize the generated tactile pattern.

Abstract: A tactile output device including an electro-active polymer layer and first and second sets of coplanar conductors arranged proximate to the layer. The first and second sets of conductors are approximately at right angles to each other, and the conductors in each set are spaced apart and parallel to each other. The conductors can be selected individually to convey current to expand and contract the electro-active polymer in vicinities where the conductors intersect. The selection can be according to pixels in an image to product a three-dimensional contoured surface corresponding to the image.

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

Abstract: A system for measuring the position of transponders for testing and training a user to manipulate the position of the transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback through a bidirectional communication link to a processing system for the purpose of functional movement assessment for exercise and physical rehabilitation.

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