Abstract: An input device and method for interacting with motion pictures incorporating content-based haptic response is provided. Content data relating to the motion picture is stored in a content data storage device while motion picture data is stored in a prerecorded image data storage device. A viewer input device is provided so that a viewer (end-user) can move forwards and backwards through the frames on a display screen while substantially simultaneously, the content data is accessed and braking commands are sent to the viewer input device. The result is that the viewer is provided with haptic responses to the viewer's input through the viewer input device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orientation aid for visually impaired and particularly blind persons. In this connection, at least one signal device (5, 6) for the indicating of a change in the direction of walking is associated with a memory (7) for the storing of a selectable direction of walking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and precise binary information display device having a simple structure at low cost.The device includes a drive mechanism (13) to extrude and retract pins (11) from and into a display surface (12a). The drive mechanism is composed of a linear cam (16) to be moved orthogonal to the axis of the pins (11) and to move the pins (11) in their axial direction. The display device has a linear movement mechanism (17) including a stepper motor (20) for moving the linear cam (16) linearly, a conversion mechanism (21) for converting a rotary motion of a shaft (19) of the stepper motor (20) into a linear motion of the linear cam (16), and a reset mechanism (22) for setting an original position of the stepper motor (20) when the linear cam (16) reaches a reference position. Downsizing of the device is enabled by reducing the dimension thereof in the crosswise direction and the entire device is simplified by eliminating a rotational position detector.

Abstract: An audio-book player includes a member capable of indicating to a blind person that a recording medium is loaded in or unloaded from the body proper. The audio-book player, which reproduces written data recorded on a recording medium as voice, includes a body proper into which the recording medium can be unloadably loaded and a member for identifying a loading state, in which the recording medium is loaded in the body proper, and an unloading state, in which the recording medium is unloaded therefrom. With this structure, the identifying member identifies the states by changing its tactile impression, so that blind persons can understand the states wherein recording medium is loaded in or unloaded from the body proper.

Abstract: There is provided a binary information display apparatus capable of generating all appearance/disappearance patterns of a plurality of corresponding braille pins, which binary information display apparatus is formed to be compact and has achieved improved response speed, a linear cam for the binary information display apparatus, and a method of generating shape patterns of the linear cam. Shape patterns determined by a predetermined shape pattern generation method are formed at pin interval L of the pins P1 to P4 on the top surface of a linear cam 5. When the linear cam 5 is moved at pin interval L in the direction of the arrow A, the appearance/disappearance pattern of the pins P1 to P4 on the display surface 1a changes, and all the appearance/disappearance patterns are generated with no duplication. That is, useless shape pattern is not present, and the total length of the linear cam 5 is shortened.

Abstract: A braille cell with an actuator responds mechanically on the application of an electrical current. The cell includes an intrinsic conducting polymer, the polymer being in contact with an ion supplying compound. The polymer and the ion supplying compound may abut against each other in layers and may undergo jointly a shape and/or volume change.

Abstract: A binary information display apparatus displays braille information with high accuracy by means of four braille pins, which are actuated by a stepping motor having a stepping angle of 45.degree. and, hence, eight step positions. The apparatus includes four pins; a triplet cam which acts on ends of three pins out of the four pins so as to independently urge such three pins to selectively project from a display surface of a pin-supporting member and to selectively retract the same behind the display surface; a stepping motor for rotating the triplet cam about an axis thereof; and a fourth cam portion which actuates the remainder of the four pins. The motor can perform consecutive seven steps at 45.degree. intervals, starting from a position where a rotation restricting projection on the fourth cam portion abuts a stopper step surface on the pin-supporting member, without causing rotation of the fourth cam portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying tactilely sensible indicia on articles is disclosed. Articles may be marked with glue droplets from a glue spit gun. Alternatively, labels may be embossed or marked with glue droplets and then applied to articles. The labels may come from a continuous roll of stock and then cut into discrete labels while the labels are concurrently be marked with the tactilely sensible indicia.

Abstract: A method for communicating graphic data such as plotted two-dimensional curves to a user such as a sight impaired person is disclosed. The disclosed arrangement uses haptic or tactile stimulation of a user's extremity such as is relied--upon in the Braille code fingertip communication already known to many sight impaired persons. Computerized control over a Braille character-like display and use of the computer mouse as a data selection input device; are included in the invention. The invention also includes provision of data enhancement and data interpretation aids including axis names, multiple curve identifications, grid line identifications and the addition of audio information such as tick sounds and spoken utterances to supplement the tactile communication. A computer-based embodiment of the invention is disclosed, this in the form of hardware block diagrams, software flow diagrams and computer code listing, the latter being primarily in microfiche appendix form.

Abstract: Tactile display comprising an array of dots, preferably arranged in rows and columns, capable of showing both Braille characters and two-dimensional tactile graphics, in which the displacement of the dots is obtained by the action of opposite shape memory wires, one for each direction of displacement.The tactile dots are kept in their raised or recessed positions by the action of elastic locking mechanisms, energy being used only to change the dot pattern.The thickness, weight and power requirement of the display allow its use in conventional electronic notebooks, as a replacement or a complement to ordinary displays, when used by visually handicapped people.

Abstract: A human/machine interface system that presents information in a three-dimensional and visual form and is optionally capable of receiving input.The Three-Dimensional Display comprises a display shape with visual displays that is movable to provide visual and three-dimensional representative imagery. An optional method for sensing input can be added to allow user interaction with the display.A number of these displays could be arrayed together and driven by appropriate circuitry to present to the user visual and physical representation upon which the user can act to communicate back to the machine.

Abstract: A braille cell assembly is described which provides precision cell positioning. Such assembly includes a holder in the form of a tray which engages the individual braille cells, which holder is selected to be capable of itself rigidly maintaining the individual cells in predetermined positions adjacent to one another. The position of each cell in the assembly is thus independent of other cells of the assembly.

Abstract: A refreshable braille cell display uses a single moving part per tactile element. Tactile elements, formed from stainless steel tubing, are assembled in densely arranged modules. Lower ends of the tactile elements extend beneath the modules and are in contact with a pressurized medium. Shape memory alloy actuators are positioned in the tactile elements, isolated from any motion or flow in the pressurized medium. When a pressurized medium is delivered through a port in a tactile element, the actuator extends upward, thereby forcing the upper portion of the tactile element through a hole in the user contact surface. In that state the tactile element indicates information. When the tactile element is activated, current flows from an electrical contact at the lower end of the tactile element, through the actuator, and into the outer tube of the tactile element. The actuator heats, due to electrical resistance, contracts and exerts a downward force on the pressure medium.

Abstract: A device for converting the visual and/or auditory into tactile representations includes imaging equipment for converting light and/or sounds, including spoken text, into electrical signals, processing equipment for processing the electrical signals, and a tactile display for converting processed electrical signals into tactile images. The tactile images are felt by the user enabling them to obtain visual or auditory information by touch about the world around them that would otherwise be obtained through vision and/or hearing.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for physically-handicapped users includes a keyboard for inputting visual display information adapted be the visually perceived, a first display for displaying the visual information in a form so as to be visually perceived, a converter for converting the visual display information into sounds which can be understood by a visually-impaired user or into tactile display information adapted to be perceived by a hearing impaired user, and a second display for outputting the information converted by the converter as a sound or a vibration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tactile image drawing system for the visually impaired comprising: a) a computer for storing and processing graphic images and alphanumeric and braille text; b) a reference surface on which the graphic images or text will be drawn; c) a plotter connected to and cooperative with the computer for receiving data representative of the graphic images or alphanumeric text and for drawing the graphic images or alphanumeric and braille text, the plotter having an extrusion syringe for dispensing a bead of liquid material for drawing the graphic images or text on the reference surface; d) device connected to and cooperative with the computer and the plotter for governing the flow output and the temperature of the liquid material; wherein the liquid material is viscous and fast-drying and is adapted to dry as a raised relief when deposited on the reference surface, the raised shape creating a tactile representation recognizable by tactile perception performed by a visually impaired person.

Abstract: An optical display device to allow a person or a device to physically sense various images. The device includes an image sensor having at least one image input portion adapted to be directed at a scene in which images are to be viewed, a circuit optically coupled to the image sensor to convert the images viewed by the input portion into amplified coherent light energy beam, and a photosensitive display device in optical communication with the coherent light energy beam for producing a physically recognizable display of the viewed scene.

Abstract: A tactile sensation generator capable of producing tactile sensations to a video game player corresponding to activity portrayed in a video game. Specifically, an interface circuit is responsive to control commands generated by a computer executing the video game program. The interface circuit interprets the control commands and activates the tactile sensation generator. The tactile sensation generator contains a vest or harness for maintaining a flexible pad proximate a player's body. The pad contains one or more actuators, e.g., a solenoid or vibratory motor embedded in the pad. Each actuator interacts with the wearer and is individually activated to produce a localized tactile sensation, e.g., an impact or vibration, corresponding to the action simultaneously portrayed by the video game on a computer screen or television.

Abstract: A process for producing pictorial labels representing content of a composition of food, the process including the following steps: obtaining nutritional data for a composition of food, the nutritional data representing a quantity of a nutrient in the composition; defining a pictorial image representing a standard for daily human consumption of the nutrient; defining an area representing the quantity; and printing a label having the pictorial image and the respective area, to form a pictorial comparison of the quantity of the nutrient in the composition with the standard.

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

Abstract: A braille board having dot pins placed in a raised or lowered state via actuators connected thereto is provided with a cordwood circuit board to which the actuators are attached. The braille board provides a full page of braille to the user having twenty-five lines of forty characters per line. Since each braille cell in the United States has six dot pin locations per cell, it is necessary to access six thousand different actuators. A plurality of solid state switching chips is provided to selectively actuate each of the actuators under the control of a microprocessor and chip controller. The microprocessor translates alphanumeric information into at least one page of braille, each page of braille having up to twenty-five lines.

Abstract: A Braille display for denoting characters by the positions of six or eight movable projections or pins (10, 11, 12) arranged in two parallel columns. Each projection is movable between an elevated position and a lowered position by a rotary cam actuator (30) so that different rotary positions of the cam members (31) cause the projections to adopt different predetermined permutations of the elevated and lowered positions of the projections corresponding to respective characters to be denoted by the Braille display. There is one cam member (31) for each column of projections. Drive elements in the form of stepping motors (35) selectively rotate the cam members (31) between their different rotary positions. Each pin (10, 11, 12) preferentially adopts its lowered position, e.g. by action of biasing springs (20, 21, 22).

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

Abstract: 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: Inexpensive wideband transducers convert low frequency components (i.e., approximately 50 Hz through 800 Hz) of an audio signal to mechanical vibrations at the same frequencies so that the vibrations may be perceived at the user's skin, typically at a hand or finger. The transducer may be a small permanent magnet moving coil loudspeaker with most of the diaphragm cone removed to minimize soundwave generation, or it may be a small d.c. or stepping motor arranged to have its drive shaft rotated in alternate directions through small angles corresponding to signal amplitude. Vibrations may be applied to the user's hand through a hand-held case vibrating with the motor, or to a finger via a contactor extending outside the case from the motor or loudspeaker. The transducer has particular utility in conjunction with closed captioned in television programs to enhance appreciation of speech therein while also training the user in utilizing the transducer.

Abstract: A detecting portion outputs a contact state signal in accordance with a contact state with respect to an object to be manipulated. The contact state signal represents at least one of information of a sense of sliding of the detection portion with respect to the object and surface information such as surface roughness of the object. A signal processing section converts the contact state signal from the detecting portion into tactility information corresponding to at least one of the information of the sense of sliding and the surface information. A tactility providing portion is excited in accordance with the tactility information from the signal processing section to generate at least one of a traveling wave corresponding to the information of the sense of sliding and a standing wave corresponding to the surface information. A transmission portion transmits at least one of the traveling wave and the standing wave generated by the tactility providing portion to a finger of an operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer audio interface having stereo and filtered sound effects to enable blind users to operate a graphical user interface. Stereo balance and incremental filtering are used along separate axes to guide a blind or visually impaired user within an area of a graphical user interface, particularly the client area of a window. As the pointer approaches the left boundary of the client area, the sounds representing the client area come more and more exclusively from the left audio channel. Likewise, when approaching the right boundary, the sound shifts to the right channel. Additionally, as the pointer is moved toward the top of the window client area, the pitch of the sound increases in stepwise fashion.

Abstract: A reading apparatus for a handicapped person includes a reader for optically reading character information from a recording medium and photoelectrically converting the character information so that it is displayed by a pin pattern on a display. When the operator detects a character area from the display result, an area of an object for character recognition is designated by an input unit and the execution of the character recognition is instructed. A processor recognizes the character read by the reader and displays the character so that it can be perceived in a tactile manner. Whether the result of the reading of the character is correct or not can be checked by tactile perception. The recognition result of the character recognized can also be converted into an audio output by an audio output unit.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby information appearing on a CRT screen (410) is separately displayed in braille, using a braille web (100) in a loop form and made partly or wholly from a shape memory resin. The information from a CRT screen (410) is input to the web (100) by a braille printer (300) at a temperature within a range below the glass transition temperature of the resin. After the information has been read by the user, the displayed web portion is heated above the glass transition temperature by a heating roller (200) so that the web recovers its original, non-braille shape. The web is conveyed by a driving roller (210) along with the heating roller (200) and a driven roller (220) in the directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 1 for repeated use.

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

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

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

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a computer mouse having tactile feedback to be used with audio computer output to provide a virtual graphic display to blind computer users. The mouse and audio feedback allow blind computer users to visualize computer graphic images and multiple screen windows in much the same way as these forms of computer output are visualized by persons with sight.

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

Abstract: A pattern reading apparatus includes a conversion device for reading optical pattern information and converting it into electrical signals. A display device is provided for displaying pattern information by vibration of plural vibrating pins, the displayed pattern information corresponding to the pattern information read by the conversion device. A reading period determining device is provided for variably setting the reading period of the pattern information read by the conversion device, and a control circuit causes the electrical signals output from the conversion device to be displayed by the display device according to the reading period set by the reading period determining device.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are various forms of hand-held communication devices which serve as alternatives to a keyboard and which, in addition, allow the user to receive communications via the sense of touch. Although not so limited, the device is well-adapted for use by persons who are speechless, deaf and speechless, or even blind, deaf and speechless. The present invention provides particularly compact and efficient finger movement actuated communication devices for individually responding to thrust and push motions of at least one finger of a person's hand. Thus, each finger can operate two switch elements, and the four fingers of a person's hand can operate eight switch elements in predetermined combinations suitable, for example, for communication in a binary code. In a first disclosed embodiment, a handle-like body supports eight switch actuators arranged as four pairs, with each of the pairs corresponding to a particular finger.

Abstract: A device (10) for displaying information, in particular more extensive braille texts, includes a pattern setter (16) and eraser means (36). Above the pattern setter, there is a cover plate (14) comprising at least one removable character carrier (20) composed of a plurality of form-fit profiles (30). In or between the latter, rows of spring-biased pins (22) are guided which have undercuts (42) adapted to be locked by lateral teeth (40) of elastic strips (38). Only those pins which have been lifted by the pattern setter (16), e.g. according to programmed control, project with their tips (24) from the top face (34) of the character carrier (20) which may be detached for independent use as a reading board, printing plate, deep-drawing die, etc. For erasing, the strips (38) are shifted between the profiles by half the grid distance (a/2) so that the teeth (40) will release the set pins for return to their starting position.

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

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

Abstract: A braille printing plate includes a male part formed of a board on which braille letters are formed by a braillewriter and balls loaded in braille-forming recesses appearing on the rear side of the board. The male part is alternatively formed by loading balls in recesses on a rear side of a braille-printed sheet formed using a braille printer and then piecing the same to a master board. A female part is formed of a board which has been pressed against raised portions constituting the braille letters on the male part. The male and female parts are binded at lateral edges thereof so as to be foldable at the binding.

Abstract: A Braille display system which encodes text and displays that text on a mechanical Braille display using a three-dimensional Braille code. Each symbol of the code has four frames each of which comprises a 4X2 dot-position array. When the text first appears on the Braille display, the system initially presents the top frame of each symbol. The system also includes a frame selection control by which a user can cause each of the remaining three frames of the relevant Braille symbol to appear individually on the Braille display. When each succeeding frame appears, it replaces the preceding frame of the same symbol. Thus, by using the frame selection control, a user can examine all four frames of each symbol at his discretion.

Abstract: A tactile braille or graphic display with a laminar display carrier with pattern points which are raised in their tangible positions and are formed by the hemispherical surfaces of feeler balls projecting through openings in the top of the display carrier which feeler balls are selectively brought into their tangible position by adjustment of associated locking balls. A locking armature which can be slid into the underside of the display carrier is provided to adjust each locking ball. This armature can firstly be slid into the locking position by means of a setting armature of a moving setting device and secondly can be released from the locking position by the setting armature after the latter is magnetized.

Abstract: A braille cell having piezoelectric reeds (8-11) attached at one end (28), supported in their middle region (at 29) and cooperating with tactile members (12-15) at their other end. The attachment of the reeds at their one end (28) being by soldering a protruding part of the reeds to a conducting web (32) parallel to the flexion plane of the reeds. The other ends of the reeds are then located in the desired position with respect to the tactile members.

Abstract: A Braille display cell which may be embedded in one of a plurality of keys that are used to provide input to a digital data processor. Cursor controls identify a location in text containing characters, and, in response thereto, the processor produces a Braille actuation signal which identifies the character located at said position. The Braille actuation signal, in turn, generates a Braille indicator of the character on the Braille display cell. With the assistance of the cursor controls, the text can be scanned to cause the Braille indicators corresponding to the characters in the text to appear sequentially on the Braille display cell thereby displaying the text in Braille so that said text can be read tactilely.

Abstract: An electro-acoustical transmitter converts electrical signals which correspond to acoustical events into mechanical vibrations which are transmitted onto the skin. The aim is to achieve a small vibrator which, insofar as possible, can be worn on the wrist, for instance, in the manner of a wristwatch. To that end, a coil is employed into which a magnetic core, resiliently mounted relative thereto for instance by a diaphragm, projects as an armature. The housing which carries both the diaphragm and the coil forms the magnetic return flux path. Thus, a miniaturization of the vibrator on the desired order is achieved. An inventive vibrator is particularly suited for the deaf.

Abstract: The invention concerns device for transmitting and receiving a message by means of the tactile sensation. By means of keys (2), a code corresponding to one character is formed at a time, which code is converted by the device into an electric signal. The electric signals can be stored in a tape recorder (15), transmitted via a modem (6) into the telecommunication network, or be converted by means of a typewriter (4) into inkprint. Correspondingly, electric signals coming from these peripheral devices can be coded as a mark on feeling keys (3). The device is above all intended as means of conversation and study for deaf-blind persons.