Abstract: A braille teaching/autocorrecting system includes a camera configured to detect image data corresponding to at least one braille character. The braille teaching/autocorrecting system also includes a processor coupled to the camera and configured to identify the at least one braille character based on the image data and determine feedback data based on the identification of the at least one braille character.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an electroactive polymer actuated dot structure is disclosed herein. According to an aspect, an actuated dot structure includes a housing. The actuated dot structure also includes a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing. Further, the actuated dot structure includes a multimorph engaged with the pin and configured to displace the pin between the first and second positions and to latch the pin in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a board for blind persons, which makes it easier to write, draw and learn shapes through positive relief elements that can be reused. When writing or drawing, it is possible to check what has been done and to correct errors detected with the fingertip (4). Said board has a grid (3) for picking up, putting down and storing small-size relief elements (1). Said relief elements are placed on a panel (2) with a matrix of holes, forming letters and drawings. There is a means for making copies of what was written or drawn. Drawing tools or stencils that can be attached with pins to the matrix of the panel are provided. Once the activity is finished, there is a means of collecting the relief elements and storing same in the container in the panel or the grid.

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

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

Abstract: A touch sense device (TSD) implements an electrical pulse technology to mimic a Braille dot includes a series of sensor cells. A sensor cell consists of eight dots is composed of an anode (+) and cathode (?) electrodes with each dot arranged in a two by four matrices portraying a Braille syntax. Depending on the Braille characters, low electrical currents are passed through different positioned anodes, when touched by a finger delivers currents to the cathode completing the electrical circuits forming character dot(s); there provides a communication device for reading, writing, editing, and/or social media interactions for the visually impaired individuals.

Abstract: An assistive reading device for visually impaired users comprises a sheet-like member containing a photo-active material. The sheet-like member responds to light patterns representing data from a patterned light source to form tactile shapes on its surface. The visually impaired user obtains information by touching the tactile shapes. Preferably, the photo-active material is a layer of cross linked azobenzene liquid-crystalline polymers. The assistive reading device preferably is an output device for a computer.

Abstract: A user system for detection and access of hyperlinks within a Braille document. A hyperlink table is generated and includes for each touched item on a page of the Braille document: identification of the touched item, a hyperlink associated with the touched item, and spatial coordinates of the touched item on the page of the Braille document. After the hyperlink table is generated, a proximity sensing foil placed under a Braille page senses the position of a user's fingertips and provides coordinates of the sensed position on the Braille page. A distance between the sensed position and spatial coordinates stored in the hyperlink table is determined to be less than a predetermined distance, resulting in alerting the user via a signal, identifying a hyperlink in the hyperlink table associated with the sensed position, retrieving information from a destination address associated with the identified hyperlink, and displaying the retrieved information.

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

Abstract: 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: System and method to enable blind people to detect and access hyperlinks within Braille documents. A proximity sensing foil placed under a Braille page senses the position of a reader's fingertips and provides coordinates of the sensed position. A workstation computes the distance between the sensed position and the predefined positions hyperlinks the page is known to contain, which are initially stored in a hyperlink table. When the user's fingertips are positioned over a hyperlink, the computed distance is less than a threshold value, in which case an acoustic signal alerts the user that a hyperlink is present. The user may then access the hyperlink.

Abstract: A method of weaving Braille and/or the resulting woven Braille textile may assist sighted persons in determining the woven Braille cells by differentiating the colors of each number 1 through number 6 Braille cell warp thread. A method of weaving Braille and/or the resulting woven Braille textile may assist blind and visually impaired persons in determining the woven Braille cells or determining the reading content weft threads from filler weft threads by differentiating the texture of the non-Braille cell warp threads from the texture(s) of the Braille cell warp threads.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information input/output device for visually impaired users whereby the visually impaired users can easily obtain information for the operation and perform the operation without confusion. This device comprise a braille output unit having a plurality of projectable dotted portions and which enables output of a plurality of braille patterns by controlling the projection of the dotted portions, and a recognition means which recognizes that an operation concerning the braille patterns output by the braille output unit is input when the braille output unit is pushed within a predetermined period of time after the braille patterns are output by the braille output unit. When the user inputs an operation concerning the braille patterns, the user pushes the braille unit in which the braille patterns are output.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of and loom for teaching Braille by weaving with a loom, wherein the levers to move the harnesses are shaped and spaced like the levers on a Perkins Brailler (a Braille typewriter).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automating the insertion of spherically and non-spherically shaped members on an architectural sign face into pre-drilled holes in the sign corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the reservoir pan to a spindle and hammer assembly whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by the spindle and hammer in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automating the insertion of spherically and non-spherically shaped members on an architectural sign face into pre-drilled holes in the sign corresponding to the pattern of Braille letters designed to be formed in the sign. A device is disclosed for holding a reservoir of spherically or non-spherically shaped members, delivering the members from the reservoir pan to a spindle and hammer assembly whereby the member is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole on the sign face by the spindle and hammer in an arrangement desired for accurately duplicating Braille letters.

Abstract: The present invention is that of a new and improved apparatus for assisting a blind or visually impaired person in locating a shampoo bottle or other bottle located within a shower. The apparatus would be a plurality of small adhesive tags attached to each other but allowing a user to separate them by incorporated perforations. Each of the tags would have a plurality of incorporated raised bubbles on its front surface. The back surface would include a peel-away backing, which would cover a sticky coating on the back surface of the small adhesive tags until the small adhesive tags would be ready for use. Each bubble on each of the adhesive tags would be manufactured to include a micro-suction cup top-mounted on each bubble, providing the user with a more secure grip. The plurality of adhesive tags would be designed to come in a roll and would be packaged within a roll dispenser box, with the roll of adhesive tags connected to and surrounding a roller located inside the roll dispenser box.

Abstract: A workstation comprising a keyboard for inputting data, a braille reading line having a number of braille cells located side by side, and a first switch device comprising a number of switch elements located side by side, wherein the first switch device is arranged in or parallel to the braille reading line, and wherein the workstation further comprises a second switch device comprising number of switch elements located side by side, wherein the second switch device is arranged in or parallel to the braille reading line, so that the first and the second switch device can each be operated by a visually handicapped person without the orientation of the hand relative to a braille cell of the braille reading line being lost.

Abstract: An apparatus for inscribing braille characters includes a base, a composing ruler fixed to a front edge portion of the base, and a punching pen for inscribing braille characters on a paper sheet disposed slidably within the composing ruler. A rear edge portion of the base has a roller shaft journalled thereon and a rotatable abutment member which is disposed under the roller shaft in order to clamp the paper sheet between the roller shaft and the rotatable abutment member. Therefore, the paper sheet can be moved forward and backward by rotating the roller shaft.

Abstract: Adjacent tactile modules (10) together define a row of modifiable Braille cells (11), opposite a row of micro-switches (50), and opposite a row of covers (30). Each of the latter defines a pivoting tab (32) controlling the corresponding micro-switch, a tab connected by an undercut hinge (36) to a fixed part (31) bearing a fixed Braille information display area (40). At the free end of each tab (32), a bent lug (35) forms a stop with the underside of the associated micro-switch (50). On the back of each tab (32), a cylindrical transverse embossing ensures in-line contact with the micro-switch (50). Considered transversely, the series of pivoting tabs (32) exhibits a sinusoidal shape, this enabling a single tab to be actuated selectively with a broad finger. Also, each tab (32) is furnished with a longitudinal guiding rib, for steering the finger.

Abstract: A page size slate structure includes first and second plates hingedly mounted relative to one another permitting a face-to-face relationship in a continuous communication, with the first plate having a matrix of openings, and the second plate having a matrix of cells, each of said cells having six recesses arranged in a symmetrical pattern, with each of the recesses being positioned for reception within a relief gap in a side wall of the first plate openings permitting the imparting of braille patterns upon a sheet material secured between the first and second plates. A pointed object such as a conventional braille stylus is employed to effect projection of a marking onto the paper.

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: 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: A manual-type braille writer that provides for both writing and reading in a normal left-to-right manner. In the preferred form, this braille writer has a clip board type base, and in the preferred embodiment a guide plate assembly can be moved to, and releasable fixed at, selected vertical locations along this base. The guide plate assembly is provided with a plurality of character cells uniformly spaced along rows across the guide plate assembly as well as in uniformly spaced rows. This guide plate assembly has a lower portion to be placed under a sheet of paper positioned on the clip board base and an upper portion to be positioned on top of the sheet. This upper portion is hinged with respect to the lower portion. Each character cell is typically made up of six appropriately spaced pins extending up from the lower portion that are aligned with a rosette-shaped cutout in the upper portion.

Abstract: A display surface for presenting information in tactile form by means of a grid-shaped array of tactile elements. It can be selectively caused to project into the space above the display surface by using lifting elements. According to the invention, there are a number of line slides (8) corresponding to the number of lines of tactile dots, and a number of column slides (3) corresponding to the number of columns of tactile dots. On the line slides a part (9) is allocated to each lifting element (7) in such a way that the lifting element is fixed in the plane of the line, although it is movable in the plane of the column. Similarly on the column slides a part (4) is associated with each lifting element to shift the latter in the plane of the column.

Abstract: A working station includes a keyboard for the input of data into a memory, the keyboard including cursor control keys. The working station is provided with a braille reading line and adjacent the braille reading line there are provided additional cursor control means adapted to be operated by a visually handicapped person without the orientation of the hand(s) with respect to the braille reading line being lost.

Abstract: The invention is a sheet of writing paper that includes horizontal, parallel, equally spaced apart raised ridges for forming writing spaces therebetween, and a raised protrusion indicating the end of each writing space.

Abstract: A braille print board having a plurality of sets of six-dot holes for forming braille letters, a retaining sheet on one side of the print plate and a dot hole sheet on the other, the dot hole sheet and the retaining sheet having braille letters in the form of punctures in the dot hole sheet and depressions in the retaining sheet aligned with the holes and formed with a braille typewriter or braille pen, balls in the holes, through the punctures, and a cover sheet pasted over the dot hole sheet so as to prevent the balls from dropping out of the holes. In another embodiment, the balls are disposed in a ball supply plate between the print plate to which the retaining plate is fixed and a ball supply plate, and the braille pen or braille typewriter presses the balls from the holes in the ball supply plate into depressions formed thereby in the retaining plate.

Abstract: A stylus for writing braille by hand is provided. The stylus has a longitudinally extending handle, an arm attached to the handle with an angularly offset, pointed end for making braille impressions in paper, and a pressure pad attached to the arm for supporting a user's finger. The handle is specially configured to locate the user's hand to a uniform gripping position during use of the stylus while the pad acts in conjunction with the user's index finger for applying downward pressure on the pointed end of the stylus.

Abstract: A new Braille writing slate has a front frame with a parapet on its back side, forming a template in which a blind person can quickly, easily and accurately insert a sheet of Braille writing paper. At the front of the writing slate is a cell plate of conventional design for guiding the writer's stylus appropriately into the paper below. At the back of the cell plate and the writing paper is a hinged receiving plate, also of conventional design. When the receiving plate is forced against the paper, the parapet assures the correct position and pins are engaged through holes, piercing the paper and locking it in the desired position. A back cover is hinged to the writing slate, and the engagement of the receiving plate with the paper is effected simply by a firm closing of this back cover.