A Refreshable and Portable E-Braille System for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Abstract

The objective of this research is to design an affordable Braille tactile display that is wearable, refreshable, and portable. The device is intended to be used as an output device that can playback stored media. It can be also incorporated with current Braille reading technologies. The device will control both the electrical and mechanical stimulations to optimize the sensation and ensure extended use of the device. This work is concerned mainly with the mechanical aspects of the design. This research proposed the development of a finger-wearable, scanning-style electric stimulation based (electrotactile) Braille display with sensing and adaptive rendering/actuation functions for assisting the BVI. E-Braille technology will allow the BVI to perform important tasks such as reading, writing, typing in Braille, printing text, browsing the Internet, engaging in on-line conversations, and perceiving graphics. Combined with the Cyber-Infrastructure network technology, E-Braille will allow the BVI to access more text, books and libraries anytime and anywhere. Additionally, the proposed E-Braille will provide a tool for collaborative research in the biomedical field involving psychophysicists, neurocytologists, electrochemists, and cognitive scientists. E-Braille will fill a gap in portable and adaptive seeing rehabilitation technology by providing the BVI with a fast, refreshable, and individualized electronic Braille tactile display. The proposed E-Braille system will dramatically enhance the lives of millions of the BVI by providing them with unprecedented access to information and communication at an affordable price and using the state-of-the-art sensing technology