Magnetically programmable actuators for tactile information transmission.

Abstract

To provide a magnetic Braille cell actuator structure which includes Braille pin movement and latching mechanisms.SOLUTION: In one example, a Braille pin can be kept at reading position constantly by a small force spring and latching of the Braille pin can be realized by controlling movement of a latching bar under the Braille pin by a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets working together. In a second example, the Braille pin can be moved between a reading position and a rest position through repulsive and attractive interaction between a programmable magnet and the permanent magnet, while the Braille pin is latched through jumping and tilting action of the Braille pin onto a latching stage through horizontal and vertical interactive magnetic forces. The unique magnetic Braille pin movement and latching mechanism enable power consumption of Braille display to be significantly reduced while the Braille pin matching a standard spacing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Background Art

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 661,636, filed on April 24, 2018, with the title "Magnetically Programmable Actuators for Tactile Transmission of Information", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] There is an extremely large digital divide between sighted people and visually impaired people. In this digital age, imagine using technology developed decades ago for surfing the Internet, sending e - mails, mobile mails, and communicating. In this scenario, the user has to read information and interact with a digital device line by line, or listen to a speech conversion engine convert visual information to auditory information, and the ability to move ahead or switch to different texts at the user's pace is restricted. As another option, there is a lack of reading and writing ability, and thus a dependence on social support that disadvantages the integration of acoustic devices and social connections. Braille is a tactile means available for transmitting written characters and images, found in digital and written media in many different languages in the form of Braille characters. Braille characters are typically composed of a range of 6 - 8 dots depending on the type of desired transmission means.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects of this disclosure relate to braille or tactile actuators, assemblies, and cells usable for displaying one or more rows of braille, tactile images, or other tactile information. In one aspect, the actuator makes braille dots (braille pins / tactile pins) engageable and legible by a tilting mechanism that uses magnetic interference of opposing magnets, thereby creating a perceptible mechanical interference by pressing the braille pins and / or locking mechanism from a central axis. For example, a “hard” magnet can be incorporated into a tactile pin attracted by a programmable magnet that is opposite or adjacent to the magnet. The state of the tactile pin is made programmable by reorienting the magnetic poles with opposing magnetic fields to generate or eliminate interference forces. In another aspect, the actuator makes braille dots (braille pins / tactile pins) engageable and legible by using a weak spring or spring-like contact surface to hold the braille dots (braille pins / tactile pins) in a raised position. The locking mechanism is rotatable in and out of the interference position as needed to hold or release the pins. For example, the rotation mechanism could be a tactile pin made of an iron medium that is programmable to rotate between two stationary magnets depending on the electric field acting upon it.

[0004] In one particular aspect, the tactile actuator comprises a braille pin supported by a magnetic spring, including a first end extending through the tactile surface of the tactile actuator, and a latching assembly including an L-shaped bar with a first arm extending radially from a second arm extending through an electric coil, configured to prevent axial movement of the braille pin by rotating the L-shaped bar in response to a control signal given to the electric coil. In one or more aspects, the latching assembly may comprise a latching block attached to the end of the second arm opposite the first arm. The latching block is rotatable below the second end of the braille pin by the rotation of the L-shaped bar to prevent axial movement. In other aspects, the first arm is rotatable below the second end of the braille pin by the rotation of the L-shaped bar to prevent axial movement. In various aspects, the magnetic spring may comprise a magnet engaged with the braille pin and an iron plate forming the tactile surface of the tactile actuator, the magnet being attracted to the iron plate, and a force supporting the braille pin being generated. The magnet may be a circular magnet that surrounds the portion of the braille pin and engages with the shoulder of the braille pin. The braille pin may have a tactile surface at its first end. The latching assembly may comprise an electrical coil and a coil base that supports an L-shaped bar. The latching assembly is positioned on the opposite side of the coil base. It can be equipped with first and second magnets having opposite polarities. The L-shaped bar may be made of iron or other suitable magnetoconductive material.

[0005] In another aspect, the tactile actuator comprises a braille pin having a first end configured to be positioned within a cavity and extending through the tactile surface of the tactile actuator, and a second end containing a permanent magnet having fixed polarity; and a latching assembly having a permanent magnet positioned in an electric coil beneath the second end of the braille pin, configured to adjust the polarity of a programmable magnet in response to a control signal given to the electric coil. The first polarity of the programmable magnet repels the fixed polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby latching the braille pin to an inclined position where the first end extends through the surface, and the second polarity of the programmable magnet attracts the fixed polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby returning the braille pin to the cavity. In one or more aspects, the braille pin can be retracted into a recess in the cavity near the programmable magnet. This surface may be a tactile surface provided by a pin cap positioned on the cavity of the tactile actuator. In various aspects, the tactile actuator may comprise a detachable pin assembly positioned on the surface of the tactile actuator. The separation pin assembly may comprise a separation pin that is horizontally restrained and positioned on the first end of the braille pin. The latching assembly may comprise a coil holder that supports an electric coil and a programmable magnet. In some embodiments, the tactile actuator may comprise an enhanced magnetic flux guide that extends along the side of the coil holder, intersecting the length of the coil and the programmable magnet.

[0006] In other aspects, the braille display comprises an array of tactile actuators. The array of tactile actuators may consist of only a single row of tactile actuators or may comprise a double row of tactile actuators. Other arrangements of the array are also possible. In various aspects, the array of tactile actuators may comprise a large number of actuators, including, but not limited to, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 or more tactile actuators.

[0007] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following drawings and detailed description. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the specification and this disclosure and to be protected by the appended claims. Furthermore, all optional and preferred features and modifications of the detailed embodiments are available in all aspects of this disclosure as described herein. Moreover, as with all optional and preferred features and modifications of the detailed embodiments, the individual features of the dependent claims are combinable and interchangeable with one another.

[0008] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily in exact proportions, but rather to emphasize the principles of this disclosure, rather than to illustrate them clearly. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same number indicates a corresponding part across several drawings. Typical embodiments will become clearer by describing the accompanying drawings, and elements with the same number are indicated by the same number, and these are given for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not limiting to the various embodiments described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a locking magnetic pin (LMP), which is a mechanical spring-loaded tactile actuator according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view showing an embodiment of the rotation of the LMP latch mechanism of Figure 1, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing an embodiment of the rotation of the LMP latch mechanism of Figure 1, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an LMP array forming an 8-dot braille cell according to one of many different embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of a magnetic pin tilt (MPT), which is a magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a side view showing an embodiment of the MPT, which is the magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator of Figure 5, in the upward and downward states, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a side view showing an embodiment of the MPT, which is the magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator of Figure 5, in the upward and downward states, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a side view showing embodiments of the magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator MPT of Figures 6A and 6B in the upward and downward states, respectively, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a side view showing embodiments of the magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator MPT of Figures 6A and 6B in the upward and downward states, respectively, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of an MPT array forming an 8-dot braille cell according to one of many different embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a side view showing an example of an enhanced magnetic pin tilt (EMPT), which is an enhanced magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator based on the MPT of Figure 5, in both the upward and downward states, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a side view showing an example of an enhanced magnetic pin tilt (EMPT), which is an enhanced magnetic pin tilt tactile actuator based on the MPT of Figure 5, in both the upward and downward states, according to many different embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Commercial displays contain multiple braille characters arranged in a single row. When electrical signals are applied to some braille characters, the electromechanical operation ensures that some braille characters receive a tactilely recognizable force from the user's fingers, while others do not. This is the fundamental principle of braille. Significant challenges exist in ensuring that the required braille cell dimensions can be given a tactilely recognizable force.

[0011] This technology will enable braille users to enter the digital age by solving the challenges of creating fundamental, energy-efficient electronic braille cells that can operate digital double-row displays and interfaces, just like single-row displays.

[0012] Disclosed herein are several different embodiments relating to braille cells. In one embodiment, the design of the magnetic braille cell actuator can be based on a mechanical spring preload and an L-bar rotating latch mechanism designated as LMP (Lock Magnetic Pin). A second design can be based on a magnetically programmable switching and tilt latch mechanism designated as MPT (Magnetic Pin Tilting). Furthermore, an embodiment of the third actuator design can be based on a magnetically programmable switching and tilt latch mechanism, but is further enhanced with an additional magnetic pole assisting the latch. This design may be designated as EMPT (Enhanced MPT).

[0013] Locking Magnetic Pin (LMP) Braille Actuator: Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of the LMP100 is shown, which is a magnetic spring preload and L-bar rotating locking braille cell actuating system. The LMP100 comprises numerous components as shown in Figure 1. The upper surface of the LMP100 can be formed by an iron plate 102 that can be used to attract a magnet 103, which is engaged with a tactile (or braille) pin 104. The iron plate 102 and the magnet 103 form a magnetic spring that can be used to hold the tactile pin 104 in a raised position within the cavity 105. The position of the magnetic spring at 0 can be referred to as the pre-spring load, which holds all the Braille pins in the reading position. The magnetic attraction between the magnet 103 and the iron plate 102 holds the Braille pins 104 in the raised position. The force of the magnetic spring 103 can be controlled to, for example, about 1 gram, or other appropriate value.

[0014] The tactile (or braille) pin 104 can be configured to either be blocking or unblocking in response to a control signal applied to the coil 106. The L-shaped bar 107 can be made of iron material that can be bent into an L shape and extends through the coil 106 with a locking block 108 attached to one end. When the locking block 108 rotates under the tactile pin 104, the pin 104 is fixed in the blocking position. The rotation of the L-shaped bar 107 and the locking block 108 can be controlled using the coil 106 and the rotating magnet 109. The coil holder 110 connects to the rotating magnet stopper 111 to form a coil base 112 that supports the coil 106 with the rotating magnet 109 positioned on the opposite side. One end of the L-shaped bar 107 connected to the locking block 108 extends through the coil holder 110, while the other end extends through the rotating magnet stopper 111. The L-shaped bar 107 comprises a first arm (or arm 1) 113 that rotates between the magnets 109 based on a control signal applied to the coil 106, and a second arm 114 that extends through the coil 106. When all these components are assembled, they form an arrayable LMP 100 as shown in Figure 1.

[0015] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the coil base 112 holds components 102-105 that are assembled on, but not necessarily directly above, the coil base 112, with an offset sufficient to rotate the locking block 108. This offset allows the locking block 108 to move freely between blocking and non-blocking positions, changing its state based on a control signal. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coil base 112 houses the coil 106, allowing the L-shaped bar 107 to mechanically pass through and rotate freely. The rotating magnet stopper 111 further acts as a magnetic spacer to prevent the L-shaped bar 107 from directly contacting the rotating magnet 109. In another embodiment of the LMP100, the locking block 108 is removable, and the coil base 112 can be flipped (180 degrees) with the L-shaped bar 107 positioned near the tactile pin 104. The L-shaped bar 107 can be used as a locking mechanism to control the blocking or non-blocking of the pin 104. In several ways, the first arm (or arm 1) 113 can be shaped to facilitate positioning below the end of the tactile pin 104 (e.g., flat or wide). In another embodiment, the magnetic spring 103 and iron plate 102 can be replaced with opposing magnets to form a magnetic spring, and a capping material such as plastic can be used to seal the cavity 105. In another embodiment, the magnetic spring 103 and iron plate 102 can be replaced with another spring mechanism, including but not limited to a mechanical spring, and a capping material (e.g., plastic or other suitable material) can be used to seal the cavity 105.

[0016] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the operation of the LMP 100. The L-bar magnetic rotation system (LMP) 100 allows the locking block 108 to rotate inside and outside the position below the braille pin 104, which is held in the reading position by a magnetic spring preload. In the illustrated embodiment, a control signal is applied to the coil 106 of the left LMP 100, attracting the L-bar 107 to the north pole (N) of the rotating magnet 109, thereby rotating the locking block 108 below the bottom of the braille pin 104, thereby blocking the pin and preventing it from being pressed down. In contrast, a control signal is applied to the coil 106 of the right LMP 100, attracting the L-bar 107 to the south pole (S) of the rotating magnet 109, pivoting the locking block 108 away from the braille pin 104, thereby releasing the pin and pressing it down. The LMP 100 can be arranged to form an array of braille dots, such as an arranged 8-dot LMP braille cell, as shown in Figure 4. The array may contain any number of dots, such as 4, 6, 8, 10, or more.

[0017] At some point, a specific locking block 108 is rotated beneath a tactile (or braille) pin 104. Those braille pins 104 with the locking block 108 beneath them become hard dots that can be identified by the nutritionist's finger, as shown in the left LMP100 in Figure 3. Simultaneously, those braille pins 104 without the locking block 108 beneath them are depressable, and the fingertip can slide over the pins without feeling them, as the magnetic spring force is approximately 1 gram, as shown in the right LMP100 in Figure 3. Note that other forces can also be used. For example, depending on the friction of the cavity 105 and the weight of the pin 104, forces may be used in the range of approximately 0.1 to 1.5 g. This force can be adjusted based on user feedback to provide the desired (or best) action and feel. As previous experiments have shown, when the support force on the braille pin 104 is less than 1 gram, the fingertip does not feel the pin. Therefore, it forms a page with Braille characters that is readable by visually impaired Braille users.

[0018] When refreshing the braille characters to new characters, a specific latching block 108 is rotated to the latching (blocking) position under the braille pins 104, and other latching blocks 108 are rotated from the latching position to the non-blocking position. A visually impaired braille user can read those pins 104 that are latched (blocked) and slide a finger over those pins that are unlatched (or unblocked). In this way, the braille characters can be electrically refreshed. As one of the advantages of this design, the need to form high and hard braille dots may have changed to the need to simply move the latching block 108 inside and outside the latching position.

[0019] Magnetic L-bar rotation latching mechanism: FIGS. 2 and 3 show a magnetic L-bar rotation latching system 100 in both the latched (blocked) and unlatched (unblocked) states. In this embodiment, the rectangular rotating magnet 109 is arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other with the L-bar 107 and the coil 106 disposed between the rotating magnets 109. An iron piece can be bent into an L-shape to produce an L-bar 107 in which the first arm (or arm 1) 113 is not inserted into the coil 106. This arm 113 can be 1 to 2 mm in length. The second arm (or "arm 2") 114 is inserted into the coil 106 and can be the length or height of the coil 106. The "arm 1" 113 can be arranged to pass through the rotating magnet stopper 111 between the two rotating magnets 109, and the "arm 2" 114 is inserted by the ability to rotate freely when a control signal is applied inside the coil 106.

[0020] Operating mechanism of magnetic L-shaped bar rotation locking: As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the "arm 1" 113 of the L-shaped bar is initially attracted to one of the rotating magnets 109. For ease of discussion, the polarities of the rotating magnets 109 are in the order of N-S-N-S from right to left. Initially, one arm of the L-shaped bar 107 is attracted to the S pole of the right rotating magnet 109. Then, a pulsed current is applied to the coil 106 to control the direction of the current to generate a magnetic field with the S pole facing upward at the center of the coil 106. The direction of the magnetic flux rotates 90 degrees when generated from the coil 106 and tries to return to the center of the coil 106 at the other end. The L-shaped soft iron bar is magnetized by the electromagnetic field generated by the current. In particular, the first arm 113 of the L-shaped bar 107 attracted to the rotating magnet 109 is magnetized with the S pole along the arm direction. When the electromagnetic field generated inside the L-shaped bar 107 is greater than the magnetic field force on the surface of the permanent magnet, the first arm 113 of the L-shaped bar 107 is repelled by the right rotating magnet 109 and at the same time attracted by the left rotating magnet 109. The second arm 114 of the L-shaped bar 107 functions as a rotation axis. The L-shaped bar 107 can rotate back and forth between the two rotating magnets 109 by switching the direction of the current passing through the coil 106. As the uniqueness and advantage of this arrangement of the magnet, coil, and soft iron L-shaped bar, this arrangement may convert the electromagnetic field generated by the vertical coil into the horizontal rotation of the bar functioning as the locking block 108. With this design, dot spacing can be arranged horizontally in multiple rows of braille cells while conforming to the National Library Service (NLS) standards for visually impaired and physically disabled persons. This is possible. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an arrayed 8-dot LMP braille cell. One The standard distance between the centers of two dots within one cell is 2.5 mm, but other spacing dimensions can also be used.

[0021] Magnetic Pin Tilting (MPT) Braille Actuator: Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment of the MPT500, a magnetic pin tilting tactile actuator braille cell, is shown in (A) a blocking or locking (upward) position and (B) an unblocking or unlocking (downward) position. The MPT500 comprises numerous components as shown in Figure 5. The coil holder 503 is used as a base for holding a programmable permanent magnet (PPM) assembly, which comprises an electric coil 504 and a magnetically programmable (programmably controllable) material 505 formed and arranged inside the electric coil 504. The programmable magnet 505 may include a magnetic material capable of changing and maintaining magnetic polarity when affected by a counter-magnetic field, such as one induced by an electric field from within the coil or from a stronger magnet. The PPM assembly is located inside a coil cap 506 that physically isolates the PPM assembly from the external environment. For example, the coil cap 506 can protect against water (waterproof specification) and other environmental elements such as dust and dirt.

[0022] The cavity 507 can be provided to assist in determining the desired spacing, acting for magnetic separation from the permanent magnet 508. The permanent magnet 508 is inserted into the braille actuator pin 509. When the polarity of the PPM changes to a magnet that repels the permanent magnet 508, the actuator pin 509 rises and tilts while being vertically restrained by the pin cap 510. The tilting of the actuator pin 509 creates mechanical interference within the cavity 507, resisting the pressure of external stimuli such as the user's finger. When the polarity of the PPM changes to a magnet that attracts the permanent magnet 508, the actuator pin 509 descends while being centered and realigned with the PPM 505. When it reaches the lower position 501, if pressure from external stimuli such as the user's finger is applied, there is little to no tactile interference on the actuator pin 509.

[0023] In another embodiment, the actuator pin 509 is separable from one or more external forces. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, external forces such as horizontal forces from external stimuli, such as the user's finger, are separable by an additional component which may be called a user isolation pin 703. The user isolation pin 703 can be suppressed horizontally rather than vertically using a user isolation pin cap 702 and an isolation pin cavity 704 for guiding the user isolation pin 703. The actuator pin 509 can be pressed and raised against the user isolation pin while it is tilted downwards. A vertical force is the only force that can affect the actuator pin 509, thereby providing a mechanical separation effect between the braille dot touched by the user, the actuator portion of the MPT, and the external stimuli.

[0024] In another embodiment, the user isolation pin 702 can be replaced with a component that provides rolling action, including but not limited to a ball bearing. This allows for the additional provision of mechanical isolation. In another embodiment, the ball bearing described above can be provided on the head of the actuator pin 509. In another embodiment, the pin cap 510 can be manufactured with one or more notches and / or one or more raised features that increase the inclination of the actuator pin 509 when positioned above or below. The electric coil 504 is connected to a control circuit that can change the direction of the magnetic field. In another embodiment, the electric coil 106 is replaced with one or more wires that also induce a magnetic field that changes the magnetic pole. In another embodiment, the magnetic polarity of the PPM 505 is changed by a movable magnetic coil and / or a permanent magnet and / or iron material to produce a desired polarity change. In other ways, a programmable magnet can be installed on the actuator pin 509, and a permanent magnet can be fixed below the actuator pin 509 (e.g., in a recess of the cavity 507). Applying a signal to coil 504 allows control of the programmable magnet and, consequently, the actuator pin position.

[0025] Operation: In the embodiments shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the actuator pin 509 has an axial orientation of north-south. Magnetically programmable (controllable) materials such as PPM 505 can be switched between north-south and north-south axial orientations. When PPM 505 is switched to a north-south orientation, the south-south action of the permanent magnet 508 and the PPM acts in opposition to each other, causing the actuator pin 509 to rise from the embedded hole at the bottom of the cavity 507, as shown in Figure 6A. As the actuator pin 509 exits the hole, the opposing magnetic fields press against each other, causing the pin to tilt or move slightly laterally, either in a state of axial alignment with PPM 505. Figure 6B shows the state where PPM 505 is programmed to a north-south orientation. In this case, the south orientation of the actuator pin is attracted to the north orientation of PPM 505, and the pin aligns to enter the embedded hole between the two magnets.

[0026] This creates resistance to the actuator pin retracting into the embedding hole between the pin and the magnetically programmable material, resulting in mechanical interference with the outside of the embedding hole. When the dots are used as electrically refreshable braille dots, they move in and out of the screen in a vertical orientation and are mechanically locked in place by the tilt or lateral force effect of the opposing magnetic field. This design allows for the horizontal arrangement of double rows of braille cells while ensuring that the dot spacing conforms to NLS standards. Yes. The MPT500 can be arranged to form an array of braille dots, such as an array of 8-dot MPT braille cells, as shown in Figure 8. The array may contain any number of dots, such as 4, 6, 8, 10 or more.

[0027] In fact, when the actuators are “grouped together” in the braille cell and arranged in the shape factor of the display, magnetic “interference” can actually be used to improve the tilting force of the actuator pins 509. This is because adjacent actuators in close proximity actually attract or repel each other slightly more, strengthening the locking mechanism. Conversely, this is true for most other proposed magnetically actuated braille actuators where these forces are simply parasitic and degrade the operation. The standard spacing between the centers of two dots in one cell is 2.5 mm. Note that this design is feasible with other standard spacings as well as typical spacings (smaller than 2.5 mm).

[0028] Enhanced Magnetic Pin Tilting (EMPT) Braille Actuator: Referring now to Figures 9A and 9B, an embodiment of the EMPT900, an enhanced magnetic pin tilting tactile actuator Braille cell, is shown in a blocking or locking (up) position and an unblocking or unlocked (down) position. The overall operation and tilting mechanism is identical to that of the MPT500 shown in Figures 6A and 6B, except that an additional magnetic pole (or enhanced magnetic flux guide) 903 is positioned in close proximity to the actuator pin 509 and permanent magnet 508, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. The additional magnetic pole 903 guides the magnetic flux from the bottom of the PPM 505 around the coil 504 to the actuator pin 509 and permanent magnet 508, providing attractive poles in the locking position shown in Figure 9A and repulsive poles in the unlocked position shown in Figure 9B, thereby enhancing the locking and unlocking operations.

[0029] Operation: When the MPT actuator changes from the pin below to the pin above position, iron (Fe The enhanced locking mechanism, such as the magnetic flux guide, moves from the PPM 500, moves around the outside of the coil 504, and provides an additional magnetic force that can attract the actuator pin 509, causing it to stop in close proximity to the pin 509. This magnetic flux guide 903 attracts the bottom of the actuator pin 509 to the outside of the embedded hole on the side of the magnetic flux guide 903, reinforcing the lock and thus enhancing the locking action of the EMPT. As the magnetic flux cycles from the pin-up position to the pin-down position, the magnetic flux moves in the opposite direction, repelling the pin and pressing it to realign with the embedded hole. This enhances the unlocking action of the EMPT. The magnetic flux guide 903 is made of aluminum, nickel and cobalt (AlNiCo), iron, chromium and cobalt (FeCrCo). This may include, but is not limited to, other types of magnetically reversible materials.

[0030] It should be noted that the actuators described herein can be further integrated into sensors or become sensors themselves, and the tactile displays can function bidirectionally and be used to operate and control electronic devices such as mobile phones or other devices. These tactile displays can be integrated into, on, and / or around the actuators using electronic sensor technologies such as electrical induction, capacitance, resistance, optical properties, and magnetism. The sensors can be realized using the tactile actuator and magnets used in the electrical coils within the actuator.

[0031] It is emphasized that the embodiments described herein are merely possible examples of the methods described in order to clearly understand the principles of this disclosure. Many modifications and alterations can be made to the embodiments described herein without substantially departing from the intent and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be incorporated herein by reference within the scope of this disclosure and to be protected by the following claims.

[0032] The term “abbreviated ~” is intended to allow deviations from the descriptive term without negatively impacting its intended purpose. The descriptive term is implicitly understood to be substantially modified by the word, even if the term is substantially explicitly modified by the word.

[0033] Note that ratios, concentrations, quantities, and other numerical data are expressed in range format as specified herein. Such range format is used for convenience and conciseness, and for this reason, it should be understood that it is a flexible format that includes not only the numerical limits explicitly stated as range limits, but also all individual numerical values ​​and partial ranges contained within that range, as if each numerical value or partial range were explicitly stated. For illustrative purposes, the range of about 0.1 to about 5 is to be interpreted as including not only the range explicitly stated as about 0.1 to about 5, but also the individual quantities (e.g., 1, 2, 3, and 4) and partial ranges (e.g., 0.5, 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, and 4.4) within the indicated range. The term "about" may include conventional rounding of numerical values ​​according to the significant figures of the numerical values. Furthermore, the term "about x to y" includes about x to about y.

Claims

1. It is a tactile actuator, A braille pin comprising a first end positioned within a cavity and configured to extend through the tactile surface of the tactile actuator, and a second end containing a permanent magnet having fixed polarity, The locking assembly comprises a programmable magnet positioned in an electric coil below the second end of the braille pin, and configured to adjust the polarity of the programmable magnet in response to a control signal applied to the electric coil, The first polarity of the programmable magnet repels the fixed polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby positioning the braille pin at an inclined position where its first end extends through the tactile surface, and the second polarity of the programmable magnet attracts the fixed polarity of the permanent magnet, thereby housing the braille pin in the cavity so that it does not protrude out of the cavity. The aforementioned braille pin is a tactile actuator that is independent and not connected to any other component.

2. The tactile actuator according to claim 1, wherein the braille pin is pulled back into a recess in the cavity near the programmable magnet.

3. The tactile actuator according to claim 1, wherein the tactile surface is a tactile surface provided by a pin cap disposed on the cavity of the tactile actuator.

4. The tactile actuator according to claim 1, further comprising an assembly for a separation pin positioned on the tactile surface of the tactile actuator.

5. The tactile actuator according to claim 4, wherein the assembly for the separation pin comprises a separation pin that is horizontally restrained and positioned on the first end of the braille pin.

6. The tactile actuator according to claim 1, wherein the latching assembly comprises a coil holder supporting the electric coil and a programmable magnet.

7. The tactile actuator according to claim 6, further comprising an enhanced magnetic flux guide extending along the side of the coil holder, intersecting the length of the electric coil and the programmable magnet.

8. A tactile display comprising an array of tactile actuators as described in claim 1.

9. The tactile display according to claim 8, wherein the arrangement of the tactile actuators consists only of a single row of tactile actuators.

10. The tactile display according to claim 8, wherein the arrangement of the tactile actuators comprises a double row of tactile actuators.

11. The tactile display according to claim 8, wherein the arrangement of the tactile actuators comprises 10 or more tactile actuators.

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