907 results about "Braille" patented technology

The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods and systems. In one embodiment, a handheld device displays a digitally watermarked ticket image at an event center. At the event center, a watermark decoder extracts the watermark to determine authorized entry. In another embodiment, a plurality of microlenses can provide a polarized luminance pattern on a display. The pattern corresponds to (or conveys) a unique device identifier. In yet another embodiment, monetary objects are watermarked with payload information to signify currency denomination. The payload information, once extracted, is used to provide feedback regarding the currency denomination. An audio signal or Braille output can be provided as feedback. In still another embodiment, a document management system is based on watermarks. Embedded watermarks are used to track document history, determine document version information, and enhance overall security. In still another embodiment, an inventory system reads watermarks that have been directly applied to inventory items. Inventory management is greatly enhanced. Handheld computing devices are advantageously employed with these embodiments.

The present invention includes a prepaid telephone calling card for use by the visually impaired. A braille printer is configured to print a wallet-sized, plastic prepaid telephone calling card having one or more information fields printed in braille. A first information field printed in braille corresponds to an access number through which an individual can access a host computer for completing prepaid telephone calls. A second field printed in braille corresponds to a unique account code associated with the prepaid card. Various other information fields may also be printed in braille on the card, as desired. The information fields may also be printed in very large type face to facilitate reading by individuals who are not blind, yet substantially visually impaired.

Methods and apparatuses to provide improved Braille support are described herein. A connection to a Braille device is received, and a Braille caption panel that includes a Braille code is displayed to simulate an output to the Braille device. The Braille caption panel can include a text translated to the Braille code. The Braille caption panel can include a control element. An accessibility service can be automatically launched to provide the output to the Braille device.

A thermostat remote control system includes a transmitter / receiver unit hard wired to a building climate control thermostat and a remote control unit that communicates with the hard-wired transmitter / receiver unit via wireless signals. The remote control unit includes braille labels associated with the control elements and further includes sound generators that generate audible signals that correspond to the temperature sensed by the thermostat and that also correspond to actions taken using the remote control.

A finger guide device that positions a finger (or minutiae containing digit) of a human subject on a fingerprint sensor in a manner optimal for the data capture operation of authentication or identification of said subject wherein a relevant portion of the finger is in alignment with a sensor or scanner. Authentication or identification takes place by fingerprint matching. The finger guide device may also be used for enrollment of the initial fingerprint data into the system through one or more readings of the fingerprint and translation into a template for future comparison matching. The finger guide device may also serve to provide temperature or temperature equivalent tactile feedback or other forms of feedback to a user. The finger guide device may also contain an outer surface ridge which feels somewhat uncomfortable due to application of a high pressure per square inch on small areas of the finger when the finger is incorrectly positioned to encourage correct placement of the finger, which is more comfortable. The finger guide device may have a curved inside surface to contour to a wide variety of fingertip shapes and sizes, wherein the sides and front have shorter radii of curvature than the rearward portion of the finger guide device. The front of the finger guide device may have sufficient steepness of its sides and shortness of radius of curvature in order to serve as a stop positioning the tip of the finger approximately between 0.20 and 0.90 inch ahead of the center of the sensor. This is an ideal position to enroll and later to authenticate or identify a subject user. The finger guide device material or surface may be electrically conductive and thereby serve as a means to transmit a driver signal to the finger tissue to facilitate the improved use of capacitive or other types of electronic or electromagnetically operated fingerprint sensors requiring this electrical potential sensing means. Additional tactile enhancements such as twin positioning bumps or Braille or audio or mechanical motion or visual marking or indicator light feedback may be added within the finger guide device if desired. The level of the fingerprint sensor or scanner may be raised or lowered as an additional enhancement to alter the data capture characteristics. The finger guide device may be used in communication with electromechanical devices to serve the additional purpose of functioning as a switch or pointing device.

A remote Braille education system and device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a remote Braille education system includes a first computer system at a first location, second computer systems associated with visually impaired individuals at a second location, and a server. The first computer system includes an input device, and a display device, and each of the second computer systems includes an electronic Braille device(s). The input device is configured for communicating a first set of characters to the electronic Braille device via the server. The electronic Braille device is configured for embossing the first set of characters on a printing medium. Furthermore, the electronic Braille device is configured for transmitting a second set of characters inputted by the visually impaired individual(s) via the server. The display device is configured for displaying the second set of characters received from said one or more of the second computer systems.

A system for incorporating emotional information in a communication stream from a first person to a second person, including an electronic image analyzer for determining an emotional component of a speaker or presenter using subsystems such as facial expression recognition, hand gesture recognition, body movement recognition, voice pitch analysis. A symbol generator generates one or more symbols such as emoticons, graphic symbols, or text modifications (bolding, underlining, etc.) corresponding to the emotional aspects of the presenter or speaker. The emotional symbols are merged with the audio or visual information from the speaker, and is presented to one or more recipients.

The present invention provides a Braille cell being of compact design and having low power consumption. The novel Braille cell is based on the bending characteristics of electroactive polymers to provide hydraulic actuation of a Braille dot. As such, the bending mechanism of the electroactive polymer actuator is transferred to the linear motion of the Braille dot. Additionally, to reduce power consumption, a latching and support mechanism is provided.

A protective cover or envelope for a keyboard array that prevents entry of contaminants such as water, foodstuffs, chemical compounds, including medical or pharmaceutical compositions in the form of fluids or solids, dust and the like into the interior of the keyboard assembly from the keypad top deck. A membrane of a resilient, substantially transparent, material, such as an elastomeric polyolefin, is used to form a one-piece cover that extends over the keyboard array and preferably at least a portion of the obverse face of the keyboard assembly and acts to drape or enshroud the keyboard assembly on its upper face or deck. Preferably the elastomeric cover is an envelope-like membrane structure of generally uniform thickness and is constructed in a shape that when stretched to receive the keyboard, it covers the top portion of the key array as well as extending at least partially down the side walls of the keyboard and is in proximate contact with the top deck of the keyboard assembly. The “touch” and “feel” of the individual keys is retained with the protective cover in its operative position, including keys of ordinary construction as well as those used with a Braille system of markings on the surfaces of the keys. As a consequence of its elastomeric properties, a single keyboard cover can be used with keyboards having different key patterns, e.g., different models from a single manufacturer or different keyboards from different manufacturers. The attractive economics and broad applicability achievable with the cover of the present invention also permits an individual user to retain a personal keyboard cover for a use with various keyboards.

An electronic object locator apparatus and method for operation in conjunction with other functionally compliant locators. The locator includes a controller with an actuator and indicator. A transmitter is coupled to transmit search signals and found signals output from the controller, and, a receiver is coupled to output received search signals and found signals to the controller. In operation the controller outputs a first search signal upon actuation of the actuator, and activates the indicator upon receipt of a first found signal responsive to the first search signal. In addition, the controller outputs a second found signal and activates the indicator in response to receipt of a second search signal. Multiple actuators are provided to address multiple functionally compliant locators. Radio signaling is employed, and may be operated under FCC Part 15. The search signals may include both a unit identity and a series identity. Braille symbols and icons can be applied to the actuators. A programming port is supplied so that automated test and programming equipment can be employed. The locator can be built into the objects that are located by the system.

A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology, keyboard, braille display, and audio speakers.

The subject invention relates to a method and apparatus for synchronization of sensory stimulation with the reading experience. In a specific embodiment, audio and / or video stimulation can be provided to a reader. In additional embodiments, the sensory stimulation can include touch, smell, and / or taste. The reading experience can include, for example, the reading of books, magazines, textbooks, telephone directories, maps, resumes, brochures, newspapers, or other forms of written or printed materials, which can include, but are not limited to, words, photographs, illustrations, drawings, cartoons, and braille. The synchronization of sensory stimulation with the reading experience can involve providing sensory stimulation in relation to a reader's location or approximate location with respect to written or printed materials. In addition to sensory stimulation, other forms of interaction can be provided, such as interactive games, or interactive tests. A specific embodiment relates to a method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and / or video to a book as it is read.

Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

The invention discloses an electromagnetic push-pull Braille touch screen which comprises contacts with the number being the multiple of 6. Each six contacts are arranged in three rows and two lines so as to form a Braille unit; all the Braille units are assembled to compose the Braille touch screen; each contact comprises a base frame, a return spring, a coil, a permanent magnet, an iron core and a coil lead; one end of the return spring is connected to the bottom of the permanent magnet, and the other end of the return spring is fixed on the base frame; the coil and the iron core compose an electromagnet which is fixed at the bottom of the base frame; the coil lead is connected with an external control circuit for supplying power for the coil; and the top of the permanent magnet is hemispherical. The touch screen utilizes the electricity-to-magnetism principle, the Ampere's rule and the phenomenon that magnets with the same poles reprehend each other, and realizes the rising and reset of the contact through the thrust and pull generated by the permanent magnet and the electromagnet. The touch screen is in line with the formation rule of Braille and the using habits of blind persons, is simple in structure principle and easy to realize, and can realize the fast generating and updating of the Braille through being externally controlled by a common chip.

One embodiment a vision substitution system for communicating audio and tactile representations of features within visual representations includes selecting (1) activity-related parameters; obtaining (2) images or other visual representations according to the activity-related parameters; acquiring (3) features including shapes and corners related to the visual representations according to the activity-related parameters; and outputting (4) effects related to the features on audio and / or tactile displays according to the activity-related parameters. The corners of shapes and other lineal features are emphasized via special audio and tactile effects while apparently-moving effects trace out perimeters and / or shapes. Coded impulse effects communicate categorical visual information. Special speech and braille codes can communicate encoded categorical properties and the arrangements of properties.

This invention is a kind of keyboard keystroke which concludes keystroke contact-head, metal keycap connected with keystroke contactor, board above the metal keycap. There are notch using for embedding the said board on the said metal keycap. The board is made of metal. Its surface

A handheld electronic device having a tactile pin array thereon is provided for assisting those with vision impairments. The device comprises a set of cameras that can capture a forward image, whereby the image is processed and used to output a three dimensional representation of the image on the tactile pin array. This allows one to recognize objects and obstacles in the area in front of the device, while the pin array may also be deployed as an adaptive braille reader. A specific pin assembly is contemplated using a micro stepper motor, while the overall system provides several functions for visually impaired users, including navigation capabilities, facial recognition, connection to wireless networks, and various input / output means.

An apparatus for remapping an existing keyboard on a portable electronic device for use by visually impaired users. The apparatus includes an overlay for an existing keyboard of the portable electronic device. The overlay may be configured to provide one or more Braille keypads located above input keys on an existing keyboard of the device such that when a key in the Braille keypad sections is pressed, the pressed key contacts and presses one or more input keys located below the pressed Braille key. Remapping software or hardware is included for remapping the depressed keys to a corresponding alpha-numeric character on the device.

A Braille type device including printed or displayed matter on a medium in combination with printed or displayed Braille type code, preferably machine readable Braille type bar code. The Braille type system includes the combination of the Braille type device and a Braille type-scanning device. The Braille type method includes printing or displaying a Braille type bar code on a medium.

A reusable water-proof elastomeric band embossed or debossed with alphanumeric characters and embossed with braille characters on the outer surface of the band, and on the inner surface if desired by the user, to represent the name of an individual, contents of the container, or any other useful information, and slipped tightly around a container of outside perimeter slightly larger than the inside circumference of the band, is disclosed as a device and method for labeling the container. Said alphanumeric and braille characters may be read by sighted and visually-handicapped individuals. Said device may be quickly and easily placed around or removed from a container without the use of tools. The labeling device and method is suitable for the short or long-term labeling of containers, water resistant, dishwasher safe, microwaveable, thermally sterilizable, and may be reused numerous times.

A mobile lottery terminal is disclosed. The mobile lottery terminal includes a processor. The mobile lottery terminal may include a Braille keypad in communication with the processor. The mobile lottery terminal may also include a customer information input device in communication with the processor and operable to input information indicative of a customer-selected lottery number. A system incorporating mobile lottery terminals and method of vending lottery tickets using mobile lottery terminals is also disclosed.

Text-to-touch techniques, in accordance with embodiment of the present technology, include apparatuses and methods for receiving content including textual portions and non-textual portions. The textual portions include letters, select words, numbers and punctuation having recognized Braille codes. The non-textual portions may include metadata, graphics, formatting, decorations, hyperlinks, radio buttons, submit buttons, check boxes, windows, icons, fields and / or the like. The systems and methods convert the textual portion to Braille codes and select non-textual portions to haptic feedback. The Braille code may then be output to a user. In addition, the haptic feedback associated with various Braille codes may also be output to the user along the associated Braille codes.

A screen reader application for visually impaired users suppresses unwanted content that is output by Braille or text-to-speech. The invention accesses, but does not modify, the document object model of the web page and enumerates web page elements for the end user to either hide or skip to. The end user selections are saved as rules which may be applied according to various levels of scope include web page specific, site specific or web-wide. A screen magnification application for visually impaired users automatically sets the visual focus and magnification level on a web page element according to end-user selection.

The invention provides a dot-matrix magnetic control convex point braille displayer. The displayer comprises a surface shell, a contact array formed by contact modules and a circuit board, wherein each contact module comprises a contact shell, a base, a coil, an iron core, an ejector rod, a permanent magnet, a positioning pin, a contact and a spring; under the action of the driving force provided by an external circuit, change and lock of slip sheets of the positioning pins on the bases are realized under the combined action of the acting force generated by pushing the permanent magnets with an electromagnet and the acting force of the springs, thus realizing transition of the contact states between smooth and projection and lock of the contact states; elastic metal sheets on the bases form a feedback path which can be used for feeding back the states of the contacts; and the friction generated when the components move is reduced by spraying polytetrafluoroethylene on the surfaces of the contact cases, the bases, the ejector rods, the permanent magnets, the positioning pins, the contacts and the springs, thus shortening the reaction time of the contacts and reducing the error display rate. The displayer can be used on various braille display equipment.

The present invention relates to a device, system and apparatus for a visual and tactile display and in particular, to a tactile and visual display device system capable of displaying both alphanumeric and Braille characters in a manner suitable for individuals that are visually impaired, blind or having normal range vision.

For enabling many peoples to make an input operation, for producing and recognizing the braille characters and / or normal characters, easily, thereby contributing of spreading the braille labels, widely, on which the braille characters are described, not only forming convex portions on a braille label, corresponding to the contents of braille characters, which are taken into, but also printing out the print character lines thereon, which are taken into. Herein, a user can made selection of a layout for the braille character line and the print character lines, arbitrarily. If there is coincidence between the contents of braille characters and the print character lines, a person other than the visually handicapped person can also recognize the contents of braille characters. Further, an input operation can easily be made by converting the print character lines that are inputted into the contents of braille characters, corresponding thereto, automatically, to be inputted in the condition thereof.

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.

In one embodiment, an apparatus and method for providing an interface in a device with a touch screen. The method includes displaying on a screen, a directory including a plurality of names and phone numbers corresponding to the names. When a touch event takes place, focusing a region in screen where the touch event occurs, and converting a name and phone number in the focusing region into Braille data and transmitting the Braille data to a Braille display through the interface.