Dual-Cell Tactile Output for Images and Text
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile information output devices, such as those using Braille, are limited in the types of content they can deliver, primarily focusing on characters and failing to effectively convey images, graphs, and equations, which hinders visually impaired individuals' ability to recognize various types of information.
Innovation Solution
An information output apparatus and method that includes first and second information output portions, capable of processing and outputting images and text through tactile sensation, with the first portion displaying key subjects of an image and the second portion outputting text, utilizing image processing to enhance recognition and allowing for intuitive tactile sensing of features within images, even in distorted or unclear content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Braille tactile output devices are used, then characters can be output through tactile sensation, but the types of content that can be delivered are limited and various graphical information cannot be effectively conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile information output device is designed to handle multiple types of content including images, graphs, diagrams, and equations, not just traditional Braille characters. The device integrates image processing units and tactile output units that can convert various graphical information into tactile sensations, making the device universal for different content types while maintaining a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An information processing device serves as an intermediary between the graphical content source and the tactile output device. This intermediary processes and converts complex graphical information into formats suitable for tactile representation, allowing the tactile device to handle diverse content types without increasing its own structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Braille output is used, then tactile information can be delivered, but information recognition for visually impaired people is limited and various types of content cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments different types of information (images, graphs, text) into separate processing and output channels. Each type of content is processed through dedicated image processing units that convert specific visual features into corresponding tactile patterns, ensuring that no information is lost and that various content types can be accurately represented.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces traditional mechanical Braille character output with a more sophisticated system that uses image processing and controlled tactile actuation. This substitution allows for the representation of complex graphical information through tactile means, significantly enhancing information recognition capability for visually impaired users.
3Ease of operation
If image processing is performed to output key subjects, then intuitive tactile recognition is enabled, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing every pixel and detail of an image, the system performs partial action by extracting and processing only the key subjects and important features. This selective processing approach maintains intuitive tactile recognition while significantly reducing processing time and computational resource consumption compared to complete image processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for outputting information in which the apparatus includes a first information output portion including a first information output cell which is arranged in a grid structure and includes a preset number of first information output units configured to tactilely sense in an event of upward movement or downward movement in at least one direction, a second information output portion provided at a different location from the first information output portion and including a second information output cell which is arranged in a grid structure and includes a preset number of second information output units, and a processor for detecting one or more of an image and a text from content being input, generating a first driving signal driving the first information output unit according to a result of detecting the image, transmitting the first driving signal to the first information output portion, generating a second driving signal driving the second information output unit according to a result of detecting the text, and transmitting the second driving signal to the second information output portion.