Tactile Braille and Image Output Using Segmented Expression Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired individuals face challenges in using smart devices due to the reliance on visual graphical user interfaces, and existing tactile information output apparatuses are limited in their ability to effectively control external devices and output complex information such as images and diagrams, while also lacking the capability to control external devices.
Innovation Solution
An information output apparatus and method that includes a plurality of expression members capable of protruding or retracting to provide tactile information, with activation and non-activation areas calculated to facilitate the output of images and text, and the ability to control external devices through compatible operation keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tactile information output apparatus transmits information by outputting text, then text information can be conveyed to visually impaired users, but the output of images such as graphs and diagrams is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The information output surface is divided into multiple independent expression members that can be controlled separately. Each expression member can be actuated to protrude or retract independently, allowing the system to represent different types of information (text, graphs, diagrams) by selectively activating specific segments rather than being limited to uniform text output
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the configuration of expression members by actuating them to protrude or retract based on the type of information being conveyed. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same physical structure to adaptively represent various information types including text, graphs, and diagrams, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and adaptability
2Ease of operation
If tactile information output apparatus receives and outputs information unilaterally from external devices, then information can be transmitted, but the apparatus cannot control the external device
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with dual functionality: it can both receive information from external devices and control external devices. The same communication interface and processing unit handle both incoming information and outgoing control signals, allowing the apparatus to serve as both a passive receiver and an active controller, thereby eliminating the limitation of unilateral information reception
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the apparatus receives information from external devices, processes it through the expression members, and can send control signals back to the external devices. This bidirectional communication loop enables the apparatus to not only receive information but also control external devices based on the received information and user needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation keys are provided for controlling external devices, then device control functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation keys are designed with multi-functionality, where each key can perform different functions depending on the current state, mode, or combination of pressed keys. This allows the system to provide diverse control capabilities for various external devices without requiring separate dedicated keys for each function, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of operation keys is dynamically assigned based on the current operating context, such as the type of external device connected, the current mode of the apparatus, or the sequence of key presses. This dynamic function assignment allows a limited number of physical keys to control a wide range of functions, reducing hardware complexity while enhancing control capability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an information output apparatus and method. The information output apparatus includes a plurality of expression members configured to protrude or retract by moving in at least one direction and being sensed by a user when protruding or retracting; an activation area calculator configured to calculate a series of braille letters as an activation area on the plurality of expression members; a non-activation area calculator configured to calculate a space between the braille letters as a non-activation area in the activation area; and a plurality of actuation controllers configured to actuate expression members corresponding to the activation area to protrude or retract and configured to actuate expression members corresponding to the non-activation area to retract.