Electromagnetic Segmented Tactile Display With Dual-Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive technologies for the visually impaired, such as audio devices, fail to meet the needs of individuals with dual sensory impairment or deaf-blindness, and tactile displays like Braille have a steep learning curve and are costly, limiting their adoption among the elderly and deaf-blind population.
Innovation Solution
A segmented alphanumeric display using electromagnetic microactuators with a dual-mode design, where a high-force mesoactuator engages the entire display module, and an array of low-force microactuators determines the on/off state of each element, allowing for tactile and visual feedback without a learning curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Braille displays are used to provide tactile information, then tactile feedback is improved, but device cost and learning curve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple independent segments that can be individually actuated. Each segment corresponds to a portion of a character and can be independently raised or lowered, allowing complex characters to be formed from simple modular elements. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity compared to traditional Braille while maintaining tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display elements are dynamically controllable, transitioning between raised and lowered states on demand. This dynamic capability allows the same physical structure to display different characters and information without requiring multiple static displays, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining full tactile functionality.
2Loss of information
If audio devices are used to provide information, then information density is improved, but usability for dual sensory impairment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device provides multiple modes of information delivery through the same interface. It can present information as tactile raised segments for blind users, as visual displays for partially sighted users, and can be integrated with audio output. This multi-functionality ensures usability across different impairment types without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented display acts as an intermediary between audio information and tactile perception. Complex audio information can be converted into tactilely representable segmented forms, providing a bridge for users with hearing impairments to access information that would otherwise only be available through audio channels.
3Ease of operation
If segmented displays are used to provide visual and tactile information, then ease of use is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple independent segments that can be individually actuated. Each segment corresponds to a portion of a character and can be independently raised or lowered, allowing complex characters to be formed from simple modular elements. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity compared to traditional Braille while maintaining tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with electromagnetic actuators. Each segment is controlled by an electromagnetic actuator that can reliably raise or lower the segment without complex mechanical linkages, gears, or springs, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise control over segment positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design addresses the cost and usability issues of existing technologies, providing a low-cost, widely adoptable tactile display that is both tactilely and visually accessible, suitable for individuals with varying degrees of impairment.
Implementation Method 1
Each rotor is mounted for rotation in a rotational plane and in at least one direction between an active state and an inactive state by at least one associated electromagnet from among the plurality of electromagnets when the respective electromagnet generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
Each display element is positioned to be displaced through the orifice by actuation of the linearly actuated platform via a respective rotor from among the plurality of rotors along an axis orthogonal to the rotational plane of its respective rotor when the respective rotor is rotated into its active state
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented alphanumeric includes a display panel, at least one linearly actuated platform, and display elements. Each display element passes through an orifice in the display panel to generate protruded and segmented alphanumeric characters in combination with other extended display elements. A microactuator array is displaceable by the linearly actuated platform and includes electromagnets and rotors. Each rotor is mounted for rotation in at least one direction between an active state and an inactive state by at least one associated electromagnet. Each display element is displaced through the orifice by actuation of the linearly actuated platform via a respective rotor when the respective rotor is rotated into its active state and to evade displacement by the rotor when the rotor is rotated into its inactive state.