Abstract:
A tactile reading system and a communication device for tactile data reading and input with a computer. It includes a set of sensitive means ( 13, 13 ′) located each in the proximity of or inside the input means ( 12, 12 ′) and arranged such that they can, under the control of the computer, communicate a binary sensation on each one of the user&#39;s finger. To each combination of simultaneous detection of sensations on the fingers, corresponds a read character, the character being the same as the one transmitted by the computer under the simultaneous action on the input keys associated with the active reading keys for the combination concerned. The invention is particularly designed for blind people.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This application is a national phase of application Ser. No. PCT/FR00/00501 filed Mar. 1, 2000, now abandoned. 
     This invention concerns equipment permitting a user to perform touch-sensitive reading of information from an electronic calculator, generally intended for the blind. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     At the present time, Braille displays do exist that, according to the model, comprise twenty to eighty characters, each of these characters consisting of six to eight pins activated by the same number of piezoelectric cells controlled by the calculator and making it possible to create a relief on said character. Because of their technology, these reading devices are bulky and expensive. In addition, these devices are designed for reading only and the user must use another piece of equipment, of the Braille keyboard or other type to perform the entry of information into the electronic calculator. It is to be noted that such displays must be set on a plane support during their use and do not fit easily into portable pocket devices, such as electronic memo pads, messengers or others. 
     From patent documents WO 9832112 (NISSEN DOUGHTY) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,001 (PENNER), systems are known of for touch communication between a blind user and an electronic calculator, enabling said user to read or enter data into the electronic calculator. These systems contain sensitive units to give the user a sensation, as controlled by the calculator, and computer data entry units. 
     More specifically for the system described by WO 9832112, the sensitive units operate with a pair of touch-sensitive components assigned to each finger of the user. These components for each finger vibrate at different frequencies to communicate specific information. A combination between these vibratory states makes available to the user a significant combination of touch information. 
     Again more specifically, the system described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,001 features a handle provided with touch-sensitive components that are divided into a group of four components arranged on both parts of the handle. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The purpose of this system is again to propose touch-sensitive units offering a significant amount of information to be transmitted. 
     It appears that these devices, like the previous ones, are not suitable for transposition to portable pocket equipment, such as a memo pad or alike, because of their operation and structure. 
     This invention makes it possible to resolve these disadvantages by proposing a system based on a simple and inexpensive technology and thus permits the user to enter data into an electronic calculator as well as to read data from this same calculator. 
     The system under this invention is of the type described by WO 9832112 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,001 to enable a blind user to read or enter data into an electronic calculator. This system contains sensitive units and entry units as above-mentioned. 
     The system under the invention distinguishes itself in that it can fit in the calculator case. The sensitive units are designed to give to the user, as controlled by the calculator, at least a binary sensation on each of at least two fingers of said user while each combination of simultaneous binary sensations can be assigned to character-type or other information transmitted by the calculator. 
     Therefore, an information unit can be transmitted through the simultaneous detection of the presence or not of a sensation on each of the different fingers. 
     In addition, the sensitive units are distributed over each one of at least six fingers of the user, each sensitive unit corresponding to one of the dots on a Braille character. 
     Finally, each sensitive unit is arranged in relation to an entry unit so that the user can perform the entry or reading without changing the overall position of his/her hands, i.e., it is placed close to or inserted within the body of the entry unit. 
     The entry unit can be used, for example and depending on the software selected, as a Braille keyboard by pressing simultaneously the main keys corresponding to the dots of the Braille character to be transmitted. 
     In the reading mode, the calculator transmits a character by activating the sensitive units associated with the same keys that, when pressed in the entry mode, communicate the same character to the calculator. 
     With the sensitive units communicating to the user&#39;s fingers a combination of simultaneous sensations, said user can establish the correspondence between said combination and said character to be read, then confirm the actual elementary reading by pressing a key to request transmission of the following character from the calculator. Under another embodiment, transmission of the characters can be achieved in a sequential manner according to a frequency defined by the user. To switch from the reading mode to the entry mode, the user can press an auxiliary key. 
     Under several alternate designs of the invention, the sensitive units can communicate to the user a binary sensation in the form of a relief, of the locking of a mobile component, of a vibratory sensation, of a thermal sensation, of a light electrical pulse or any other type of sensation. 
     Under one embodiment of the invention, each sensitive unit can be equipped with a well-known device, such as an electromagnet, a piezoelectric cell, or a part made out of a so-called “form-memory” material, moving a component capable of creating a relief. Such relief may appear on the face of the equipment case accessible to the user&#39;s fingers, or on the button of the key itself when the key, under an alternative design, contains the sensitive unit. 
     Under another design and when the entry unit contains the sensitive units, the sensation involved in the transmission of a character to be read consists of locking said key pressed down. To perform the reading, the user presses simultaneously all said keys and establishes the combination corresponding to the code transmitted by detecting all unlocked keys. Once the user has identified the character, he/she releases all pressed keys, thus informing the calculator that it may transmit the following character. 
     Under a preferred embodiment, the mechanism capable of locking the key mechanism in the down position consists of an electromagnet that, when energized, draws to itself a component that opposes any movement of the entry key. 
     The communication device under the invention can be designed as a conventional Braille keyboard that integrates the sensitive units arranged in accordance with the invention. In that case, said device should be placed on a support to be used. 
     Under an alternate design, the device under the invention can be contained on a case characterized by the fact that the majority of the entry units and of the sensitive units is located on the face of said case that is opposite to the face designed to be facing the user. Thus, this reading and entry equipment can be used without requiring any support since it is held between the palms of the hands of the user pressing or reading with his/her thumbs the keys and the sensitive units possibly located on the front face or on the edges of said case while the other fingers of each hand can press or read the keys and sensitive units located on the opposite face. 
     The device under the invention can be managed by a software based on the Braille method and therefore contain only six to eight sensitive units. Both hands are then required to read a single Braille character. Under an alternate design, other sensitive units are judiciously placed in sufficient quantity so that each hand can enter or read a common Braille character. 
     Under an alternate design, the equipment under the invention does not contain any display elements other than ten sensitive units arranged in two groups of five assigned to the five fingers of the left hand and the five fingers of the right hand, respectively. Such device, managed by software based on a different Braille method and using the thirty-one possible combinations on five elements, makes it any way possible to read or to enter most common characters with only one hand. 
     Under another embodiment, several sensitive units can be distributed over each finger or act also on the user&#39;s palm. 
     Regardless of the embodiment, the touch-sensitive reading system or the communication device under the invention can be connected to a standard personal computer port or integrated into its case, while the calculator and possibly a communication module make it possible to connect to a network such as the Internet and to an electronic message service. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and characteristics of this invention will become more apparent in the description below that relates to the attached drawings that represent several non-limiting embodiments of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of a communication device under the invention. 
     FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a communication device under the invention. 
     FIG. 3 a  shows a top view of the front face of a communication device under the invention that does not require any support to be used. 
     FIG. 3 b  shows a top view of the rear face of the same communication device. 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an entry unit integrating a sensitive unit, making it possible to communicate binary touch-sensitive information to a user. 
     FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  are diagrammatic illustrations showing an electronic circuit making it possible to connect a keyboard under the invention to the parallel port of a personal computer. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic view of still another embodiment of the communication device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     On FIG. 1, a case  1  can be seen that represents the communication device under the invention in an alternate design under which the sensitive units are placed close to the entry units. This case contains two series  10 ,  10 ′ of secondary entry units used to perform such functions as switching from the entry mode to the reading mode, moving a cursor, or others. This case  1  also contains a connector  11  to connect the keyboard to a calculator—not shown—and two series  12  and  12 ′ of entry units consisting of five main entry keys, with the first series designed to be pressed with the left hand and series  12 ′ designed to be pressed with the right hand. The arrangement of keys  12  or  12 ′ is such that keys  120  and  120 ′ can be pressed with a little finger,  121  and  121 ′ with a ring finger,  122  and  122 ′ with a middle finger,  123  and  123 ′ with a forefinger and  124  and  124 ′with a thumb. Each hand may thus press five keys at the same time and therefore enter two five-bit codes at a time. Above each key of series  12  and  12 ′ is located a sensitive unit of series  13  or  13 ′ that contains a well-known and not shown device, such as a piezoelectric cell or electromagnet and activates one of dots  130  through  134 ,  130 ′ through  134 ′, designed to create a relief on the front face  15  of case  1  and thus communicating a binary sensation to the user. Under another embodiment, it is possible to communicate to the user a binary sensation in the form of the locking of a mobile element, of a thermal or vibratory sensation, or of a light electrical pulse. 
     To do the entry, the user positions his/her fingers on the keys of series  12  and  12 ′, and to do the reading, the user positions his/her fingers on the facings of dots of series  13  and  13 ′. Such a case  1  shall be set on a support and can be connected to a standard port of a personal computer, for example to the parallel port through a circuit shown in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b . Thus, a simple, compact and inexpensive system is achieved that enables a sight-challenged person to exchange information with a computer system. 
     When referring to FIG. 2, on the front face  25  of a case  2  a set of entry units  210  though  214  and  210 ′ through  214 ′ can be seen that integrates the sensitive units. According to one embodiment, each entry unit features a hole such as  230  allowing for a component such as  240  to be inserted through the key button when under one embodiment a device with piezoelectric cell or other is activated or when, under another embodiment, a non-locked key is pressed in order to create on said button a relief that can be detected by the user. Said keys and said components capable of creating a relief on the key button are arranged in a manner similar to the elements of series  12 ,  12 ′,  13  or  13 ′ in FIG. 1 so that they can fulfill the same functions. FIG. 2 also shows a key  22  accessible by the palm of the left hand using free fingers or “extended” fingers accessing also and simultaneously one or more keys  210  through  213 . This key  22  that also contains a display element creating a relief under  26  can serve as sixth dot so as to enter or read with only one hand the common Braille characters when the reading and entry equipment is managed by a suitable Braille-based method. Such key  22  can also be arranged under the right hand. Under an alternate design, key  22  is replaced by four keys  220 ,  221 ,  222  and  223  fulfilling the same reading and entry functions as unit  22 ,  26  plus possibly, when they are pressed individually, other functions peculiar to the management software selected. Such equipment makes it possible to read or enter a great number of distinct codes without having to change the position of the fingers. 
     FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  show a case  3  containing an electronic calculator not represented, and featuring on its front face  30  a speaker  39 , a microphone  39 ′ permitting to listen to or record voice messages; as well as a number of keys  35 ,  35 ′ with functions such as cursor moving or reading/entry mode change keys. The rear face  31  and the upper edge  36  of case  3  contain two main series of keys  32 ,  32 ′, the first being designed to be pressed by the fingers of the left hand and  32 ′ by the fingers of the right hand. The arrangement of keys  32  or  32 ′ is such that keys  320  and  320 ′ can be pressed by a little finger,  321  and  321 ′ by a ring finger,  322  and  322 ′ by a middle finger,  323  and  323 ′ by a forefinger and  324  and  324 ′ by a thumb. The button of each key has a hole such as  334  or  333  to run a pin such as  344  or  343  through. Under one embodiment of the key containing a sensitive unit in accordance with one characteristic of the invention, said pin such as  344  or  343  is capable of creating a relief on the button of said key under the control of a component such as a piezoelectric cell. Under another embodiment, said pin such as  344  or  343  is capable of creating a relief on the button of said key when the key is pressed. In this latter case and in the reading mode, this relief appears only on the keys pressed and therefore not locked. The case  3  can be held from the lateral sides  37  and  38  between the palms of the user&#39;s hands and reading or entry can then be done using both hands without requiring any support. Such device is especially well suited for blind persons who wish to access many services of a pocket microcomputer possibly connected to a messaging network or others. 
     FIG. 4 shows a reversible locking key  4  that permits to both read and enter data and is provided on units such as those presented in FIGS. 2 or  3 . This key  4  contains a button  40  capable of sliding on an axis  46  whenever pressure is applied on its upper face and whenever coil  440  of an electromagnet  44  is not energized. In the pressed down position, an integral part of button  40  closes a contact  401  informing the calculator of the state of key  4 . Once pressure is released, a spring  402  returns button  40  and contact  401  to the “rest” position. If coil  440  is then energized, core  441  draws to its contact metallic arms  42  and  42 ′ hinged onto part  41 , also metallic and closing the field lines. Both arms  42  and  42 ′ then butt against parts  48  and  48 ′ integral with body  47  topped by axis  46 , securing the electromagnet  44  and secured on a base  49 . The key is thus locked in the pressed down position. An element  46 ′ overlying axis  46  permits to create a relief identifiable with the user&#39;s finger when the key is pressed down so as to enable said user to easily locate the non-locked keys. By combining the sensations felt on each finger, the user records the combination corresponding to the code transmitted by the calculator using the keyboard management program. Such keys can be connected to an electronic calculator through a circuit such as the one shown in FIG.  5 . In the reading mode, the calculator sends a signal to the relevant keys  4  and waits for the user to press and release the non-locked keys before sending the next information. 
     FIG. 5 a  shows a series of contacts  50  that can be the contacts  401  activated by keys of the type shown in FIG. 4 or others and that are part of keyboard  2  or  3 . These contacts  50  are connected on one hand to a connector  51  that is itself connected to the parallel data port of a calculator not represented and on the other hand to the logic gate inlets  52 , here of the OR type but that may be other types, with their outlets connected to a connector  51 ′ that is itself connected to the inlet parallel port of the same calculator. Reading of the contact state is achieved by scanning connector  51  and the information is collected on connector  51 ′. As the data port contains eight pins, keyboards with up to forty contacts  50  can be generated. 
     FIG. 5 b  shows a connector  55  connected to the data parallel port of a calculator not represented, and another connector  55 ′ connected to the control parallel port of this same calculator. Data is conveyed onto a lock  58  or  58 ′ selected by the state of the connector  55 ′, and the outlets of these locks activate devices  59  and  59 ′, such as the electromagnet  44  of key  4 , piezoelectric cells or other devices permitting to communicate directly or indirectly to the user a binary touch sensation on the fingers. These very simple electronic circuits permit to achieve a reading/writing peripheral such as those presented in FIGS. 1 and 2, inexpensive and suited for the sight-impaired. 
     FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the invention in which several sensitive devices are associated with each finger. A sensitive device is associated with each thumb of the user. Two sensitive devices are assigned to each one of the other fingers. Each sensitive device of these eight fingers, i.e., sixteen sensitive devices can correspond to two characters. The presence or not of a sensation on the sensitive device corresponding to the thumb permits to define the character to which the sensation corresponds. This embodiment of the invention constitutes another method of combinational reading.