Braile eReader usimg Electromagnets - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: fudgebobs
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 06:30:49 am
content: Hello all, a friend recently suggested an idea to me about how we can use technology to make literature available for the blind and deaf.The idea is simple, if I can make a somewhat portable device that can generatge braile characters, we can make any book that is out there available I'm this format. My idea is to implement the braile system is to use mini electromagnets to generate the braille text. The magnet would pull down in one state and possibly have a spring mechanism to push the pin back up in the second state when the magnet isn't pulling down on it.My challenge and question is, how can I make electromagnets in such close proximity without them interfering with each other.Now maybe this isn't the best way, so please feel free to suggest your own ideas. This is a not for profit project and once complete we plan to make and distribute these to various disability centers and schools. Maybe even crowd source it.Your ideas and help are much appreciated.Cheers from Canada!!!

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 06:34:20 am
content: wouldn't it just be easier to use a bunch of mechanical actuators?

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 06:51:50 am
content: FYIDaisy Audio Books.The books (CD) are available to loan out, but I think individual needs to buy the player.Edit:http://www.visionaustralia.org/living-with-low-vision/learning-to-live-independently/using-technology-and-computers/technology-overview/braille-technologies#refreshElectronic or refreshable Braille displaysAn Electronic Braille Display (refreshable braille display) is a tactile device which can be attached to a computer or connected via Bluetooth to some smartphones, and enables the user to read the contents of the screen using braille.They can consist most commonly of 12, 20, 32 and 40 or 80 braille cells. Each cell has 6 or 8 nylon pins which are electronically controlled to move up and down to display a braille version of the characters that appear on the computer or smartphone screen.Only 12, 20, 32, 40 or 80 characters from the screen are shown at one time so the displays have buttons or controls on them which enable the user to move the Braille display around the computer screen.To gain full access to programs using a braille display on a PC you also need to purchase a screen reading program which supports the braille display. There are a number of screen readers on the market which can do this.Refreshable Braille Displays can also be used with portable computers. The 20 and 40 cell displays are frequently used with portable computers and are battery as well as mains powered.As of January 2013 prices range from around $1,750 to $8,500.ouch.

author: branadic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 07:02:14 am
content: First of all, it's called Braille.Second, there are Braille displays already available. We manufactor modules for such a touch display. Just google for pictures to "HSG-IMAT Braille Display".Forget about Electromagnets, they are to large. We used pieco actuators instead, find more about that on web.

author: fudgebobs
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2013, 07:28:50 am
content: Oh those are some awesome answers.I didn't think of actualtors till now. I'll have a look at this. And yes I agree electromagmets can definetly get fairly large which is why I was a bit skeptical of the implementation of this solution. I'll have a look.Thanks a ton