Microfluidic technology for a full-page braille and graphical tactile display

项目摘要/摘要 该SBIR项目的目标是向美国提供多行可刷新的盲文和触觉图形显示器。 市场。我们设想的产品是一种类似平板电脑的设备，支持新形式的触摸输入、触摸输出交互 盲人与盲文和触觉图形之间的区别。数以千计的微小触觉大头针以盲文的间距排列在网格中 将被选择性地和交互地提升在多点触摸传感表面上。我们的设备将在 在盲人信息获取方面建立公平，特别是在教育方面。它将减少对 硬拷贝和静态的物理媒体目前限制了盲人学生的独立性和成功。 NewHaptics已经开发出微流控技术，允许少量电子阀 单独寻址和控制数以千计的执行器和移动销，以低成本和高效率 可制造的产品。在一个微小的软硅胶芯片中使用了基于流体的电路来提高和降低气泡 执行机构使用电子阀和气泡之间的一对多转换。我们的产品将使 使用触觉进行真正的数字交互，并通过改善 在教育机会，并最终他们的就业成功和独立。

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of this SBIR project is to deliver a multiline refreshable braille and tactile graphics display to the U.S. market. Our envisioned product is a tablet-like device that enables new forms of touch-in, touch-out interaction between blind people and braille and tactile graphics. Thousands of tiny tactile pins in a grid at braille spacing will be selectively and interactively raised on a multi-touch sensing surface. Our device will play a critical role in establishing equity in information access for blind people, particularly in education. It will reduce the reliance on hardcopy and static, physical media that currently limit a blind student’s independence and success. NewHaptics has developed microfluidic technology that allows a small number of electronic valves to individually address and control the thousands of actuators and moving pins in a low-cost and highly manufacturable product. Fluid-based circuits in a tiny soft silicone chip are employed to raise and lower bubble actuators using a one-to-many conversion between an electronic valve and bubbles. Our product will enable true digital interaction using the sense of touch and enhance the quality of life of blind Americans by improving opportunities in education, and ultimately their employment success and independence.