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

项目总结/摘要 这个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款类似平板电脑的设备，能够实现新形式的触摸输入，触摸输出交互 盲人与盲文和触觉图形之间的联系。数以千计的小触觉针在一个网格在盲文间距 将在多点触摸感测表面上选择性地和交互式地升高。我们的设备将在 在盲人获得信息方面，特别是在教育方面，实现平等。这将减少对 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开发了微流体技术，允许少量电子阀 以低成本和高可靠性的方式单独处理和控制数千个致动器和移动销， 可制造的产品。在一个微小的软硅芯片的流体为基础的电路被用来提高和降低气泡 致动器使用电子阀和气泡之间的一对多转换。我们的产品将使 真正的数字互动使用触觉和提高生活质量的盲人美国人通过改善 教育机会，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.