Robust Braille Surfaces with Integrated Cursor Routing

描述(由申请人提供)：轨道研究公司已经开发出新型的、低成本的微型阀，这种微型阀可以用标准盲文字符放置在每个点的下面。然后，微型阀门控制空气的流动，空气流动给盲文显示器顶部柔性表面下的腔室加压。然后，空气压力使表面形成组成盲文字符的各个点。这项技术采用了具有成本效益的微电子机械(MEMS)制造技术，能够在盲文显示系统的设计和制造中实现显著的成本节约，使多行盲文显示成为现实。该计划的目标是开发用于气动可刷新盲文显示器的坚固表面，并具有集成的光标路径选择功能。为了证明拟议工作的可行性，轨道研究为第一阶段计划确定了以下任务。首先，轨道研究将对用于气动盲文显示系统的柔性表面的不同制造方法进行调查。接下来，轨道研究公司将与盲文阅读器合作测试表面，以展示易用性特征(易读性、触觉敏锐度和阅读速度)和弹性。最后，将开发将光标布线系统集成到柔性表面中的方法。 拟议的商业应用：轨道研究可刷新盲文显示系统(RBDS)将使视障和盲人能够更好地展示电子信息，从而加强对电子信息的获取。以比现有单行设备低约五倍的价格向一个人显示多行盲文文本的能力可以增加教育和就业机会，并帮助公司和组织满足美国残疾人法案(ADA)的要求。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Orbital Research has developed novel, low-cost, micro-valves, which can be placed underneath each dot in a standard Braille character. The micro-valves then control the flow of air that pressurizes a chamber under a flexible surface on the top of the Braille display. The air pressure then causes the surface to form the individual dots that comprise the Braille characters. This technology uses cost effective micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) fabrication techniques enables the realization of significant cost savings in the design and manufacturer of the Braille display system, making multi-line Braille displays a reality. The goal of this program is to develop robust surfaces for pneumatically actuated refreshable Braille displays with integrated cursor routing capabilities. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed work, Orbital Research has identified the following tasks for the Phase I program. First, Orbital Research will conduct an investigation into different methods of fabricating flexible surfaces for use on a pneumatically actuated Braille display system. Next, Orbital Research working in conjunction with Braille readers will test the surfaces to demonstrate usability characteristics (legibility, tactile acuity, and reading speed) and resiliency. Finally, methods of integrating a cursor routing system into the flexible surfaces will be developed. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The Orbital Research Refreshable Braille Display System (RBDS) will enhance access to electronic information by allowing visually impaired and blind individuals enhanced presentation of electronic information. The ability to present multiple lines of Braille text to a person at a price approximately five times lower then existing single line devices can enable enhanced educational and employment opportunities and help companies and organizations meet the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).