The visually impaired person is especially disadvantaged when pursuing a high-level skill, and is required to learn from an ever-changing, expanding, dynamic technology driven culture. The blind scientist cannot scan large amounts of current publi'shed articles. A sighted person must read and describe the information to him/her. Researchers are investigating a combination of piezoelectric materials and surface mount electronics that can produce a reliable Large Tactile Computer Controlled Array. The tactile pin density must meet the National Library of Congress specification for Braille. An Array size of 25 lines x 40 characters/line, 6 pins/character, can provide a practical Braille book readout device. A single, common, prime mover provides the up motion for all pins. Piezoelectric latches, each controlled by the computer, selects which pins will be pushed up. Design is based on a surface mount module combining piezoelectric actuators, drive electronics, and some memory. All modules connect to a common 9 wire bus. The completed device would occupy a mechanical envelope of 10 x 13 x 5 inches.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The research results will provide knowledge access for the blind community to learn concepts and skills. Schools, Universities, Governments, and Industry will use this Large Tactile Array to give immediate knowledge access, and to replace the need for awkward Braille books.
