An Innovative Tactile Interactive Interface Graphical Display for the Visually Impaired Information Technology Access Applications

Abstract:

This paper presents an innovative tactile interactive interface graphical display for visually impaired people, information technology (IT) access application. The display consists of matrix of dots. Each dot is an electro rheological fluid micro actuator. The micro-actuator designed based on linear vertical movement principles. The actuator design and development process is presented in this paper. An advanced software tools and embedded system based on voltage matrix manipulation are developed to provide the display near real time control. Prototype size 124x4 dots, on a matrix form, of 2.54mm pitch, was manufactured. The experimental tests carried out into the prototype showed that each actuator of the matrix was able to provide a vertical holding force of 100 to 200 mN and vertical movement of 0.7 mm. The stroke and dynamic response tests showed the practicability of the developed micro actuation system, for tactile display IT access applications.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 415)
• Pages: 155-160
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.415.155
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Mahmoud Shafik
• Keywords: Tactile Display, Visually Impaired Display, Visually Impaired IT Applications

References

[1] H. Fisher, R. Trapp, B. Hofman, actuator array for use in minimal invasive surgery, in proc. ACTUATOR 96, pp.383-387, (1996).

[2] P. D. Atherton and K. Uchino, New development in piezo motor and mechanisms, Proc. ACTUATOR 98, pp.164-169, (1998).

[3] Kohl, S. Durr, E. Just and D. Pirck, Development of electrorheological micro actuators, Proc. ACTUATOR 98, pp.430-433, (1998).

[4] Fricke and H. Baehring, Design of a tactile graphic I/O tablet and its integration into the personal computer system for blind users, Proc. EASI High Resolution Tactile Graphic Conference, (1994).

DOI: 10.1006/jmca.1993.1026

[5] Yobas L., Lisy F. J., Schmidt R. N., Huff M. A., A pneumatically actuated tactile display unit utilizing MEMS microactuators, Biomedical Engineering Society 1998 Annual Fall Meeting, (1998).

[6] S. Hata, T. Kato, T. Fukushige, A. Shimokobe" Integrated conical spring linear actuator", Microelectronic Engineering 67-68, pp.574-581, (2003).

DOI: 10.1016/s0167-9317(03)00116-3

[7] Fricke J., Different approaches to large tactile screens suitable for graphics, IEE Colloquium on development in tactile displays, No. 1997/012, p.6/1-6/3, (1993).

DOI: 10.1049/ic:19970085

[8] Taylor P. M., Pollet D. M. Hosseini-Sianaki A., and Varley C. J., Advances in an electrorheological fluid based tactile display, Displays 18, pp.135-141, Elsevier Science, (1998).

DOI: 10.1016/s0141-9382(98)00014-6

[9] Moy G., Wagner C., Fearing R. S., A compliant tactile display for teleaction, Proceeding of IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, pp.3409-3415, San Francisco, USA, (2000).

DOI: 10.1109/robot.2000.845247

[10] Moy G., Singh U., Tan E., and Fearing R. S., Human psychophysics for teleaction system design, Haptic-e: The Electronic Journal of Haptics Research, (2000).

[11] Block, H. et al, Materials and mechanisms in electrorheology", presented at the symposium on 'Rheology of concentrated dispersion, Third Chemical Congress of North America, Toronto, 6-14, (1989).

[12] P M Taylor, et al, An electrorheological fluid-based tactile array for virtual environments, proceedings of the 1996 IEEE, international Conference on Robotics and Automation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, April (1996).

DOI: 10.1109/robot.1996.503567

[13] M. Shafik, et al, Smart Tactile Effecting Graphical Display for Visually Impaired Information Technology Access Applications, International Conference in Information Technology (ICIT 2005), 19-22 April, American University of Cyprus, Kyrina, Cyprus, (2005).

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.415.155

[14] M. Shafik, et al, An Economical Micro Valve Using Electro Rheological Fluid Technology for Visually Impaired Information Technology Access Application, International Conference in Information Technology (ICIT 2005), 19-22 April, American University of Cyprus, Kyrina, Cyprus, (2005).

DOI: 10.1115/imece2013-62924

[15] Barlow, F., W., Rubber compounding: principles, material and techniques, 2nd ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York, (1993).

[16] Blow, C., M., and Hepburn Rubber technology and manufacture, 2nd ed., Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, Oxford, UK, (1982).