Actuated Pins for Braille Displays

Geoffrey M. Spinks and Gordon G. Wallace ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science and Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia 

Biomedical Applications of Electroactive Polymer Actuators Edited by Federico Carpi and Elisabeth Smela 

A retreshable Braille screen offeTS a useable interface for blind people to use computers. Braille is used extensively in printed material to convey textual (and graphical) information. Braille books and so on are commonly available. Braille consists of patterns of raised dots (6 or 8 dots make up a single letter in the Braille alphabet) that are read touch. An electronic Braille screen would utilize a system of raising and 

Piezcj-electric 8 pin cell Current technology 8 pins in Up position 

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In this research, a new type of dynamic Braille display is presented. It employs a dielectric elastomer for the basis of the tactile display. It is constmcted with a notably simple mechanical and electrical architecture. The proposed device is organized with a dual-layered array of tactile cells that generates vertical motion used to push up or down the Braille pins. These electrically driven tactile cells can generate either small-scale vibratory motion or linear displacement. They differ from conventional devices in softness and controllable compliance, cost effectiveness, simple manufacturability and high actuator density. Furthermore, the small size of the proposed concept enables the development of a high-density display device. 

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