Tactile Computer Display

Knowledge representation in our computer information age is not in a useful display for the visually impaired. The blind person is especially disadvantaged when pursuing a high level skill, and is required to learn from an ever - changing, expanding, dynamic technology driven culture. They cannot scan tactile information on current published articles. A sighted person must read and describe the information. The goal of this research is to find a combination of piezoelectric materials and surface mount electronics that will, in a unique geometry, produce a reliable large tactile computer controlled display. One form of the display will meet the national specifica- tion for Braille. A single prime mover will provide the up motion for all pins. A piezoelectric latch for each pin, controlled by the computer, holds the pin down or releases the pin. A Modular geometry combines the computer interface components with each tactile pin latch. The volume needed is 10 x 13 x 6 inches deep. Another form of the display will approximate three dimensional surfaces with closely spaced pins, controlled in (x,y,z) three dimensions.