Methods for automatic calibration of a braille interface. In embodiments, a user begins typing braille characters in 2×3 matrix into an interface without an initial calibration step. The implementing system detects the patterns of the keystrokes and determines the orientation and placement of the user's hands by comparing the keystrokes against known braille characters, identifying which row and column of the 2×3 matrix within which each finger is positioned. The interface is then calibrated based on the identified positions of the fingers within the 2×3 matrix. For touch interfaces, the surface area of each finger may also be used to enhance identification of fingers. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

A method and device for reading, writing, and communication by deafblind users is provided to enable such exemplary functions as word processing, text messaging, Internet access, and telephonic communication. By combining a chordic keyboard for user input with a self-scrolling Braille pad for reading Braille, embodiments of the invention enable the user's hands to stay in place on a user console rather than having to constantly switch back and forth between typing messages versus reading or checking for messages. This in turn enables duplex communication because the user can read or acknowledge incoming messages even while typing. It also reduces the dynamic complexity experienced in reading Braille because a body part used for reading Braille can remain constantly available for receiving messages simply by resting in place on the self-scrolling Braille pad without any swiping, thereby eliminating swiping gestures and the problem of timing them with the receipt of messages.

An input method usable by a terminal including a touch screen display, identifies first touch input locations on a touch screen. The first touch input locations comprise a predetermined number of concurrent multiple touches. A predetermined number of input buttons comprising a predetermined number of areas on the touch screen are associated with corresponding identified first touch input locations. A touch pattern is detected comprising a second touch input of one or more of the predetermined number of input buttons and an alphanumeric input corresponding to the detected touch pattern is processed.

An input apparatus includes a touch panel and a processor. The touch panel is configured to receive a first input of giving a first instruction that a dot configuring a braille character corresponds to a dotted protrusion through a first operation and a second input of giving a second instruction different from the first instruction of the first input through a second operation different from the first operation. The processor is configured to identify the braille character based on the first input and the second input received by the touch panel and searches for one or more process functions corresponding to the braille character identified by the processor.

A writing instrument that has a tip for directly contacting and writing on a medium and a body contiguous with the tip, the body configured for grasping the writing instrument for writing on the medium. The writing instrument further has a first recess on a first side of the writing instrument, the first recess comprising a first braille color indicator comprising a first plurality of raised dots.

Disclosed is a braille display that is impact resistant and that employs a modular construction. The impact resistance is achieved, in part, by molded and resilient end caps. Each end cap includes a centrally positioned slit that functions in absorbing lateral impacts to the display. The impact resistance is further achieved by an over molded housing that is positioned about an associated USB connector. The modularity of the display is achieved by way of a subassembly that is releasably secured within the interior of a main housing. The subassembly, in turn, includes a series of cell compartments that are arranged in groups. Each group of cell compartments is controlled by an individual shift register. This allows a grouping cell compartments to be removed and replaced as needed without disturbing the remaining cell components.

Disclosed is a braille display that is impact resistant and that employs a modular construction. The impact resistance is achieved, in part, by molded and resilient end caps. Each end cap includes a centrally positioned slit that functions in absorbing lateral impacts to the display. The impact resistance is further achieved by an over molded housing that is positioned about an associated USB connector. The modularity of the display is achieved by way of a subassembly that is releasably secured within the interior of a main housing. The subassembly, in turn, includes a series of cell compartments that are arranged in groups. Each group of cell compartments is controlled by an individual shift register. This allows a grouping cell compartments to be removed and replaced as needed without disturbing the remaining cell components.

A braille display comprising an outer wall comprising an outer surface, an inner surface and a plurality of holes extending between the outer surface and the inner surface and which are arranged in an at least substantially regular pattern relative to each other. The braille display is further provided with braille cells wherein each braille cell comprises at least one tactile member which is movable between a first outer position and second outer position and activations means for moving the at least one tactile member between the first and second outer position. The at least one tactile member comprises a free top and each braille cell is located near the inner surface of the tactile member wherein each tactile member extends through one of the holes from the inner surface in a direction of the outer surface, at least if the tactile member is in the second position and wherein a position of the free top of the tactile member relative to the outer surface when the tactile member is in its first position differs from the position of the free top of the tactical member relative to the outer surface when the tactile member is in its second position, wherein each braille cell of a group of the braille cells is attached to the outer wall by means of a connection which acts on the one hand on the braille cell and on the other hand on the outer wall at a location adjacent to the braille cell.

A braille display comprising an outer wall comprising an outer surface, an inner surface and a plurality of holes extending between the outer surface and the inner surface and which are arranged in an at least substantially regular pattern relative to each other. The braille display is further provided with braille cells wherein each braille cell comprises at least one tactile member which is movable between a first outer position and second outer position and activations means for moving the at least one tactile member between the first and second outer position. The at least one tactile member comprises a free top and each braille cell is located near the inner surface of the tactile member wherein each tactile member extends through one of the holes from the inner surface in a direction of the outer surface, at least if the tactile member is in the second position and wherein a position of the free top of the tactile member relative to the outer surface when the tactile member is in its first position differs from the position of the free top of the tactical member relative to the outer surface when the tactile member is in its second position, wherein each braille cell of a group of the braille cells is attached to the outer wall by means of a connection which acts on the one hand on the braille cell and on the other hand on the outer wall at a location adjacent to the braille cell.

This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a wearable haptic and touch communication device. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, both to receive information from their devices and to make selections for their devices. The techniques may also enable users to interact with mobile devices without the aid of visual display or audio output.