A segmented alphanumeric includes a display panel, at least one linearly actuated platform, and display elements. Each display element passes through an orifice in the display panel to generate protruded and segmented alphanumeric characters in combination with other extended display elements. A microactuator array is displaceable by the linearly actuated platform and includes electromagnets and rotors. Each rotor is mounted for rotation in at least one direction between an active state and an inactive state by at least one associated electromagnet. Each display element is displaced through the orifice by actuation of the linearly actuated platform via a respective rotor when the respective rotor is rotated into its active state and to evade displacement by the rotor when the rotor is rotated into its inactive state.

Provided is an information output apparatus. The information output apparatus includes: an expression surface including a plurality of expression holes; a plurality of pins configured to protrude to the expression surface through the expression holes and express a protrusion signal on the expression surface; a plurality of first movement units located at an inner side of the expression surface and configured such that at least a portion of the plurality of first movement units moves in a first direction when an electric signal is applied thereto; and a plurality of second movement units located at the inner side of the expression surface and configured to move in a second direction different from the first direction in cooperation with the motion of the first movement units and drive each of the plurality of pins such that the each of the plurality of pins protrudes to the expression surface through each of the expression holes.

Provided is an information output apparatus including one or more information output units, wherein each information output unit includes a coil arranged to be connected to a power source, such that a current flows in the coil; a base unit configured to accommodate the coil; and a driving indicator, which is arranged in the base unit to be apart from and close to the coil to be driven by a current flowing in the coil and is configured to move in a first direction toward the coil and a direction opposite thereto to rotate while being connected to the base unit and to move in a second direction crossing the first direction to be recognized by a user.

A tactile display for dynamically reproducing content from an electronic device, such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone or other device, in a touch-sensory format, such as Braille. The tactile display includes a housing and a plurality of tactile elements. The tactile elements are movable relative to the housing between an extended position for engagement by a user and a retracted position at or inward of a surface of the housing.

This invention discloses a braille plate for an elevator. The braille plate comprises a plurality of substrates, and a plurality of bump structures. In present invention, each substrate is formed on a body via crosslinking agent, and each of the bump structures is formed by at least one main layer. Furthermore, the body is an elevator decorative plate.

A macro-mini actuation mechanism for pneumatic pouches is provided which involves stacking smaller proximal pouches (proximal layer) underneath larger distal pouches (distal layer). The proximal layer of smaller pouches is the contact area with e.g. a (human) body. Macro-mini pneumatic actuation of pouches for wearable haptic displays allows for the control of contact area of pneumatic pouches and the ability to cover large areas while maintaining a fast-dynamic response and higher spatial resolutions. This stacked pouch concept allows for pressure/force feedback to a user—something which cannot be rendered by vibrotactile actuators alone. Control of effective pouch height may also allow a potential wearable haptic display to better conform to the human body. A pressure-based display with stacked pouches could allow for larger tolerances between the display and the human body without sacrificing contact area, allowing better fit across users.

An orientation assistance system comprises acquisition means for acquiring a real or virtual visual environment, non-visual human/machine interface means, and processing means for processing the digital representation of the visual environment to provide an electrical control signal for controlling a non-visual interface. The human/machine interface means comprise a bracelet having a haptic region with a surface area of between 60×60 millimeters and 150×150 millimeters, with a set of N×M active spikes, where N is between 5 and 100 and M is between 10 and 100. The processing means for processing the digital representation is configured to periodically extract at least one pulsed digital activation pattern of a subset of the spikes of the haptic region.

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.

Flexible braille indicia signage and methods are provided. Preferably, the flexible braille indicia signage takes the form of braille directional identifiers for use on railings or the like. In one example, the braille indicia signage is made by providing a flexible substrate and printing a first layer of ink on a first side of the flexible substrate in a pattern defining desired braille indicia. Multiple layers of ink are then printed in registration with the pattern atop of the first layer of ink such that the desired braille indicia has a height of at least 0.6 mm (0.79 mm for braille directional identifiers) relative to the first side of the substrate. A sealing layer of ink is then printed atop the substrate and multiple layers of ink. The result is a braille sign with braille indicia that does not separate from the substrate on a condition that a portion of the substrate bearing the braille indicia is flexed in an arc of a 10 mm, i.e. 7/16 inch, radius circle, such as, for example, when the braille indicia sign is a braille directional identifier affixed to a railing having a 20 mm, i.e. ⅞ inch, or greater diameter.

A macro-mini actuation mechanism for pneumatic pouches is provided which involves stacking smaller proximal pouches (proximal layer) underneath larger distal pouches (distal layer). The proximal layer of smaller pouches is the contact area with e.g. a (human) body. Macro-mini pneumatic actuation of pouches for wearable haptic displays allows for the control of contact area of pneumatic pouches and the ability to cover large areas while maintaining a fast-dynamic response and higher spatial resolutions. This stacked pouch concept allows for pressure/force feedback to a user—something which cannot be rendered by vibrotactile actuators alone. Control of effective pouch height may also allow a potential wearable haptic display to better conform to the human body. A pressure-based display with stacked pouches could allow for larger tolerances between the display and the human body without sacrificing contact area, allowing better fit across users.