Novel Tactile Tablet to Aid Visually Impaired Individuals (15061)
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- *Abstract
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Novel Tactile Tablet to Aid Visually Impaired Individuals (15061)
Features and Benefits
Strainedbilayer film for use in a micro-valve reconfigurable tablet
Developedfrom successful micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) into commercializedtablet application
Maybe used as tool for learning and practicing mathematics and physics for vision-impairedindividuals
*This technology is available for licensing, further development, or industrialpartnering
Technology
This technology incorporates a biofilm layer complex that uses pneumaticmicro-valves as a fabrication of a hand held device used to teach and assist ineducational and recreational areas for visually-impaired persons. Thecharacterization of the layering has been explored and determined it willconsist of a strained biofilm which can be manipulated to tightly coil anduncoil to allow for gas exchange. The gas channels can be individuallycontrolled by voltage change which will exert gas out of a precise valves inorder to convey wanted data to the user. This technology has grown from MEMStechniques however is in the form of a user-friendly tablet. The device is alsoconsciously designed with the pressure reservoir below and a protective hardcovering to reduce chances of valves being damaged by accidental contact.
Market Opportunities
According to theAmerican Foundation for the Blind, braille was invented in the early 1800’s asa tactile method for blind persons to develop the skill of reading and writing.With the acceptance of braille internationally it closed a gap in educational disadvantagesfor blind people. Unfortunately, over 200 years later there is currently nosimilar tactile methods that can help a visually impaired individual developmathematics and physics. Researchers atthe University of Louisville have developed an innovative device to meet thisneed for the estimated 20.6 million adult Americans who suffer from visionimpairments and/or blindness.
Technology Status
- IP Status: Patent pending
- Development Status: Astrained bilayer film with parallel supports has been demonstrated for use in amicro-valve array.
- Publications: Schneider, J.D., et al., “A grayscalepneumatic micro-valve for use in a reconfigurable tactile tablet for vision-impairedindividuals,” J. Micromech. Microeng., 2015, Vol. 25, No. 1, 015008.
- Country/Region
- USA
