Novel 2D-scalable braille module using swing-up pin motion for portable braille devices

Abstract

Currently, visually impaired people have a wider information gap with non-disabled people because of the lack of a proper interface for Braille education. In order to provide a variety of information and to improve the efficiency education with Braille, a new Braille driving method with higher portability and 2D scalability than existing Braille display is needed. In this paper, we propose a Braille display module using Braille pin’s swing-up based on electromagnetism principle. In order to satisfy the standard size of existing Braille and to expand two dimensionally, an asymmetric magnetic body is inserted into the Braille pin, so that the individual pin driving is stabilized in the Braille arrangement. In order to achieve high drive reliability, the dimensions of each part for maximum vertical protrusion force within 10 mm thickness were determined through the optimal design using continuous secondary optimization (SQP) method. As a result, we have found that the magnetic force acting between the coil and the magnet inside the Braille pin acts in the correct direction according to the operating phase. Since the proposed module uses the electromagnet and the Braille pin swing up method, it can provide Braille interface with high portability and 2D scalability to the visually impaired.