EP2041736A1

EP2041736A1 - Communication device for the transmission of data between an electronic device and a user

Info

Publication number: EP2041736A1
Application number: EP07718364A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ewald Kantner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-06
Filing date: 2007-03-28
Publication date: 2009-04-01
Also published as: WO2007112467A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication device for transmitting data between an electronic device and a user who inputs the data into the device in braille code, for example, by pressing a combination of several buttons that is characteristic of the respective character, the individual buttons being operated by one respective finger. The individual buttons (1, 2) that are to be operated by one respective finger for inputting the characters are disposed in two rows which have approximately the same length. The angle between the longitudinal directions of the two rows is less than 45° while each of the two rows extends at least approximately parallel to an edge (11, 12) of the housing surface of the communication device, said edge (11, 12) facing away from the other row. The distance between the edge (11, 12) of the housing surface and the row of input buttons (1, 2) lying closer to said edge is smaller than the length of one of the user's fingers.

Description

Communication device for transmitting information between an electronic device and a user

The invention relates to an electronic communication device which enables blind persons to use such electronic devices as mobile phones, digital organization aids, digital translation devices, personal computers, etc., which otherwise communicate with the user by means of text output on a visual display.

DE 196 54 575 A1 proposes a mobile phone for the blind, wherein compared to a conventional mobile phone, the blind for the blind senseless LCD display is replaced by a surface for the output of tactile signs in Braille coding. A disadvantage of this proposal is that so blind people are virtually excluded from the rapid cycle of product change of mobile phones, since for the relatively small group of blind people only relatively rarely a new type of mobile phone will be developed, and since these mobile phones due to the low number ever Pieces are very expensive then.

DE 101 14 502 A1 proposes for the blind in connection with a computer a "touch monitor" as a substitute for a normal monitor A special embodiment of the braille character dispenser is also proposed for installation in mobile communication devices whether, or how the already mentioned in DE 196 54 575 A1, associated disadvantages can be solved is not described.

In CN 13 11 594 it is proposed to issue an acoustic signal describing the function of the key with the pressure on the keys of a mobile telephone. For example, a programmed voice can audibly pronounce the numbers dialed by keystrokes, thus allowing blind people to acoustically control the dialed telephone number. A disadvantage of this embodiment is that the environment can listen in when entering information via the keyboard. According to the proposal, the recognition of received or previously stored written information is not supported. If you supplement this with the help of a synthesized language, you have the problem of indiscretion. GB 2 269 698 A shows a small mobile device for communication with a stopwatch, in which the output takes place via four simplified Braille cells, to which the values to be output are sequentially switched in time. The simplified Braille cells each have only four activatable points. Each of these cells only prints numbers and no letters. It is not possible to enter letters or numbers. Its extremely simple design makes it unsuitable for other applications, such as communication with a mobile phone.

WO 2004/083996 describes a device for reading and dialing in an information and command menu, wherein a braille line, that is to say a horizontal arrangement of a multiplicity of Braille cells, is used to display the information, and wherein by means of additional switching fields is selected. which elements are displayed and selected. The device is suitable for communicating with mobile phones in both directions. With a little practice, it is possible for the blind to work quickly with a mobile phone, whereby additional functions of mobile phones, such as text messages and calendars are available.

EP 1 522 983 A1 shows a braille-based communication device, which among other things is also intended for communication with mobile phones. The input takes place via an arrangement of individual surfaces, which together form a Braille cell, wherein the individual surfaces are operated by one finger at a time. It also has buttons on the front, which can be operated with the thumb. The output is via a rotating disc on the periphery of a relatively large number of Braille cells are arranged, which are each scanned with a single fingertip.

Significant disadvantages of the devices according to WO 2004/083996 and EP 1 522 983 A1 and also DE 101 14 502 A1 described above are the size - they are too large to be carried in a conventional bag in the clothing can - which extensive and thus expensive hardware and that it must be parked for operation on a table or a comparable base. Ultimately, this leads to very small quantities sold at prohibitive high retail prices for many people.

The object underlying the invention is to provide a communication device with the help of which blind persons the use of such electronic devices is enabled, which otherwise communicate with the user by means of text output to a visual display. It should be adaptable to various such electronic devices. Compared to previously known communication devices for this purpose, the new communication device should be improved to the effect that to his Operation not necessarily a support surface such as a table is required and that it is operated by the user while walking or standing. To solve the problem, in turn, a communication device is proposed at which input and output takes place in the manner of Braille coding. The input of alphanumeric characters is done by pressing a defined example of braille coding combination of individual buttons, the individual buttons are operated by one finger. The output preferably takes place over a small number of Braille cells, whereby words and sentences are formed for both the input and the output by representing individual characters in chronological succession. It is provided according to the invention that the individual buttons serving for the input, each to be operated by a finger, are arranged in two rows arranged approximately parallel to one another and on the same length. In this case, each of the two rows in turn runs approximately parallel to one of the other row facing away edge of the housing surface of the communication device wherein the distance between this edge of the housing surface and the closer to him row of input-serving buttons is less than a finger length of the user.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the somewhat stylized drawings:

Fig. 1: shows an embodiment of a communication device according to the invention in a oblique view from above. The page marked with the index fingers is on the left.

Fig. 2: shows the communication device of Fig. 1 in oblique view from below. The page marked with the index fingers is on the left.

Fig. 3: shows the communication device of Fig. 1 from above, wherein the housing parts, which carry the serving for the input buttons are slightly unfolded.

Fig. 4: shows a second embodiment of a communication device according to the invention in a front view.

Fig. 5: shows a third embodiment of a communication device according to the invention in a front view. Fig. 6: shows in a functional block diagram the joint action of a mobile phone as a device to be used (symbolized by the upper dashed line drawn rectangle) and a communication device according to the invention (symbolized by the lower dashed line drawn rectangle).

Diene in the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shown embodiments of the communication device according to the invention each have the shape of a flat cuboid. On top of each eight buttons 1, 2 for the braille-coded input of alphanumeric characters - ie letters, numbers or special characters - arranged. Each button is reached by exactly one finger of the user. Depending on which combination of buttons is pressed simultaneously, we entered a specific alphanumeric character. The buttons are combined in two approximately mutually parallel rows to four surfaces 1, 2. The row of the four buttons 1 is gripped by the edge 11 of the upper side of the housing (FIG. 1), the row of the four buttons 2 is gripped from the opposite edge 12.

In the embodiments according to the drawings Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 is located between the two rows of the input serving buttons 1, 2, a field 3 with four Braille reading cells for the output of characters to the user. (Braille reading cells each have either 6 or 8 individually stimulable points to deliver a tactile stimulus, and are sampled as a whole by a user's fingertip.) The combination of each stimulated point signifies an alphanumeric sign.) These braille reading cells are in close range those of the input serving buttons 1, 2 are arranged, on which lie in the input, the two index fingers of the user.

The four buttons 1, 2 which each form a row need not exactly one behind the other and arranged at the same distance from each other. Their arrangement should as far as possible be adapted to a natural fingering, and it should be easily possible to feel with at least one index finger away from it on the field 3 with the Braille reading cells.

In the construction according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the two rows of buttons 1, 2 serving for input are respectively arranged on a pivotable housing part 4, 5. As sketched in FIG. 3, these housing parts can be arranged around a button provided in the vicinity of the buttons provided for the index fingers, to the level of the buttons normal axis extending from each other and the remaining middle housing part are pivoted away. In this way, the grip comfort can be slightly improved.

As shown in Fig. 2, it makes sense on the bottom of the device, about below the buttons for the index finger to install additional buttons 6, 7 for the input. These buttons are then easily accessible with your thumbs. Functions of these keys can be, for example: navigating within the individual menus, "Enter", switching between different key assignments "," space "," menu call ". In the illustrated example, the symmetrically arranged with respect to the housing button 7 is designed as a navigation surface. Depending on which corner is pressed, or whether in the middle is pressed, so that different inputs are made.

It is also conceivable buttons on the forefinger-side end face of the housing buttons or a joystick or the like to install.

Fig. 5 shows a construction in which a field 3 with two longer rows of BrailJe read cells is arranged between a series of input buttons 2 and the edge 12 over which the user grips his fingers with this row. This construction is very advantageous, especially when reading longer strings. Especially in this construction, it is advantageous to make the arrangement of the consecutively issued characters and also the order of the buttons 1, 2 for input by 180 ° switchable. This makes it easy to customize the device for both left and right-handed users.

In the functional block diagram of Fig. 6, the information-processing functional blocks required for the understanding of the invention are shown in a mobile telephone and a communication device according to the invention, which interact.

The upper dashed rectangle includes the functional blocks of the mobile phone. In order for the mobile phone to communicate with the communication device as intended, the two software modules (b) and (e), which process the data from the central working unit (a) for display on the communication device or vice versa, are for the corresponding mobile phone platform to implement. For many device types, it is not mandatory to make changes to the operating system. The software communicating with the communication device may be in In many cases, it is designed as a user-installable program, which has the advantages of being simple to install and preserving all the functionality of the mobile phone.

The communication device symbolized in FIG. 6 in the lower dashed rectangle essentially comprises the functional blocks (f2) for the communication with the electronic device (mobile telephone) to be used, for example by infrared interface, cable, or radio, which is used for the display of the and the proper interpretation of input characters required programmable logic unit (g), and the hardware (h).

In the presence of a sufficiently powerful data processing device in the mobile phone, and appropriate programming, the function block (g) can also be accommodated on the mobile phone; i.e. The mobile phone can also take over the detailed control of the communication device. The communication device can thus be made simpler and cheaper.

For a better understanding of the operation of the communication device in conjunction with a mobile phone are listed below for the user essential sequences of states or activities by way of example, which are required for sending an SMS and to receive an SMS:

Sequence 1: "Send SMS"

Overall process: The user enters a telephone number and a short message (SMS) on the communication device, the mobile phone sends the short message.

- Mobile phone and communication device are switched on. The user has the fingers as intended on the communication device, which is located together with the mobile phone in the state "main menu".

- User enters by means of buttons and / or joystick a character, by which the communication device is prompted, issued, which state the arrangement has.

- User reads the text "menu" by the corresponding string on the Braille read cells of the communication device is output block by block with 4 characters in succession. - Current block is output (tactile pins)

- User perceives four characters

- next four characters are output

- Option 1: User presses "continue"

- Option 2: Device will automatically switch to a certain rhythm.

- User moves the joystick down.

- User reads the menu item "Call"

- User moves the joystick down.

- User reads the menu item "SMS".

- User selects the menu item (for example by pressing the joystick).

- Communication device outputs message "Number:" followed by an input field.

- User moves to the input field after reading the input prompt.

- User enters the first digit using a corresponding Braille encoding defined combination of simultaneously or sequentially pressed keys. After entering the character, the user moves to the next character, e.g. by moving the joystick to the right. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that after entering a character automatically jumped to the next character to be entered.

- All other digits are entered in the same way

The user confirms the input e.g. by a pressure on the joystick; In the input menu, the text input for the content of the SMS is forwarded to.

- The user enters the short message in the same way as the phone number before, and confirms the input at the end.

- The SMS is sent from the mobile phone.

- The communication device outputs the text "SMS sent".

Sequence 2: "Receive SMS"

Overall process: An SMS arrives and is read by a blind user using a communication device - mobile phone is switched on; SMS arrives at mobile phone; Mobile phone gives an acoustic signal

- Mobile phone connects to communication device, if not already available (eg via radio)

- Communication device wakes up from idle state (optional).

- e.g. "New SMS: <read> <cancel>" is sent to the communication device as a selection menu.

- question is displayed.

- Character information concerning the question "read" or "cancel" is read by user by character

- The two menu items can be made distinguishable from each other for example by a different vibration frequency, or by a delimiter, or they require as an intermediate step active onward switching means

- ÖfeYSttifer selects either the option <read> or <cancel>

- If <read> is selected, the communication device outputs the message.

- Communication device sends the selection to mobile phone, which sends SMS as a string to communication device (optionally with additional information such as sender or time).

- Communication device outputs SMS as text (text output see above).

- User reads SMS.

- At the end of the SMS are more options; e.g. Menu, save, delete, reply, etc ..

Especially if only a few characters and / or predominantly short strings are to be output, it is advantageous for cost and robustness reasons to provide only a small number of Braille read cells and to line up longer strings accordingly in time.

In the event that then more is to be read, the communication device should be provided with a plug connection or a switchable on and off radio connection and corresponding supporting software for connection to an additional module of Braille reading cells. It may well be useful to use the input buttons 1, 2 as output surfaces and to spare the field 3 Braille read cells. The buttons 1, 2 would have to be provided with actuators through which selectively switchable a tactile stimulus can be given to the respective adjoining finger of the user. By simultaneous, or temporally defined successive stimulus to several of these actuators a character is defined according to Braille coding, which is thus communicated to the user by the communication device.

The fact that practically only one single Braille cell is realized on the communication device has the disadvantageous consequence that the communication thus becomes somewhat slow. Successive characters can not be entered or read out simultaneously or temporally overlapping, but must be clearly behind one another in terms of time. As advantageous consequences are to be mentioned that with very little hardware effort Auslangen is found that can be used as actuators relatively large and therefore robust components use, and that the communication device can be built despite large and robust input-output surfaces overall very small and handy. Persons with shaky hands and / or weak sense of touch also have fewer problems with the operation than with the much smaller standard Braille reading cells. In applications such as mobile phones, where essentially only short strings are input or output, so for some people, the benefits far outweigh.

For the exact chronological sequence of the different stimuli for the representation of a single character as well as the representation of several consecutive characters, words, commands or menu items and optional intermediate characters, there is almost unlimited creative freedom. In this regard, different variants can be realized only by varying parts of the software contained. It should therefore not be a problem to offer several such variants for selection in a communication device according to the invention.

There is also a wealth of possibilities for the way in which the sensory stimulus required for reading is created and generated. It can be vibrations with different frequencies and with different durations, switchable elevations or depressions can be generated. The electromechanical transducers can operate on the basis of electromagnetism or piezocrystals. There are too switchable local heating, for example by means of an electrical resistance to consider.

Of course, it is within the scope of the invention also possible to specify the coding of the individual alphanumeric characters not according to Braille, but according to any other code. This can e.g. be meaningful if a person's individual fingers are missing, or if someone, for example, for professional reasons with a different coding style is very keen, and therefore prefers. Braille codes vary from country to country - but code pages can be easily implemented in software, or even by the user himself.

At other useful for some applications modifications of the communication device according to the invention may be mentioned:

Braille reading cells can also be attached to the bottom so that they can be felt with the thumb.

Instead of eight character input buttons for the extended set of alphanumeric characters, only six buttons may be arranged for the alphanumeric characters in the narrower sense.

The communication device can also be designed for use as a stand-alone mobile telephone, organizer or computer by means of additional installations such as loudspeakers, a microphone, an improved transmitting and receiving unit, a more powerful data processing unit including a corresponding operating system.

In a particularly simple embodiment, however, the communication device according to the invention is also advantageous if it is used only for the input of characters, for example in a mobile phone.

Claims

claims

1. A communication device for transmitting information between an electronic device and a user, wherein the information is communicated by the user to the device in the form of characters by a symbol for representing a character - for example, according to Braiffe code - characteristic combination of several buttons is pressed, wherein the individual buttons are each operated by a finger, characterized in that each of a finger to be operated individual buttons (1, 2) are arranged in two arranged on approximately the same length rows, the direction difference between the longitudinal directions of the two rows less than 45 ° and wherein each of the two rows in turn at least approximately parallel to one of the other row facing away edge (11. 12) of the housing surface of the communication device, wherein the distance between the edge (11, 12) of the housing surface and the him closer row of input buttons (1, 2) is less than a finger length of the user.

2. Communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two rows of buttons (1, 2) are arranged on a respective housing part (4, 5), which arranged relative to one another in the vicinity of the provided for the index fingers buttons to the plane the buttons are approximately normal axis, are pivotable.

3. Communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the buttons (1, 2) opposite the input side of the housing additional, tangible with the thumb buttons (6,7) for the input of characters or commands of the user the communication device are arranged.

4. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the housing side on which the buttons (1, 2) are arranged for the input, a field (3) with read cells, for example, Braille read cells is arranged.

5. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input serving buttons (1, 2) are provided with actuators through which selectively switchable a tactile stimulus to the respective adjoining fingers of the user can be given.

6. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is additionally provided with a directional input device, such as a joystick.

7. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the tactile surfaces sensible vibrations are generated, that frequency and / or amplitude of these vibrations is variable, and that targeted information is given to the user.

8. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is used for communication with a mobile phone.

9. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a connection option to an additional module with read cells.

10. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the order of the input serving buttons (1,2) with respect to the coding to individual characters and possibly the order of multiple read cells is reversible.

11. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed by means of further internals as an independent mobile phone, organizer or computer.

12. Communication device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is used exclusively for the input of characters to another electronic device, with which the communication device is in a data transmission connection.