GB1451969A - Apparatus for converting information present in digital form to a form capable of being perceived by people with defective vision - Google Patents

Abstract

1451969 Communicating with the blind; calculators TELUB AB 8 Nov 1973 [9 Nov 1972 2 May 1973] 51881/73 Headings G5G and G4A Apparatus for use by the blind includes means for converting digital information, such as that derived from a desk calculator, into a form, e.g. into Braille characters, suitable for perception by a blind user. As shown, signals derived from a desk calculator 1 are applied over a processing circuit 2 and a memory unit or register 3 to a B.C.D./decimal decoder 4 which is itself connected directly to a decimal/Braille code converter 5. The output signals from the converter 5 thus correspond to the information supplied by the calculator 1 and are applied to solenoids in Braille code presentation unit 6. The solenoids are associated with respective pins arranged in groups in a face-plate (802) Fig. 8 (not shown), the arrangement being such that energization of particular solenoids in response to signals from the converter 5 move the associated pins so that they stand proud of the surface of the faceplate to form Braille characters indicative of the received signals. Suitable circuit arrangements for the various units of the apparatus are described with reference to Figs. 2 to 7 (not shown).