GB2462203A

GB2462203A - Portable display device for signalling to a vehicle, e.g. bus, driver particularly adapted for visually impaired user

Info

Publication number: GB2462203A
Application number: GB0913440A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mariam Nia Nundu
Original assignee: OMARI RASHID NUNDU
Current assignee: OMARI RASHID NUNDU
Priority date: 2008-07-31
Filing date: 2009-07-31
Publication date: 2010-02-03
Also published as: GB0813954D0; GB0913440D0

Abstract

A portable electronic device for signaling to a vehicle driver, in particular for signaling to a bus driver to stop, comprises a visual display 102 and a manual input means suitable for use by the visually impaired 105. The manual input means is preferably a membrane keyboard where each key is embossed with the appropriate Braille character. A socket 109 may be provided to receive a stick such as a white stick used by the blind. The display may also be used to summon a taxi. The device is preferably powered by a rechargeable battery, and it may be adapted to provide a non-visual alert, e.g. by way of a speaker 108, when the battery is fully charged. Alternatively the device may be configured to output a sound having a frequency which is inversely proportional to the charge remaining in the battery. A method of signaling to a bus driver comprises the steps of inputting a bus identifier into a device using manual input means suitable for use by the visually impaired and displaying the identifier on a visual display.

Description

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Portable Electronic Device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable elecronic device suitable for signalling to a vehicle driver.

2. Description of the Related Art

Visually-impaired individuals face many challenges in everyday life. One such challenge is in using public transport, particularly the bus service. Buses generally carry a bus identifer on the front of the vehicle, generally made up of letters and numbers, and visually-impaired people cannot identify the correct bus without help from other people waiting for the bus, if there are any. Despite the various advances that have successfully provided a way for these individuals to lead more independent lives, this area still remains unresolved.

This can cause significant stress and a sense of helplessness to the individual, and they may find it impossible to catch the correct bus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a *S..

portable electionic device for signalling to a vehicle driver, comprising a visual display and manual input means suitable for use by the visually-impaired, wherein characters input via the manual input means are displayed on the visual display. *. .. * * * * S

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a front view of a portable electronic device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a back view of the device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the device may be carried and protected; Figure 4 shows the layout of the keyboard shown in Figure 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE

INVENTION

A portable electronic device for the visually-impaired is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The device 100 includes a case 101 provided with a visual display 102 on the front. The case is shaped to define apertures 103 and 104 on either side of the display, which provide hand grips.

On the back of device 100 is a manual input means provided by keyboard 105. Keyboard 105 is a membrane keyboard that is substantially waterproof. Each of the keys has a letter, number or function printed on it, as shown in Figure 4. The membrane providing the top layer of the keyboard is embossed with the outlines of the keys and also with a character indicating the number, letter or function of the key such that it is readable by the blind. In this example Braille characters are used but raised letters or some other readable :::: letters could also be used. e *

Also on the back of device 100 is a battery compartment 106 to contain a rechargeable battery (not shown) and a power socket 107 for recharging the battery. Speaker 108 provides audio output means. Socket 109 is configured to fit over the top of a mobility device such as a white stick.

** When a visually-impaired person wishes to use device 100 to signal to a bus driver, he turns it on using keyboard 104 and holds it, preferably using one of handles 103 or 104 or by placing it on a stick using socket 109. He then uses keyboard 105 to type in the characters of the bus identifier.

The typed characters are displayed on visual display 102 as displayed characters 110. Once the user has entered all the characters of the bus identifier, he holds the device pointing towards oncoming buses in order that a bus driver may see it, and stop if it indicates his bus. Preferably, the characters are displayed in fluorescent yellow which provides clear visibility both during the day and at night. The user then turns off the device.

Device 100 is provided with non-visual alerting means to alert the user to the state of the battery. In this example, the alerting means is provided by speaker 108. When the battery is fully charged, device 100 emits a short, sharp beeping sound via speaker 108 to inform the user that the device is ready for use. When device 100 is in use, it periodically emits a longer beeping sound with a frequency inversely proportional to the remaining battery charge.

Thus as the beeping gets higher, the user knows that the battery is running out. Alternatively, the device could emit a sound only when the battery is getting low.

As shown in Figure 3, device 100 may be provided with attachment means 301 and 302 to which a carry strap 303 may be attached. The user may then place strap 303 around his neck to avoid dropping the device. Fabric carry bag 304 is configured to receive device 100 and provide protection for * the device, particularly for screen 102. Bag 304 includes a strong fastening 305 such as a strip of Velcro� so that it does not fall off.

The layout of keyboard 105 is shown in Figure 4. It includes a power : . button 401 for turning the device on and off. The alphanumeric keys 402 are well spaced and arranged in rows with the number keys above the letter keys for easy use. A reset key 403 is also provided to correct mistakes. Taxi key 404 causes the word "TAXI" to be displayed on visual display means 102 for signalling to taxis. This layout has been found to be useful for buses in the United Kingdom. However, keyboard 105 may be provided with characters of any writing system or other types of characters. * * * ** * S... * . S... * .* * . . * .. * *. * S *

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Claims

Claims 1. A portable electronic device for signalling to a vehicle driver, corn prisi ng: a visual display, and manual input means suitable for use by the visually-impaired, wherein characters input via said manual input means are displayed on said visual display.
2. A portable electronic device as claimed in claim I, wherein said manual input means is a keyboard.
3. A portable electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the keys of said keyboard are inscribed in Braille characters.
4. A portable electronic device according to any of claims I to 3, wherein said device further comprises a handle.
5. A portable electronic device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said keyboard is a membrane keyboard. * S.. * *58. A portable electronic device according to any of claims I to 7, **e.* wherein said device further comprises a section defining a socket configured to fit over the top of a stick.9. A portable electronic device according to any of claims I to 8, wherein said device further comprises non-visual alerting means.10. A portable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein said device further comprises a rechargeable battery that powers said device, 11. A portable electronic device according to claim 10, wherein said device is configured to output a first non-visual alert when the battery is fully charged.12. A portable electronic device according to either of claims 10 or 11, wherein said device is configured to output a second non-visual alert when the device is in use.13. A portable electronic device according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein said non-visual alerting means is provided by a speaker.14. A portable electronic device according to claim 13, wherein said device is configured to output a sound having a frequency inversely proportional to the charge remaining in said battery.15. A method of signalling to a bus driver, comprising: inputting an identifier of a bus into a device using manual input means suitable for use by the visually-impaired, and displaying said identifier on a visual display.16. A portable electronic device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.