JP2012068367A - Braille display device, braille display method, and braille display program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a braille display device including openings of prescribed size at positions of respective points constituting a braille on the surface of a device body and displaying the braille by a difference in a tactile sense at the respective openings by rotating positions of prescribed rotors; and to provide a braille display method and a braille display program.SOLUTION: Openings 11 are disposed at the positions of respective points having a possibility of forming projections of the braille, and a shape of rotors 13 projecting from the openings 11 is changed over by selecting from specific two positions, rotating positions of the rotors 13 attached to rotary shafts 12 that are disposed beneath the openings to generate presence/absence of the tactile sense of the braille.

Description

  The present invention relates to a braille display device, a braille display method, and a braille display program, and more particularly to a braille display device, a braille display method, and a braille display program that can be applied to a small and thin device such as a mobile phone.

  Braille is characters or numbers (hereinafter simply referred to as “characters”) read by visually impaired persons using tactile sensation, and is usually represented by a combination of points arranged in a 2 × 3 matrix. Braille is often written as predetermined information on various guide plates and Braille books.

  By the way, as for the Braille book, the unevenness | corrugation for indicating Braille on the surface of paper is formed. For this reason, even if it is not a long article or a novel, the braille book is quite thick and inconvenient to carry. Also, the latest information such as an e-mail that has just arrived cannot be shown to the visually impaired unless it is translated into Braille.

  Therefore, various products of Braille display devices that display information to be transmitted one after another to the visually impaired in Braille have been commercialized. If these braille display devices are used, the data other than the data read by tactile sense may be stored as electronic data in the device, so that the device can be miniaturized. In addition, the latest information such as e-mail can be immediately transmitted to the visually impaired.

  FIG. 12 shows the basic structure of the display portion of the braille display device according to the first related art of the present invention. In the braille display device 100, a cylindrical depression 102 is formed on a front plate 101A that can be touched by a hand in the device main body 101 corresponding to each position of the 2 × 3 matrix described above. At a position from about one third to about two thirds in the depth direction of these depressions 102, a large diameter portion 102 </ b> A having a larger diameter is formed. Also, a cylindrical opening 103 having a small diameter is bored at the bottom of each recess 102 so as to penetrate the front plate 101A.

  In these openings 103, plungers 105 as movable iron cores of solenoids 104 arranged corresponding to the lower portions are loosely fitted up and down so as to freely move up and down. The distal end of the plunger 105 is fixed to the rear end portion of the Braille pin 106. A flange-like stopper 107 is attached to the braille pin 106 so as to restrict the vertical movement range of the large-diameter portion 102A.

  In such a braille display device 100 according to the first related technology, it is possible to control whether or not each braille pin 106 protrudes from the front plate 101A by controlling on / off of excitation of the solenoid 104. , Braille can be displayed.

  However, the braille display device 100 using the first related technique has the following problems.

  (1) The Braille display device 100 employs a vertically long structure in which the rear end of the Braille pin 106 is attached to the tip of the plunger 105 of the solenoid 104. For this reason, when the front plate 101A of the braille display device 100 is disposed on the upper side, the thickness of the entire device cannot be reduced. This is contrary to the reduction in size and weight of the braille display device 100.

  (2) The braille pin 106 continues displaying characters by continuing the on / off state of the excitation of the solenoid 104. Accordingly, some solenoids 104 must always be energized depending on the character display state. For this reason, the power consumption of the braille display device 100 tends to increase.

  Thus, as a second related technique of the present invention, a braille display device having a structure in which a lower portion of a braille pin is pressed against a slide portion by a coil spring has been proposed. In the braille display device according to the second related technology, the braille pin is movable in the vertical direction so as to protrude and project with respect to the display surface (not shown), whereas the slide portion moves in the horizontal direction. The height of contact with the braille pin is changed. The horizontal movement of the slide part is performed by heat generation and contraction of the shape memory alloy coils arranged one by one at both ends of the slide part.

JP 2004-138754 A (paragraphs 0020 to 0024, FIG. 1)

  According to the second related technology, the vertical position of the braille pin is controlled by moving the slide portion in the horizontal direction, so that the overall thickness of the braille display device is made thinner than that of the first related technology. be able to. In addition, since the slide portion is reciprocated in the horizontal direction by energization control of the shape memory alloy coil, power is not consumed except during horizontal movement.

  However, both the first and second related technologies use braille pins. The length of the braille pin is not just the length when it protrudes to the surface of the braille display device for displaying braille, but also the length as a guide member for stably moving the braille pin in the vertical direction is necessary. Further, even when considering the case of the second related technology in which the thickness of the braille display device as a whole is thinner than that of the first related technology, the length for interposing a coil spring for pressing the braille pin against the slide portion is also great. I need it.

  When braille pins are used in this way, there is a problem that there is a limit to the thinness that can be achieved even if the overall thickness of the braille display device is reduced.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a braille display device and braille that can provide braille on the surface of the apparatus main body by providing a predetermined size corresponding to each braille and displaying a difference in tactile sensation at the opening depending on the rotational position of a predetermined rotating body. It is to provide a display method and a braille display program.

  In the present invention, (a) openings of predetermined sizes arranged at predetermined intervals on a specific surface for generating a sense of Braille, and (b) an apparatus main body located below these openings A rotation shaft arranged in parallel with the specific surface described above in the part, and (c) when the upper surface is attached to the rotation shaft and rotated to the first rotation limit position, the upper surface forms the same surface as the specific surface, When rotating from the first rotation limit position to the second rotation limit position, the position farthest from the rotation axis on the upper surface is a predetermined amount necessary to generate the above-described braille sensation from the specific surface. The braille display device includes a rotating body having a protruding shape.

  According to the present invention, (a) a data receiving step for receiving data corresponding to characters or numbers represented in Braille, and (b) generating a tactile sensation in Braille corresponding to the data received in the data receiving step. The necessity of protrusion for determining whether or not a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sensation of Braille from openings of predetermined sizes arranged at predetermined intervals on a predetermined surface And (c) the upper surface of the rotating body at a position where it is determined in the protruding necessity determining step that a part of the rotating body should not protrude beyond a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sensation in Braille. Rotate the rotating body to the first rotation limit position so as to form the same surface as the specific surface described above, while a part of the rotating body touches Braille in the protrusion necessity determining step. A rotary body individual rotation control step for rotating the rotary body to the second rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotary body protrudes by a predetermined amount or more at a place where it is determined that the predetermined amount or more must be projected to cause A display method is provided.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, as a Braille display program, (i) data reception processing for receiving data corresponding to characters or numbers represented by Braille, and (b) data corresponding to the data received by this data reception processing, A part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sense from an opening of a predetermined size that is spaced from a predetermined specific surface for generating a Braille tactile sense. Projection necessity determination process for determining whether or not there is a protrusion, and (c) a location where it is determined that a part of the rotating body should not protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sensation in Braille in this protrusion necessity determination process Then, while rotating the rotary body to the first rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotary body forms the same surface as the specific surface, the above-described rotation is performed in the protrusion necessity determination process. Rotation to rotate the upper surface of the rotating body to the second rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotating body protrudes more than a predetermined amount when it is determined that a part of the body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sense of Braille. It is characterized by executing the individual body rotation control process.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an opening of a predetermined size is provided at the position of each point constituting Braille, and the rotational position of the rotating body is selected from two specific locations. It was decided to control the presence or absence of tactile sense of Braille by controlling the amount of protrusion from the opening. Thereby, it is not necessary to arrange the protrusions for generating the tactile sensation of Braille in series as shown in FIG. 12, so that the apparatus can be thinned.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the display state of the braille can be fixed by stopping the rotational position of the rotating body. Therefore, there is an effect that it is easy to adopt a device for reducing power consumption in a state where the display state is fixed.

It is a claim corresponding | compatible figure of the braille display apparatus of this invention. It is a claim corresponding | compatible figure of the braille display method of this invention. It is a claim corresponding | compatible figure of the braille display program of this invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a braille display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the braille display apparatus in the 1st display state in which the movable top of this Embodiment became horizontal. It is principal part sectional drawing of the braille display apparatus in the 2nd display state in which the movable top of this Embodiment inclined. It is explanatory drawing showing a part of state of the link of the fixed lever in this Embodiment. It is principal part sectional drawing of the braille display apparatus in the 1st modification of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing of the braille display apparatus in the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary of the circuit structure of the braille display apparatus in the 3rd modification of this invention. It is the flowchart which represented as an example the process when the braille display apparatus of a 3rd modification receives an email. It is principal part sectional drawing showing the basic structure of the display part of the braille display apparatus in the 1st related art of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to the claims of the braille display device of the present invention. A Braille display device 10 according to the present invention includes an opening 11, a rotating shaft 12, and a rotating body 13. Here, the openings 11 are openings of a predetermined size, which are arranged at predetermined intervals on a predetermined specific surface for generating a Braille tactile sensation. The rotary shaft 12 is arranged in parallel with the specific surface described above in the apparatus main body located below the openings 11. When the rotating body 13 is attached to the rotating shaft 123 and rotates to the first rotation limit position, the upper surface forms the same surface as the specific surface described above, and the second rotation limit from the first rotation limit position described above. When rotated to a position, the position farthest from the above-mentioned rotation axis on the upper surface has a shape protruding from the above-mentioned specific surface by a predetermined amount or more necessary for generating the above-mentioned Braille tactile sensation.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram corresponding to claims of the Braille display method of the present invention. The Braille display method 20 of the present invention includes a data reception step 21, a protrusion necessity determination step 22, and a rotating body individual rotation control step 23. Here, in the data receiving step 21, data corresponding to characters or numbers expressed in Braille is received. In the protrusion necessity determination step 22, from the openings of predetermined sizes respectively arranged at predetermined intervals on the predetermined surface for generating the tactile sensation of Braille corresponding to the data received in the data reception step 21. It is determined whether or not a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sense. In the rotating body individual rotation control step 23, the above described rotating body is determined at a position where it is determined in the protrusion necessity determination step 22 that a part of the rotating body should not protrude beyond a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sensation in Braille. The above-described rotating body is rotated to the first rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the first surface is flush with the above-described specific surface. Further, in the rotating body individual rotation control step 23, the rotation described above is performed at a position where it is determined in the protrusion necessity determination step 22 that a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sense of Braille. The upper surface of the body is rotated to the second rotation limit position so as to protrude a predetermined amount or more.

  FIG. 3 shows a claim correspondence diagram of the Braille display program of the present invention. The Braille display program 30 of the present invention causes a computer to execute a data reception process 31, a protrusion necessity determination process 32, and a rotating body individual rotation control process 33. Here, in the data reception process 31, data corresponding to characters or numbers expressed in Braille is received. In the protrusion necessity determination process 32, from the openings of predetermined sizes respectively arranged at predetermined intervals on a predetermined specific surface for generating a sense of Braille corresponding to the data received in the data reception process 31. It is determined whether or not a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sense. In the rotating body individual rotation control process 33, the above described rotating body is determined at a position where it is determined in the protrusion necessity determining process 32 that a part of the rotating body should not protrude beyond a predetermined amount necessary for generating a tactile sensation in Braille. The above-described rotating body is rotated to the first rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the first surface is flush with the above-described specific surface. In the rotating body individual rotation control process 33, the rotation described above is performed at a position where it is determined in the protrusion necessity determination process 32 that a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary for generating a tactile sensation in Braille. The upper surface of the body is rotated to the second rotation limit position so as to protrude over a predetermined amount.

  <Embodiment of the Invention>

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the braille display device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The braille display device 200 is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped that is substantially the same as that of a mobile phone, and a rectangular surface arranged on one side forms a braille display surface 201. The braille display surface 201, the first to third braille cell with a movable frame 203 _{11-203 13,} 203 _{21-203 23} as Braille elements arranged in a matrix of each 2 × 3 respectively 204-206 Are arranged in a band shape by the inter-cell spaces 207 and 208.

Movable frame 203 _{11-203 13,} 203 _{21-203 23,} respectively covering the opening 209 _{11-209 13,} 209 _{21-209 23} having the same shape horizontally, though opening 209 _{11-209 13,} 209 ₂₁ - 209 ₂₃ or take a first display state as if absent, the opening 209 _{11-209 13,} 209 _21-209 movable frame 203 _{11 23-203 13,} 203 _21-203 tip ₂₃ greatly projected Such a second display state is adopted. For example, the movable frame 203 ₁₁ in the first braille cell 204 in FIG. 4 adopts the first display state, which corresponds to a state in which the Braille pin is not projected. The movable frame 203 ₁₂ in the first braille cell 204 in FIG. 4 adopts a second display state, which corresponds to a state where the Braille pins are projected.

Braille display surface 201 in the vicinity of the respective tapered since the tip portion of the movable frame 203 _{11-203 13,} 203 _{21-203 23,} the slider 211 _{11-211 13,} 211 _{21-211 23} a corresponding one of the Are arranged one by one. The slider 211 _{11-211 13,} 211 _{21-211 23,} the slide lever 212 is slidably disposed in the opening of the elongated slit-shaped. The slide lever 212 slider 211 _{11-211 13,} 211 _21-211 within ₂₃ by moving from the right side of the figure left side, the movable frame 203 _{11-203 13,} 203 _{21-203 23} in a horizontal state (the first The display state) can be shifted to the inclined state (second display state). For example, for the slider 211 _11, since the slide lever 212 is positioned at the right end of the slider 211 _11, movable piece 203 ₁₁ is a horizontal state (a first display state). In contrast, the slider 211 _12, since the slide lever 212 is positioned at the left end of the slider 211 _12, movable piece 203 ₁₂ inclined state as a state in which the Braille pins is projected (second display state) It has become.

A fixing lever 213 is attached to the left side of the Braille display device 200. The fixing lever 213 can be pulled out by a predetermined length in the direction of the arrow 215 in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus main body 214 in FIG. When the fixed lever 213 is pulled out by a predetermined length, a rotating body (the rotating body will be described in detail later) constituting the second display state among the movable pieces 203 _{11 to} 203 ₁₃ and 203 _{21 to} 203 _23. ) Will be locked and will not be able to rotate. The fixed lever 213 is collectively for all of the movable pieces 203 _{11 to} 203 ₁₃ and 203 _{21 to} 203 ₂₃ in the second display state of the first to third braille cells 204 to 206 in a lump. And function. Therefore, even if the user presses the movable pieces 203 _{11 to} 203 ₁₃ , 203 _{21 to} 203 ₂₃ in the first braille cell 204 in order with a finger from the top, for example, these are arbitrarily switched from the second display state to the first display state. There is no transition to the display state.

On the other hand, in a state that does not draw a fixed lever 213 by a predetermined length, and a movable frame 203 ₁₂ in the first braille cell 204 for example has a second display state pressed from above with a finger. Then, the slide lever 212 of the slider 211 ₁₂ moves from the left side to the right end side in the figure, the tip of the movable frame 203 ₁₂ descends to the Braille display surface 201, the entire movable frame 203 ₁₂ finally opening 209 Level ₁₂ to cover. That is, the movable frame 203 ₁₂ will shift to the first display state from the second display state.

Therefore, the Braille display device 200 of this embodiment, displays the character string movable frame 203 _{11-203 13} of the first to third braille cells 204-206, 203 _{21-203 23} is, the display Is no longer needed, the fixed lever 213 is returned to its original position, and the movable frame 203 in the second display state is returned to the first display state. At this time, for example, the entire first to third braille cells 204 to 206 may be pressed against the entire palm, or an object such as a book having a flat surface may be pressed against the entire braille display surface 201. May be.

When the movable pieces 203 _{11 to} 203 ₁₃ and 203 _{21 to} 203 ₂₃ of the first to third braille cells 204 to 206 are all in the first display state in this way, the user on the braille creating side is the first The required movable piece 203 of the third Braille cells 204 to 206 is changed to the second display state and locked by the fixing lever 213. Then, the braille display device 200 is given to the user on the braille reading side. The user on the reading side touches the braille display surface 201 of the braille display device 200 that has been handed over to decipher the characters created by the user on the braille creating side.

By repeating the above, a character string using the braille display device 200 can be transmitted between two users. Of course, in this example, the braille display surface 201 of the braille display device 200 is composed of the first to third braille cells 204 to 206, but more cells are provided so that more characters can be displayed at one time. It may be. Also has a function braille display apparatus 200 itself to arbitrarily rotate the ability to translate the text data to the braille data and the slider 211 _{11-211 13,} 211 _{21-211 23} such as e-mail, braille display the translated Braille 200 may be displayed in order.

Next, the Braille display device 200 shown in FIG. 4 in a simplified manner will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 for the movable frame 203 ₁₁ in FIG. 4, between the front of the linear portion and which is parallel straight portions of the back side, from the front of the straight line of one of the position of about 3 minutes This is cut in parallel to the straight line and perpendicular to the braille display surface 201. What exists behind the cut surface at this time is represented by a solid line, and the cut surface is hatched. The slide lever 212 exists on the cut surface. The structure around the movable frame 203 _{12-203 23,} the movable frame 203 ₁₁ a structure in substantially the same circumference, the description of these structures will be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows the braille display device in the first display state in which the movable piece is horizontal. Movable piece 203 ₁₁ is formed as a part of the street rotator 221 previously described. The rotating body 221 is attached to the apparatus main body 214 with the fixing pin 223 as the center of rotation. Rotator 221, a plate member 221A which is parallel to a relatively thin paper of a thickness which is attached a fixed pin 223, including a portion of the movable piece 203 _11, thickness throughout the character shape of "ma" of The rotating portion 221B is a thick portion, and the stopper 224 is a thick portion at a position relatively far from the fixing pin 223.

The rotation part 221B is provided with a notch 225. The notch 225 is movable piece 203 ₁₁ is adapted to the second display when the state inclined at an inclination angle which satisfies, communicates with the groove 226 engraved on the horizontal portion which faces the apparatus main body 214. The groove 226 accommodates a fixing member 227 that interlocks with the movement of the fixing lever 213 shown in FIG. Therefore, in a state where the notch 225 and the groove 226 communicate with each other, the fixing member 227 can move a part of the fixing member 227 into the notch 225 to stop the rotation of the rotating portion 221B.

  A rotation control pin 228 passes through substantially the center position of the plate-like member 221A of the rotating body 221. The rotation control pin 228 is in sliding contact with the inclined portion 231 </ b> A of the inverted “H” -shaped lever body 231 formed integrally with the slide lever 212. The movement of the horizontal portion 231B of the lever main body 231 is restricted only in the horizontal direction by a guide member (not shown). A tension spring 232 is attached between the left end portion of the horizontal portion 231 </ b> B and a member constituting the apparatus main body 214 facing the left end portion.

The slide lever 212 from the right side slider 211 within ₁₁ shown in FIG. 4 and is moved to the left end side. Then, the horizontal portion 231B and the inclined portion 231A move integrally in the arrow 234 direction, and the rotation control pin 228 moves upward while maintaining a sliding contact state with the inclined portion 231A. That is, the rotating body 221 rotates clockwise in the figure with the fixing pin 223 as the rotation center. The tension spring 232 is a spring for balancing so that the rotation of the rotating body 221 can be stopped at any position.

FIG. 6 shows the braille display device in the second display state in which the movable piece is inclined. When the slide lever 212 is moved in the left direction in the drawing, the rotating body 221 rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing so that the rotation control pin 228 climbs the inclined portion 231A. Then, when the stopper 224 comes into contact with the back surface of the movable piece tip holding portion 214A of the apparatus main body 214, the rotation is blocked. When the rotating body 221 stops at this rotational position, the notch 225 and the groove 226 of the rotating portion 221B face each other. Therefore, by pulling the fixing lever 213 shown in FIG. 4, a part of the fixing member 227 can be inserted into the notch 225 from the groove 226, and the rotation of the rotating body 221 can be stopped. If the user in this state, touches by hand from above the movable frame 203 _11, you can sense the second display state.

FIG. 7 shows a part of the state of the link of the fixed lever in the present embodiment. Fixing lever 213 is provided with a transverse common rod 241, the longitudinal rod 242 _{1-242 6} of first to sixth branching therefrom in the longitudinal direction, longitudinal rods 242 _{1 to 242 6} (Fig first to sixth 7 is provided with three types of rods: first and second lateral individual rods 243 ₁ , 243 ₂ that respectively branch in the lateral direction. Here, it is assumed that the braille display device 200 according to the present embodiment includes first to third braille cells 204 to 206. Thus, longitudinal rods 242 _{1 to 242 6} of the first to sixth double the number of cells of these braille cells 204-206 are prepared. Assuming that a braille display device 200 is equipped with a 5 cell fraction of the braille cell, so that the longitudinal rods 242 _{1 to 242 10} of the first to tenth twice the number of cells is prepared.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fixed pin 223 is a pin serving as a rotation center of three rotating bodies 221 (see FIG. 4) each having movable pieces 203 _{11 to} 203 ₁₃ and 203 _{21 to} 203 ₂₃ . . As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fixing pin 223 passes through the plate-like members 221 </ b> A of the rotating body 221.

Try focusing on the movable frame 203 _{11-203 13,} 203 _{21-203 23} constituting the first braille cell 204. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first, third and fifth movable pieces 203 ₁₁ , 203 ₁₃ and 203 ₂₂ are in the second display state (tilted state). For this reason, when the fixing lever 213 is pulled in the direction of the arrow 251, the fixing member 227 interlocked with the movement of the first and second lateral individual rods 243 ₁ , 243 ₂ or the lateral common rod 241 in this direction (see FIG. The tip of 6) is inserted into the groove-shaped notch 225. At this time, the rear end portion of the fixing member 227 remains in the groove 226 of the apparatus main body 214 as shown in FIG. As a result, the first, third, and fifth movable pieces 203 ₁₁ , 203 ₁₃ , and 203 ₂₂ are locked in the second display state (tilted state).

On the other hand, the second, fourth, and sixth movable frames 203 ₁₂ , 203 ₂₁ , and 203 ₂₃ are in the first display state (horizontal state) at this time. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the groove-shaped notch 225 does not face the groove 226 of the apparatus main body 214. For this reason, even if the fixing lever 213 is pulled in the direction of the arrow 251, the tip of the fixing member 227 is not inserted into the groove-shaped notch 225. That is, the second, fourth, and sixth movable pieces 203 ₁₂ , 203 ₂₁ , and 203 ₂₃ are not mechanically locked and remain in the first display state (horizontal state).

Thus, as the fixed lever 213 moves in the direction of the arrow 251, the first and second lateral individual rods 243 ₁ , 243 ₂ and the lateral common rod 241 move in the same direction with the same movement amount. On the other hand, the fixing member 227 does not necessarily exhibit the same behavior. This is because a leaf spring (not shown) is integrally incorporated in the first and second lateral individual rods 243 ₁ , 243 ₂ and the lateral common rod 241 so that the movable piece 203 is in the first display state. This is because the leaf spring is deformed to absorb this amount of movement.

In the braille display device 200 according to the present embodiment described above, the apparatus main body 214 is arranged so that the fixing lever 213 exists on the left side as shown in FIG. 4, and the finger is moved from left to right to move the braille. Read. At this time, as in the case of a conventional Braille display device, some users may read Braille by placing a finger vertically on the device main body 214. Therefore, the second display state is locked using the fixed lever 213 until the reading of the braille is completed, so that the corresponding movable piece 203 is not pushed back to the horizontal state by the pressing of the finger. After reading the braille, when the fixed lever 213 is moved again to the original position, the movable piece 203 is lightly pressed, and moves from the second display state to the first display state. Specifically, if the braille display surface 201 of the braille display device 200 is moved so as to slide the finger from the right end side to the left end side, the movable pieces 203 ₁₁ to 203 _{11 of the} first to third braille cells 204 to 206 are moved. 203 _13, 203 _{21 to 203 23,} it can be all returned to the first display state of the initial.

  According to such a braille display device 200 of the present embodiment, the following several effects can be achieved.

  First, as a first effect, the thickness of the braille display device 200 can be reduced. This is because the movable piece 203 is formed as a part of the rotating body 221.

  The second effect of the present embodiment can reduce power consumption as the braille display device 200. In the present embodiment, Braille is constituted by the tip of the movable piece 203, and the Braille is read by moving the finger horizontally. Therefore, in order to switch from the first display state to the second display state, only the driving force for rotating the movable piece 203 is necessary, and for example, power consumption can be reduced as compared with the conventional method of exciting the solenoid.

  The third effect of the present embodiment can reduce the number of parts of the braille display device 200. In the present embodiment, when the projection of the movable piece 203 is pushed with a finger while the lock by the fixed lever 213 is released, the second display state can be returned to the initial first display state. Therefore, a part for returning to the initial first display state is unnecessary.

  Furthermore, the fourth effect of this embodiment is that anyone can reliably read Braille. This is because braille is read by the protrusion of the movable piece 203, and the state where the protrusion is generated can be mechanically locked. Therefore, braille can be read also by pushing the movable piece vertically with a finger.

  <First Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the main part of the braille display device according to the first modification of the present invention. In the first modification, only one braille component in one braille cell of the braille display device 200A is shown. The braille component 301A includes a rotating body 302A having a shape with a part of a circle missing, a fixing pin 223A to which the rotating body 302A is rotatably attached, and a rotation angle control mechanism 303 that rotates the rotating body 302A. ing.

  The rotation angle control mechanism 303 includes a cylindrical movable space 305 formed in the apparatus main body 214A, a reciprocating rod 306 that reciprocates the movable space 305 with a power source (not shown), and a reciprocating rod 306. The connecting rod 307 connects the end on the side facing the rotating body 302A and a part of the rotating body 302A.

  When the reciprocating rod 306 is at a position closest to the rotating body 302A in the movable space 305 as shown in the drawing, the rotating body 302A constitutes the same surface as the braille display surface 201A. At this time, the Braille component 301A displays the first display state.

  In contrast, when the reciprocating rod 306 moves to a position farthest from the rotating body 302A in the movable space 305, the rotating body 302A is pulled by the connecting rod 307 and rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle. At the same time, of the two points 311 and 312 where the arc intersects with the straight line at the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 302A, the left point 311 protrudes from the braille display surface 201A to a predetermined height. As a result, the Braille component 301A displays the second display state.

  Thus, in the first modification of the present invention, the Braille component 301A switches between the first display state and the second display state each time the reciprocating rod 306 moves between one end and the other end of the movable space 305. be able to. Also in the braille display device 200A of this modified example, it is assumed that the user reads the braille by moving the finger from the left to the right in the drawing. In the state where the second display state is displayed, the user knows the protrusion at a short distance interval between the first point 311 and the next point 312, which is much shorter than the distance interval between the braille components 301 </ b> A. . Therefore, the user does not misrecognize the reading of the braille, but rather can reconfirm that the braille has been read correctly.

  In the first modification, if a certain load is applied to the reciprocating rod 306 that moves in the movable space 305, the point 311 on the left side in the figure protrudes from the Braille display surface 201A to a predetermined height. Thus, it is possible to overcome the pressing force for reading Braille and to distinguish Braille.

  <Second Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 9 shows a cross section of a main part of a braille display device according to a second modification of the present invention. Also in the second modification, only one Braille component in one Braille cell of the Braille display device 200B is represented as in the first modification. 9, the same parts as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The Braille component 301B of the second modification is in contact with the outer periphery of the rotating body 302B, a rotating body 302B having a shape with a part of a circle cut off, a fixing pin 223A to which the rotating body 302B is rotatably attached. In order to limit the rotation range of the drive roller 321 and the rotating body 302B, the stopper 322 is provided so as to partially protrude from the apparatus main body 214B.

  The drive roller 321 has a drive shaft 323 connected to a rotation shaft of a drive motor (not shown) or a rotation shaft via a reduction gear. Accordingly, when the drive shaft 323 rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined amount in the state of the first display state shown in FIG. 9, the rotating body 302B rotates clockwise, and an arc is formed at the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 302B. A point 311 intersecting with the straight line protrudes from the braille display surface 201A to a predetermined height. Thereby, the braille component 301B displays the second display state.

  On the other hand, when the drive shaft 323 starts rotating clockwise in the state where the second display state is shown, the rotating body 302B rotates counterclockwise. When the rotation is blocked by the stopper 322, the state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained, and the Braille component 301B displays the first display state.

  In addition to the driving roller 321 and its driving shaft 323, two sets of driving rollers 325 and 326 and their driving shafts 327 and 328 are shown in FIG. These show the driving mechanisms for the remaining two rows of the same Braille cells arranged in three rows.

  In the second modification, in particular, when a speed reduction gear is provided, there is an effect that the amount that the rotating body 302B protrudes from the braille display surface 201A is hardly affected by the pressing of the user's finger. In addition, since bidirectional rotation control using a motor is possible, the reset operation to the first display state can be performed electrically without the intervention of the user.

  <Third Modification of the Invention>

  FIG. 10 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of the braille display device according to the third modification of the present invention. A braille display device 200C according to the third modified example includes a main control unit 403 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 and a memory 402 that stores a program executed by the CPU 401. The main control unit 403 is connected to each unit in the braille display device 200C through a bus 404 such as a data bus.

  Among these, the e-mail receiving unit 405 receives an e-mail at an address designated by the user via a wireless receiving unit (not shown) existing in the portable terminal common function unit 406. The text information Braille successive conversion unit 407 sequentially translates text information designated in advance, such as the title and body of the received e-mail, into Braille with the maximum number of braille cells that can be displayed at one time by the Braille display device 200C. To do. The Braille component-specific drive control unit 408 distributes the data converted into Braille by the text information Braille successive conversion unit 407 into individual Braille components and sets them to the first display state or the second display state. For example, when drive control of the Braille display device 200B shown in the second modification is performed, rotation control of a motor (not shown) is performed for each Braille component.

  If the Braille display device 200C of the third modification is, for example, a mobile phone, the mobile terminal common function unit 406 has a function as a telephone main body such as a telephone call function and a function as a digital camera and an incidental function. Become.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of processing when the braille display device according to the third modified example receives an e-mail. This will be described with reference to FIG. When the CPU 401 detects that an e-mail has been received (step S501: Y), it checks whether the braille display device 200C is set to the braille display mode (step S502). A flag for turning on or off the braille display mode is set in the nonvolatile memory area constituting the memory 402. When the user of the braille display device 200C turns on this flag, the braille display mode is set (Y). In other cases (step S502: N), since the braille display mode is not turned on, normal e-mail reception processing for displaying text information on a display (not shown) is performed.

  When the braille display mode is set (step S502: Y), the text information Braille successive conversion unit 407 sets the total number of braille cells to S, which is text information designated in advance, such as the title and body of the received e-mail. Only S characters are translated into Braille (step S503). Then, the S braille components are driven to the first or second display state according to the display state after translation (step S504). When it is detected that the next braille display instruction has been issued (step S505: Y), the CPU 404 checks whether all text information converted by the braille sequential conversion unit 407 has been displayed (step S506). If there is a remaining display (N), the process proceeds to step S503, and the maximum S character is further translated into braille (step S503), and these are displayed on the braille display device 200C in braille (step). S504). When all the predetermined text information of the received e-mail is displayed in this way (step S506: Y), the process returns to step S501 in order to wait for reception of the next e-mail (return).

  Some or all of the embodiments described above are described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following descriptions.

(Appendix 1)
Each predetermined size opening spaced apart on a predetermined surface to produce a Braille tactile sensation;
Rotating shafts arranged in parallel to the specific surface in the apparatus main body located below these openings,
When attached to these rotary shafts and rotated to the first rotation limit position, the upper surface forms the same surface as the specific surface, and when rotated from the first rotation limit position to the second rotation limit position, A braille display device, comprising: a rotary body having a shape protruding at a position farthest from the rotation axis beyond a predetermined amount necessary to generate the tactile sensation of the braille from the specific surface.

(Appendix 2)
The rotating body is provided with a first groove portion in which the insertion direction of the rectangular specific object is horizontal when the rotating body is rotated to the second rotation limit position, and the first horizontal portion is horizontal in the apparatus main body. A second groove portion having a groove sufficiently deeper than the horizontal groove depth of the first groove portion at a position opposite to the groove portion of the first groove portion, and a second when the first groove portion rotates to the second rotation limit position. The braille display device according to appendix 1, wherein a slide member as the specific object is disposed so as to be partly inserted and removed from the groove portion of the above.

(Appendix 3)
The slide member is configured to prevent rotation of the rotating body when a part of the sliding member is fitted into the first groove when the rotating body holds the state rotated to the second rotation limit position. The braille display device according to appendix 2.

(Appendix 4)
A cylindrical cavity disposed in the vicinity of the rotating body in parallel to the specific surface in the apparatus body, a rod-shaped reciprocating rod that reciprocates within a predetermined distance within the cavity, and the reciprocating motion A connecting rod that rotatably holds the vicinity of the end of the rod on the rotating body side and a position on the rotating body that is deviated by a predetermined distance from the center position of the rotating body, and the reciprocating rod on the forward path or the return path, respectively. The braille display device according to appendix 1, further comprising: a driving unit that moves the actuator to a limit position.

(Appendix 5)
The additional roller according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving roller that is in rolling contact with an outer periphery of the rotating body; and a driving unit that rotates the driving roller between the first rotation limit position and the second rotation limit position. Braille display device.

(Appendix 6)
The braille display device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body is formed by a partial cylinder in which a portion protruding from the opening in a cylinder rotating around the rotation axis is cut in a planar shape in advance.

(Appendix 7)
The portion of the rotating body that protrudes from the opening is shaped like a piece, and the tapered portion at the tip of the piece is necessary to generate the tactile sensation of Braille when the rotating body rotates to the second rotation limit position. The braille display device according to appendix 1, wherein the braille display device protrudes from the opening by a predetermined amount or more.

(Appendix 8)
A data receiving step for receiving data corresponding to characters or numbers represented in Braille;
Corresponding to the data received in this data receiving step, a part of the rotary body is braille from each predetermined size opening arranged at a predetermined specific surface for generating a tactile sensation of Braille. A protrusion necessity determination step for determining whether or not to protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary for generating a tactile sense;
In this protrusion necessity determination step, the upper surface of the rotating body forms the same surface as the specific surface at a portion where it is determined that a part of the rotating body should not protrude beyond a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sensation. The rotating body is rotated to the first rotation limit position so as to determine that a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sensation in braille in the protrusion necessity determination step. A braille display method comprising: a rotating body individual rotation control step for rotating the upper surface of the rotating body to a second rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotating body protrudes by a predetermined amount or more at the place where it is done.

(Appendix 9)
When the rotating body is rotated to the second rotation limit position in the rotating body individual rotation control step, a second groove disposed in advance in a position facing the first groove portion provided in the rotating body. The braille display method according to appendix 8, further comprising a rotating body rotation stopping step for preventing rotation of the rotating body by partially inserting a slide member from the groove.

(Appendix 10)
On the computer,
Data reception processing for receiving data corresponding to characters or numbers represented in Braille;
Corresponding to the data received in this data receiving process, a part of the rotating body is braille from an opening of each predetermined size arranged at a predetermined distance on a specific surface for generating a sense of Braille. A protrusion necessity determination process for determining whether or not to protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary for generating a tactile sense;
In this protrusion necessity determination process, the upper surface of the rotating body forms the same surface as the specific surface at a portion where it is determined that a part of the rotating body should not protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sensation. The rotation body is rotated to the first rotation limit position so that the protrusion necessity determination process determines that a part of the rotation body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sense of Braille. A Braille display program for executing a rotating body individual rotation control process for rotating the upper surface of the rotating body to a second rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotating body protrudes a predetermined amount or more.

(Appendix 11)
When the rotating body is rotated to the second rotation limit position in the rotating body individual rotation control process, a second groove disposed in advance in a position facing the first groove portion provided in the rotating body. The braille display program according to appendix 10, wherein a rotating body rotation stopping process for preventing rotation of the rotating body is further executed by inserting a slide member partially from the groove.

10, 200, 200A, 200B, 200C Braille display device 11 Opening 12 Rotating shaft 13, 221 302A, 302B Rotating body 20 Braille display method 21 Data reception step 22 Projection necessity determination step 23 Rotating body individual rotation control step 30 Braille Display program 31 Data reception process 32 Projection necessity determination process 33 Rotating body individual rotation control process 201, 201A Braille display surface 203 Movable frame 204 First braille cell 205 Second braille cell 206 Third braille cell 211 Slider 212 Slide Lever 213 Fixed lever 214, 214A, 214B Device main body 223, 223A Fixing pin 224, 322 Stopper 225 Notch 226 Groove 227 Fixing member 228 Rotation control pin 231 Lever main body 232 Tension spring 241 Common in the horizontal direction Head 242 longitudinal rod 243 laterally individual rods 301A, 301B Braille elements 303 rotation angle control mechanism 305 movable space 306 reciprocating rod 307 connecting rod 321 driven roller 323 driving shaft 401 CPU
402 Memory 403 Main control unit 405 E-mail receiving unit 406 Portable terminal common function unit 407 Text information Braille successive conversion unit 408 Braille component-specific drive control unit

Claims (9)

Each predetermined size opening spaced apart on a predetermined surface to produce a Braille tactile sensation;
Rotating shafts arranged in parallel to the specific surface in the apparatus main body located below these openings,
When attached to these rotary shafts and rotated to the first rotation limit position, the upper surface forms the same surface as the specific surface, and when rotated from the first rotation limit position to the second rotation limit position, A braille display device, comprising: a rotary body having a shape protruding at a position farthest from the rotation axis beyond a predetermined amount necessary to generate the tactile sensation of the braille from the specific surface.   The rotating body is provided with a first groove portion in which the insertion direction of the rectangular specific object is horizontal when the rotating body is rotated to the second rotation limit position, and the first horizontal portion is horizontal in the apparatus main body. A second groove portion having a groove sufficiently deeper than the horizontal groove depth of the first groove portion at a position opposite to the groove portion of the first groove portion, and a second when the first groove portion rotates to the second rotation limit position. 2. A braille display device according to claim 1, wherein a slide member as the specific object is disposed so as to be partially inserted into and retracted from the groove.   The slide member is configured to prevent rotation of the rotating body when a part of the sliding member is fitted into the first groove when the rotating body holds the state rotated to the second rotation limit position. The braille display device according to claim 2.   The braille display device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body is formed by a partial cylinder in which a portion protruding from the opening in a cylinder rotating around the rotation axis is cut in a planar shape in advance.   The portion of the rotating body that protrudes from the opening is shaped like a piece, and the tapered portion at the tip of the piece is necessary to generate the tactile sensation of Braille when the rotating body rotates to the second rotation limit position. The braille display device according to claim 1, wherein the Braille display device protrudes from the opening by a predetermined amount or more. A data receiving step for receiving data corresponding to characters or numbers represented in Braille;
Corresponding to the data received in this data receiving step, a part of the rotary body is braille from each predetermined size opening arranged at a predetermined specific surface for generating a tactile sensation of Braille. A protrusion necessity determination step for determining whether or not to protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary for generating a tactile sense;
In this protrusion necessity determination step, the upper surface of the rotating body forms the same surface as the specific surface at a portion where it is determined that a part of the rotating body should not protrude beyond a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sensation. The rotating body is rotated to the first rotation limit position so as to determine that a part of the rotating body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sensation in braille in the protrusion necessity determination step. A braille display method comprising: a rotating body individual rotation control step for rotating the upper surface of the rotating body to a second rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotating body protrudes by a predetermined amount or more at the place where it is done. When the rotating body is rotated to the second rotation limit position in the rotating body individual rotation control step, a second groove disposed in advance in a position facing the first groove portion provided in the rotating body. The braille display method according to claim 6, further comprising a rotating body rotation stopping step for preventing rotation of the rotating body by partially inserting a slide member from the groove. On the computer,
Data reception processing for receiving data corresponding to characters or numbers represented in Braille;
Corresponding to the data received in this data receiving process, a part of the rotating body is braille from an opening of each predetermined size arranged at a predetermined distance on a specific surface for generating a sense of Braille. A protrusion necessity determination process for determining whether or not to protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary for generating a tactile sense;
In this protrusion necessity determination process, the upper surface of the rotating body forms the same surface as the specific surface at a portion where it is determined that a part of the rotating body should not protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a Braille tactile sensation. The rotation body is rotated to the first rotation limit position so that the protrusion necessity determination process determines that a part of the rotation body should protrude more than a predetermined amount necessary to generate a tactile sense of Braille. A Braille display program for executing a rotating body individual rotation control process for rotating the upper surface of the rotating body to a second rotation limit position so that the upper surface of the rotating body protrudes a predetermined amount or more. When the rotating body is rotated to the second rotation limit position in the rotating body individual rotation control process, a second groove disposed in advance in a position facing the first groove portion provided in the rotating body. 9. The Braille display program according to claim 8, further comprising a rotating body rotation stop process for preventing rotation of the rotating body by partially inserting a slide member from the groove.

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