DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10; rule 13]

"BRAILLE DEVICE FOR CONVERTING A MANUAL INPUT TO A DIGITAL SIGNAL"

THINKERBELL LABS PVT. LTD., an Indian company of 262, 6th Main, MICO Layout, BTM Layout, Stage 2, Bengaluru - 560076, India,

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of Braille learning system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device capable of taking manual inputs and converting them into digital signals.

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 285 million visually impaired people in the world, out of which 39 million are blind and 246 million have low vision. Braille literacy rate among these 285 million visually impaired people globally is very low. There is a direct correlation between low Braille literacy and unemployment among the visually impaired. Braille literacy is therefore extremely important and learning to write is an essential part of Braille literacy. Presently, writing in Braille is achieved by embossing Braille dots on a piece of paper. This can be done in two ways, either by manually embossing the dots using a Braille slate and stylus or by the means of Braille typewriters/printers like Perkin’s Brailler.

In order to write using existing Braille slate, a user uses a stylus to emboss dots on a piece of paper. These dots get embossed on an opposite side of the paper, which is used for reading. Thus, in order to write a character in braille, a user needs to remember a mirror image of the character, and emboss dots in that order so that the embossed dots are readable on the opposite side of the paper. In order to write a string of characters, which can be read from left to right on the embossed side of the paper, a user needs to memorize the mirror image of each character of that string, and then needs to emboss the mirror image of each Braille character of the string from right to left. Due to such technique of Braille writing, a user is required to remove the piece of paper from the Braille slate, turn it around, and then manually read it, in order to get a feedback of what the user has written. After getting a feedback on what the user has written, the user needs to flip the page again and align it with the Braille slate to continue writing. This makes writing in Braille using a Braille slate fairly non-intuitive, tedious, and highly error prone, which makes the learning process quite difficult.

The present invention has been devised to mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for efficient Braille learning system.

It is another object of the present invention to obtain manual inputs from a user and provide audio/tactile feedbacks to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electro-mechanical system is provided which converts the manual inputs given to it by a user into digital signals. The digital signals thus produced by the Digital Braille Writing Slate can be processed by a separate external electronic device to produce meaningful output, typically in the form of recognizing the Braille character entered by a user. This digital signal can then be transferred from the Digital Braille writing slate to an external device which can process this information to generate a suitable output, not limited to providing an audio feedback.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the signals from the Digital Braille Writing Slate can be processed and transmitted to a refreshable Braille Display that can display the character in real-time in Braille as they are entered by the user. This gives immediate feedback and allows the users to read and verify every character as they write.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the Digital Braille Writing slate can convert the Braille character entered into its corresponding character in any other writing system. This converted character can then either be stored in a digital format or can be printed.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the users can enter braille characters by directly pressing the embossers in the device corresponding to the braille characters they want to enter. This eliminates the need to remember the mirror images of each Braille character, and to write the mirror image characters in a reverse order.

The device retains a user experience that is similar to the one the users experience while writing using a traditional Braille slate and stylus. A force exerted by the user, an interdot and intercell spacing, a depth of emboss, and a tactile response of embossing a dot experienced by the user, while writing in braille using a traditional Braille slate and stylus, are all retained in the device. A traditional Braille slate has a total of 810 braille cells arranged in a matrix of 27 rows with 30 braille cells in each row, thus making it a 27 x 30 matrix of braille cells. The mechanism by which the Digital Braille Writing Slate converts mechanical inputs into electronic outputs is designed in such a way that it is scalable to an n x m matrix of braille cells, with “n” and “m” being any positive, non-zero integers having values greater than 1. For the purpose of simplicity, this device is modelled after a smaller version of the traditional Braille slate which has a matrix of 4 x 30 braille cells.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the description and are used to provide further understanding of the present invention. Such accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention that are used to describe the principles of the present invention together with the description.

Figs. 1a-1d illustrate front, top, side, and isometric views along with a view of section A-A (according to a 3rd angle method of projection) respectively of a fully assembled Digital Braille Writing Slate, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2a illustrates a standard braille cell, and Fig. 2b illustrates a standard braille cell spacing, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3a illustrates a Braille cell matrix, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3b illustrates a Guideway, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a front view and an isometric exploded view respectively of a first embosser subassembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 4c and 4d illustrate a front view and an isometric exploded view respectively of a second embosser subassembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 5a-5c illustrate an isometric front view, a top view, and a side view (according to the 3rd angle method of projection) respectively of a frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6a illustrates a first PCB sub-assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6b illustrates another first PCB sub-assembly, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 7a-7c illustrate a front view, an isometric view, and a back view respectively of a second PCB sub-assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 illustrates a load transmitter, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 9a-9d illustrate a top view, a perspective top view, a front view, and a side view respectively of a bellcrank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 illustrates a braille device in an exploded view, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 illustrates a braille device in another exploded view, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figs. 12a and 12b illustrate a section view (section A-A) of a braille device in a non-operational and operation condition respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The embodiments provided herein are for the purpose of filing the present provisional specification; however, further embodiments within this disclosure are possible and shall/may be covered in the complete specification.

A user writes a Braille character by pressing relevant embossers within a Braille cell of a braille device by using a stylus. Input to the braille device is provided by a user applying force to push any one of the embossers available on the braille device, into its cylindrical cavity, until the user gets a tactile response of a switch being pressed. Components present within the Braille device and their functioning is described in successive passages.

Figs. 1a-1d illustrate perspective front, top, side, and isometric views along with a view of section A-A (according to the 3rd angle method of projection) respectively of a braille device (100). The braille device (100) may comprise a slate cover (101) alternatively referred as a braille slate. The braille slate may have a plurality of openings for receiving a manual input from a user through an input device, such as a stylus. The braille slate may be similar in form and function to part of a traditional paper and stylus based braille slate, which is kept above a piece of paper while embossing dots. Each of the plurality of openings may have a braille cell beneath them.

Fig. 2a illustrates a standard braille cell. In an aspect, inputs received at braille cell points numbered with “1”, “3”, “4” and “6” may be treated identically, while inputs received at braille cell points numbered with “2” and “5” may be treated identically but distinct from inputs received at braille cell points numbered “1”, “3”, “4” and “6”. Fig. 2b illustrates a standard braille cell spacing. The cell spacing is represented in millimeter (mm).

Fig. 3a illustrates a Braille cell matrix (102). The Braille cell matrix (102) may be a solid part in which through holes, in the shape of Braille cells, may be arranged in a matrix made up of N rows and M columns, wherein N and M are natural numbers. In one implementation, the braille cell matrix may be made up of 4 rows and 30 columns respectively. Each element of the braille matrix may be a braille cell of standard dimensions as described above. Inter-element dimensions may be identical to a standard paper and stylus based braille slate.

Fig. 3b illustrates a Guideway (103) including a plurality of spaces therein. The plurality of spaces may allow embossers to pass through them. In an aspect, each of the plurality of spaces may be aligned with each of the plurality of openings beneath the slate cover (101).

Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a front view and an isometric exploded view respectively of a first embosser subassembly (111). In an aspect, the braille cell matrix (102) may comprise a first set of embossers (201), as illustrated in Fig. 4b. The first set of embossers (201) may have a top portion (402), a stopper (404) adjacent to the top portion (402), and a bottom portion (406). The top portion (402) may receive a mechanical or manual input. The first set of embossers (201) may also be interchangeably referred to as Type-A embossers herein below. In an embodiment, each braille cell of the braille device (100) may employ a couple of the first set of embossers (201). One of the first set of embossers (201) corresponding to braille cell points numbered “1” and “4” may be referred as Type-A embossers, and the other first set of embossers (201) corresponding to braille cell points numbered “3” and “6” may be referred as Type-C embossers.

Figs. 4c and 4d illustrate a front view and an isometric exploded view respectively of a second embosser subassembly (203). In an aspect, the braille cell matrix (102) may comprise a second set of embossers (203), as illustrated in Fig. 4d. The second set of embossers (203) may have a top portion (408) to receive the mechanical input, a stopper (410) adjacent to the top portion (408), and a bottom portion (412). The second set of embossers (203) may also be interchangeably referred to as Type-B embossers herein below. In an embodiment, each braille cell of the braille device (100) may employ the Type-B embossers corresponding braille cell points numbered “2” and “5”. In an exemplary aspect, the Type-B embossers may be larger in length than the Type-A and Type-C embossers.

Each of the Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C embossers may be capable of a downward motion upon receiving a mechanical input from a user. Also, when the mechanical input is removed, i.e. the user is no longer pressing an embosser, each of the Type-A, Type-B, and Type-C embossers may move upwards. Such upward motion may be result of a spring decompression. In an embodiment, such springs may be placed over a linear motion limiter (104). The linear motion limiter (104) may be positioned beneath the braille cell matrix (102). The linear motion limiter (104) may have a plurality of return springs positioned over a plurality of passages within the linear motion limiter (104). Each of the first set of embossers (201), i.e. the Type-A and Type-C embossers, and second set of embossers (203), i.e. Type-B embossers, may have a corresponding return springs (202). Each of the return springs (202) may be configured to allow the bottom portions (406, 412) of each of the at least first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203) to pass through one passage among the plurality of passages. The plurality of return springs (202) may be compressed by the stoppers (404, 410) during the downward motion of the first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203). Figs. 4a and 4c represent the first set of embosser sub-assembly (111) comprising the first set of embossers (201), and the second set of embosser sub-assembly (112) comprising the second set of embossers (201) in mated conditions with respective return springs (202) during compression. Upon decompression of the return springs (202), when a user removes the mechanical input, the first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203) may return to their original positions. Figs. 4b and 4d represent the first set of embosser sub-assembly (111) comprising the first set of embossers (201), and the second set of embosser sub-assembly (112) comprising the second set of embossers (201) in original conditions with respective return springs (202) upon decompression.

Figs. 5a-5c illustrate a perspective front view, a top view, a side view, and an isometric view (according to the 3rd angle method of projection) respectively of a frame (110). The frame (110) may be a rigid structure that acts as a backbone of the braille device (100). The frame (110) may hold components like Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Type-A sub-assembly (107), Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Type-C (113), Load transmitter (108) and Shaft (106).

Fig. 6a illustrate a first PCB sub-assembly (107) comprising PCB Type-A (303), a plurality of first tactile switches (301), and electronic connectors (302). Fig. 6b illustrates another first PCB sub-assembly (113) comprising PCB Type-A (303), a plurality of first tactile switches (301), and electronic connectors (302).

Figs. 7a-7c illustrate a front view, an isometric view, and a back view respectively of a second PCB sub-assembly. The second PCB sub-assembly may comprise PCB Type-B (305), a plurality of second tactile switches (301), and electronic connectors (302).

In an aspect, the PCB Type-A and the PCB Type-C may be connected to the PCB Type-B via electronic connectors (302) and electronic wires (not shown). A first digital signal generated by the PCB Type-A or PCB Type-C may be transferred to the PCB Type-B via the electronic connectors (302) and electronic wires. The PCB Type-B may transfer the first signal to an external device. Upon processing the first signal, an output may be provided in an audio or visual form to apprise a user about a mechanical or manual input received through the input device. Such output informs the user if a correct input has been received by the braille device. In an embodiment, a second digital signal generated by the PCB Type-B may also be provided to the external device.

Fig. 8 illustrates a load transmitter (108) configured to transfer mechanical loads acting on the shaft (106) during movement of the bellcrank to the frame (110).

Figs. 9a-9d illustrate a top view, a perspective view, a front view, and a side view respectively of a bellcrank (105). The bellcrank (105) may be present below each of the first set of embossers (111), i.e. the Type-A embosser and the Type-B embosser. As illustrated in Fig. 9a, a top surface of the bellcrank (105) may receive a mechanical input from the bottom portion (406) of the least first set of embossers (111). Upon receiving the mechanical input, the bellcrank (105) may rotate about a shaft (106) to press at least one of the plurality of first tactile switches (301) positioned over either PCB Type-A or PCB Type-C. Upon being pressed, the tactile switches (301) may generate a first digital signal.

Fig. 10 illustrates a braille device (100) in an exploded view, and Fig. 11 illustrates the braille device (100) in another exploded view. Figs. 10 and 11 are now described with respect to functioning of the braille device (100). A chain of events may include the Type-A embosser (201) being pushed into its cylindrical cavity due to the force applied on it. This may cause the return spring (202), which rests on the upper surface of the linear motion limiter (104) and mated to the Type-A embosser (201), to get compressed.

Further, as Type-A embosser (201) may move downwards along its cylindrical axis within the Guideway (103), its bottom most endpoint may come in contact with the upper surface of the Bellcrank (105). As a user may continue to press the Type-A embosser (201), the Bellcrank (105), which is now in contact with the embosser, rotates about the shaft (106) and comes in contact with a tactile switch (301) placed on the PCB Type-A (303) (for embossers 1, 4) or PCB Type-C (304) (for embossers 3, 6).

Furthermore, with additional application of force on the Type-A embosser (201) by the user, the Bellcrank (105) which is now in contact with both the Type-A embosser (201) and the tactile switch (301) pushes the switch which causes an electronic signal to be generated. This signal may be transmitted to the PCB Type-B sub assembly (110) via an electronic connector (302). During this process, loads acting on the shaft (106) and the PCB Type-A (303) or the PCB Type-C (304) are distributed primarily to the Frame (103) by the load transmitter (108). An input is registered once the switch is pressed. The signals received can now be transmitted to an external device from PCB Type-B (305) for further processing.

Once the user releases the Type-A embosser (201), the return spring (202), which was compressed, starts extending due to the spring potential energy stored within it. The return spring (202) is allowed to extend until the collar of the Type-A embosser (201) comes in contact with the lower surface of the Braille cell matrix (102), after which the linear motion of the return spring (202) and the Type-A embosser (201) stops.

Figs. 12a and 12b illustrate a section view (section A-A) of the braille device (100) in a non-operational and an operation condition respectively.

The components for signal conversion for embossers 2 and 5 include the Type-B embosser sub-assembly (112), a PCB Type-B sub-assembly (110), a Guideway (103), a linear motion limiter (104), and a Frame (109). Once a user starts pressing any one of the Type-B embossers (203) to register an input, the Type-B embosser (203) is pushed into its cylindrical cavity due to the force being applied on it. This causes the return spring (202) attached to the Type-B embosser (203) to get compressed. The Return spring (202) rests on the upper surface of the linear motion limiter (104). As the user continues to press the Type-B embosser (203), it comes in contact with the tactile switch (301) placed on the PCB Type-B sub-assembly (110) and with further application of force on the Type-B embosser (203), the switch gets pushed completely which causes an electronic signal to be generated. The signals received can now be transmitted to an external device from PCB Type-B (305) for further processing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an input is registered once the tactile switch (301) is pressed and once the user stops applying force on the Type-B embosser (203), the return spring (202), which was compressed, starts extending due to the spring potential energy stored within it. The return spring (202) is allowed to extend until the collar of the Type-B embosser (203) comes in contact with the lower surface of the Braille cell matrix (102), after which the linear motion of the return spring (202) and the Type-B embosser (203) stops.

The method to identify which embosser has been pressed after an input is received includes a keyboard scan (matrix polling) which is a common method used to identify key presses in electronic devices. The input signals generated can be transmitted from the PCB Type-B assembly (111) using its electronic connectors (302) to an external electronic device which can then use these signals to conclude which key has been pressed using the matrix polling method.

When the Type-A embossers (201) and the Type-B embossers (203) are pressed by a user, the component Guideway (103) which has holes through which these embossers pass, limits their motion along their own vertical cylindrical axes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, 4 machine screws (114) are used to form a temporary mechanical joint between the Slate cover (101) and the PCB Type-B subassembly (110). By forming such a joint, all the other components get sandwiched between these two components, thus completing the assembly of the device.

We claim:
1. A braille device (100) for converting a manual input to a digital signal, the braille device comprising:
a braille slate (101) having at least one opening over a top surface of the braille slate (101), wherein the at least one opening is configured to receive the manual input from a user, through an input device;
a braille cell matrix (102) positioned beneath the at least one opening, and comprising at least one of a first set of embossers (201) and a second set of embossers (203), wherein each of the first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203) have a top portion (402, 408), a stopper (404, 410), and a bottom portion (406, 412), wherein the top portion (402, 408) receives the manual input, and the stopper (404, 410) is present adjacent to the top portion (402, 408);
a linear motion limiter (104) positioned beneath the braille cell matrix (102), and having a plurality of return springs (202) positioned over a plurality of passages within the linear motion limiter (104), wherein each of the plurality of return springs (202) is configured to allow the bottom portion (406, 412) of each of the at least first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203) to pass through one passage among the plurality of passages;
a plurality of first tactile switches (301) positioned over a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (303), wherein each of the plurality of first tactile switches (301) produce a first digital signal corresponding the manual input transferred through the bottom portion (406) of the at least first set of embossers (201); and
a plurality of second tactile switches (301) positioned over a second PCB (305), wherein each of the plurality of second tactile switches (301) produce a second digital signal corresponding the manual input transferred through the bottom portion (412) of the second set of embossers (203).

2. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manual input is a pressing force by the user, and the manual input corresponds to at least one of a braille character, a mirror image of a braille character, and a character of a language other than braille.

3. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least first set of embossers (201) have smaller length than each of the second set of embossers (203).

4. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of return springs (202) limit a downward motion of each of the at least first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203), upon compression against a corresponding stopper (404; 410).

5. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one bellcrank (105) positioned below each of the plurality of passages, wherein the at least one bellcrank (105) has a top surface to receive the manual input from the bottom portion (406) of each of the at least first set of embossers (201).

6. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one bellcrank (105) rotates about a shaft (106) upon receiving the manual input, to press at least one of the plurality of first tactile switches (301), and to generate the first digital signal.

7. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom portion (412) of each of the second set of embossers (203) presses at least one of the plurality of second tactile switches (301), and generates the second digital signal.

8. The braille device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first digital signal and the second digital signal are presented to the user through an audio and/or display means.
Dated this: April 01, 2020
[JAYANTA PAL]
IN/PA 172
Of REMFRY & SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT[S]
ABSTRACT

BRAILLE DEVICE FOR CONVERTING A MANUAL INPUT TO A DIGITAL SIGNAL

A braille device (100) for converting a manual input to a digital signal is disclosed. The braille device (100) comprises a braille slate (101) having at least one opening over a top surface for receiving the manual input from a user. A braille cell matrix (102) positioned beneath the at least one opening comprises at least one of a first set of embossers (201) and a second set of embossers (203). A linear motion limiter (104) positioned beneath the braille cell matrix (102) has a plurality of return springs positioned over a plurality of passages. A plurality of first tactile switches (301) positioned over a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) produces a first digital signal. A plurality of second tactile switches positioned over a second PCB produce a second digital signal.

[Fig. 1A]
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A braille device (100) for converting a manual input to a digital signal, the braille device comprising:
a braille slate (101) having at least one opening over a top surface of the braille slate (101), wherein the at least one opening is configured to receive the manual input from a user, through an input device;
a braille cell matrix (102) positioned beneath the at least one opening, and comprising at least one of a first set of embossers (201) and a second set of embossers (203), wherein each of the first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203) have a top portion (402, 408), a stopper (404, 410), and a bottom portion (406, 412), wherein the top portion (402, 408) receives the manual input, and the stopper (404, 410) is present adjacent to the top portion (402, 408);
a linear motion limiter (104) positioned beneath the braille cell matrix (102), and having a plurality of return springs (202) positioned over a plurality of passages within the linear motion limiter (104), wherein each of the plurality of return springs (202) is configured to allow the bottom portion (406, 412) of each of the at least first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203) to pass through one passage among the plurality of passages;
a plurality of first tactile switches (301) positioned over a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (303), wherein each of the plurality of first tactile switches (301) produce a first digital signal corresponding the manual input transferred through the bottom portion (406) of the at least first set of embossers (201); and
a plurality of second tactile switches (301) positioned over a second PCB (305), wherein each of the plurality of second tactile switches (301) produce a second digital signal corresponding the manual input transferred through the bottom portion (412) of the second set of embossers (203).

2. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manual input is a pressing force by the user, and the manual input corresponds to at least one of a braille character, a mirror image of a braille character, and a character of a language other than braille.

3. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least first set of embossers (201) have smaller length than each of the second set of embossers (203).

4. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of return springs (202) limit a downward motion of each of the at least first set of embossers (201) and the second set of embossers (203), upon compression against a corresponding stopper (404; 410).

5. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one bellcrank (105) positioned below each of the plurality of passages, wherein the at least one bellcrank (105) has a top surface to receive the manual input from the bottom portion (406) of each of the at least first set of embossers (201).

6. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one bellcrank (105) rotates about a shaft (106) upon receiving the manual input, to press at least one of the plurality of first tactile switches (301), and to generate the first digital signal.

7. The braille device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom portion (412) of each of the second set of embossers (203) presses at least one of the plurality of second tactile switches (301), and generates the second digital signal.

8. The braille device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first digital signal and the second digital signal are presented to the user through an audio and/or display means.
Dated this: April 01, 2020
[JAYANTA PAL]
IN/PA 172
Of REMFRY & SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT[S]