Research and development on portable Braille display using shape memory alloy wires

In order to provide a portable Braille display for the blind and visually impaired, a novel compact device is developed by using shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. In details, according to the ability of transition between Martensite phase and the Austenite phase, SMA can expand and shrink depending on temperature. Using movement of SMA under different temperature, six compact SMA actuators which are settled in ring-like bandage and fixed on human fingers, are vibrated to stimulate human tactile sensation. Depending on optimal displacement, these actuators can present six-dot Braille and make the blind and visually impaired get information from the device. Experimental results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the developed portable Braille display.