"ENVISION - BRAILLE TABLET"

Abstract

En-Vision is an innovative and cost-effective hardware solution designed to transform the educational experience for visually impaired students. Combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, En-Vision empowers students to independently access a diverse range of educational materials. Key Features: Braille Display, Text-to-Speech Capabilities, Intuitive Navigation Controls, Seamless Connectivity, Voice Assistance, Material Download and Storage, Multilingual Support, Call Button for Teachers En-Vision’s implementation is expected to result in a transformative shift, providing visually impaired students with improved learning opportunities, greater independence, and inclusivity in educational settings. The continuous connectivity and affordability of the solution aim to empower students for academic success, skill development for employment, and the ability , to lead independent lives. In addition to this, serial interfacing facility is also installed in the device to connect with other digital devices reducing the installation of voice assistance and its maintenance and also easier navigation of the digital devices compatible with this device is possible. And the introduction of special examination policies and features with this device when connected to the host will also help in certifying and testing the aspirants which can also lead to recruitments based on the score. In summary, En-Vision stands as a comprehensive and user-centric solution, poised to revolutionize the educational landscape for visually impaired students, ensuring equal access to resources and fostering self-reliance.

Specification

FIELD OF INVENTION:
The invention relates to assistive technology for visually impaired individuals, specifically focusing on educational tools that enhance accessibility, independence, and connectivity. It addresses the challenges faced by visually impaired students by providing a comprehensive hardware solution that incorporates a refreshable Braille display, text-to-speech conversion, voice assistance, and mobile connectivity. This invention falls under the field of educational technology and assistive devices, aimed at enabling equal access to learning materials and resources in both academic and real-world environments.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
EnVision, a cost-effective and comprehensive hardware solution, is poised to transform the educational experience for visually impaired students. This innovative device combines a refreshable Braille display, text-to-speech capabilities, intuitive navigation controls, and seamless connectivity with SIM card ports for mobile access and calling features. Additionally, EnVision incorporates voice assistance for natural language interaction. By offering a multifaceted approach to accessibility, connectivity, and independence, EnVision empowers visually impaired students to independently access educational materials, fostering self-reliance and equal educational opportunities while remaining budget-friendly for educational institutions. It uses "mol bed" type of display along with additional features like serial interfacing with other digital systems and examination could also be conducted with them.
THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
EnVision is an innovative hardware solution designed to revolutionize educational opportunities for students with visual impairments. This accessible learning device combines cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, enabling visually impaired students to access educational content and engage in
independent learning. With features such as a refreshable Braille display, text-to-speech capabilities, intuitive navigation controls, and seamless connectivity, EnVision empowers students to overcome barriers, fostering inclusivity and equal access to education. Through this project we aim to enhance the academic success and independence of visually impaired students, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive in their educational journey.
THE STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION:
Visually impaired students face significant challenges in accessing educational materials, as traditional learning materials, such as printed books and visual, resources, are inaccessible to them. This lack of access hampers their ability to fully engage in learning and limits their educational opportunities. Visually impaired students often rely heavily on sighted individuals, such as teachers or peers, to access and interpret educational content. This dependence hinders their independence and can lead to delays or gaps in their learning progress. Thus, there is a need for a specialized device to aid visually impaired students to access educational content on their own, fostering self-reliance and equal educational opportunities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Any digital data passed into the tablet will be converted into braille format by first converting the alphanumeric keys to their corresponding ASCII and then break the ASCII value into 32-bit binary number which is stacked as 3*2 matrix (32,16|8,4|2,1) representing single braille letter display. The serial interfacing option enables the tablet to convert the digital data in other digital devices into braille extending its performance. The examination mode works when the tablet is connected to the host conducting the exam where only navigation to other questions will be available.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The invention, EnVision, is a multifunctional hardware device designed to improve the educational experience for visually impaired students. The device integrates the following key functionalities:
Refreshable Braille Display: EnVision includes a tactile interface that allows users to read digital text in Braille format. The display refreshes dynamically, enabling students to read documents, textbooks, and online content.
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Capability: The device converts written text into spoken words, enabling visually impaired students to listen to educational materials. This feature supports multiple languages and accents to enhance learning.
Voice Assistance: EnVision incorporates voice-controlled interaction, allowing students to navigate the device, search content, and interact with educational resources through natural language commands.
SIM Card Port for Connectivity: The device includes SIM card slots, enabling mobile network access for internet browsing, making calls, and sending messages. This provides seamless connectivity to digital educational platforms and communication tools.
Intuitive Navigation Controls: Physical buttons and touch-sensitive controls are designed for easy navigation, allowing users to switch between different functions effortlessly.
Serial Interfacing: The device is equipped with serial ports, allowing it to interface with other digital systems such as computers, printers, or additional assistive devices. This expands its functionality for educational and administrative purposes.
Examination Mode: EnVision includes a specialized mode that enables students to take examinations independently. The device can securely present exam
questions and record responses, ensuring equal participation in academic assessments.
Molbed Display Technology: The device utilizes a molbed type display, known for its energy efficiency and readability, enhancing the visual output for users who may have partial vision or require high contrast.
SHORT DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE FIGURES:
Fig.l: Design of the Envsion Braille Tablet.
Fig.2: Cad/3D design of the Tablet casing with 60 MOLBED ports.
Fig.3: Weight analysis of the casing design stating that the casing weighs only for 125gms and long lasting.
Fig.4 : Material analysis of the casing stating that polypropene plastic has been used for the manufacturing.
SIMULATION DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Arduino UNO is connected to a 6-channel relay to control 6 push pull solenoids which are stacked as a pair for 3 rows to represent a single alphanumeric key. The push pull solenoid is heavy, costly and occupy much area to denote a single letter. This simulation is just the first phase to checking whether the required display is achieved or not. Any alphanumeric key of the digital format encountered as an input in the Arduino program will be converted to its ascii and will be broken down into a 32-bit binary number by which the corresponding solenoids alone will be pushed up becoming a braille formatted display. Since practically using solenoids are not effective, MOLBED is introduced where a PCB board for each letter is made and the flux to push the centre plastic rod is calculated and then the coils are wound upon a.tiny magnet for the push pull operation. This is very cheap, light weight and occupy much smaller area. So, the required tablet design is achieved.
HARDWARE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
MOLBED:
MOLBED refers to Molecular Opto-electronic Display, a novel type of display technology that leverages molecular structures for enhanced visual output. In this context, it is designed to be highly energy-efficient, lightweight, and flexible. MOLBED technology is ideal for devices that require dynamic, responsive displays, such as refreshable Braille displays for the visually impaired, due to its potential for rapid refresh rates, fine resolution, and adaptability to different surfaces and formats. Its structure allows for thin, flexible screens, making it suitable for portable and tactile applications.
Any digital input given to the tablet will be processed to the braille form in which the mini rods in the MOLBEDs are pushed or pulled according to the digital to braille conversion logic that is being programmed. Since MOLBEDs are introduced, the weight, cost of the display has been reduced to a large extent and the area of MOLBED to display a single letter is also very small as well, so more MOLBEDs can be added which results in displaying more letters on the display. As MOLBEDs are made up of PCB, tiny magnet and mini rods made up plastic working based on the principle of magnetic flux for the push and pull operation, the power consumption of each MOLBED is less and also the overall power consumption ofthe display will also be compatible for efficient performance. The life expectancy of this display is also better in every way.
Processor/GPU:
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer or device that performs most of the processing inside the system. It handles all the basic instructions and calculations required to run applications, manage data, and execute commands. In hardware designed for specialized tasks, such as assistive
devices like EnVision, the processor is selected for energy efficiency, speed, and compatibility with peripheral components.
The processor has been programmed with the digital alphanumeric keys to braille alphanumeric keys logic, so any data can be interpreted in the electronic braille form. Thus all books can be displayed in a single device reducing the burden of making braille books and cutting the cost of purchasing books each time. So any domain knowledge could be made easy to get access for visually impaired people. Just the required data should be loaded in the USB ports or through wi-fi.
Not only the digital to braille conversion, but also the serial interfacing option programmed will allow them to access many digital devices. So the installation and maintenance of voice assistance and physical assistance help are reduced. And also the examination mode in the Tablet is also programmed for certification and recruiting them for the jibs suitable for them.
RAM/ROM:
RAM is a type of volatile memory used to temporarily store data that the CPU needs to access quickly while running applications. It allows for fast data retrieval and processing, improving system performance. In devices like EnVision, RAM enables smooth functioning of real-time features such as text-to-speech, voice assistance, and Braille display refresh rates by storing active program data and ensuring quick access. ROM is non-volatile memory that stores the system's firmware or permanent instructions that do not change over time, such as the bootloader or essential operating software. In hardware solutions like EnVision, ROM ensures the core software, including system configurations and essential functions, remains intact, even when the device is powered off.
The RAM/ROM is used for accessing the digital content and interpreting the braille code output along with the storage of data in the Tablet as well.
A battery in a hardware device is the power source that supplies electrical energy to operate the system. For devices like EnVision, the battery is designed to be lightweight, long-lasting, and efficient, ensuring continuous operation of features such as the refreshable Braille display, text-to-speech engine, and mobile connectivity. Modern batteries, like lithium-ion or lithium-polymer, are commonly used due to their high energy density, rechargeability, and ability to maintain performance over extended periods. The battery's capacity is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), indicating how long the device can run on a full charge.
Miscellaneous Components:
Miscellaneous Components in a hardware device like EnVision can include a variety of auxiliary parts that enhance the functionality and usability of the system. These components often support the core features or provide additional interfaces for user interaction. Examples include:
• Sensors: Such as proximity or light sensors, which can be used for contextbased actions like automatic screen brightness adjustments.
• Microphone and Speaker: For voice assistance, text-to-speech functionality, and user interactions.
• SIM Card Ports: Enable mobile connectivity for calling and internet access.
• USB Ports: For charging, data transfer, or connecting external peripherals.
• Serial Interface Ports: Allow communication with other digital systems, ensuring compatibility with educational tools or assistive technology devices.
• Haptic Feedback Motor: Provides tactile feedback for navigation or
• Buttons and Navigation Controls: Physical buttons, switches, or joysticks that allow easy navigation and operation of the device.
• Cooling Mechanisms: Such as passive or active cooling systems to prevent overheating of the internal components.
• SD Card Slot: For expandable storage to save files, books, or additional learning materials.
CLAIMS:
We Claim
Claim 1: A special user-friendly design with navigation and user controls at the side of the display and display at the centre.
Claim 2: Incorporation of MOLBEDs for the display which is weightless, low power consuming and smaller in size.
Claim 3: Introduction of serial interfacing option for the accessing the other digital devices programmed in the processor and connected via USB ports or WiFi for access.
Claim 4: Introduction of examination mode for the testing, certifying and recruiting them which will be enabled when the Tablets are connected via USB ports to the host device conducting the exam.
Claim 5: Addition of Voice assistant for explanations in diverse languages for better explanation and usage.
Claim 6: According to claim 5, the voice assistance is activated through separate button and along with the input of what language should it assist with like reading, explaining and other assistances.
Claim 7: According to claim 1 and claim 2 the user-friendly design and incorporation of MOLBEDs, the cost of tablet is reduced to a large extent that is affordable.

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