View enlarged image of the CUB

View demonstration of the CUB

INTRODUCTION

Braille is an important language used by the blind to read and write. It is vital for communication and educational purposes. In Western Australia alone there are an estimated 22,500 vision impaired persons [1, 2] who cannot read standard print, many of whom rely on embossed Braille for their written communications . Although there is an important market for Braille production in the western world, a far greater rate of blindness occurs in third world countries. Literacy levels amongst sight-impaired people in developing nations could be aided by supplying equipment such as these Braillers. Braillers are needed for everyday communication and therefore importance lies on the option to have a lightweight, transportable unit accessible at all times. This paper proposes a relatively in-expensive, lightweight, reliable and easily maintained Brailler.

The key features of the prototype Brailler include:

•  A small, lightweight design allowing the unit to be transported easily.

•  Robust Components to insure the reliability of the unit.

•  Real-time forward and back translation of Braille Forward and Back Translation of Braille.

•  Synthesised Speech interface.

•  LCD text display.

•  USB functionality for expansion purposes.