BY: Phillip Tyrus
If everything with the testing
goes as planned, the world could see the first ever Braille smart phone this
year. Three years in the making, the
phone is being designed by an interaction designer who makes short sci-fi
films. Sumit Dagar is the designer’s name, and he has been working with the
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and the L V Prasad Eye Institute in
Hyderabadon on developing the prototype for the phone. Dagar won the money to
fund this project in a contest through Rolex for enterprise. He is from India,
and his motivation for making this phone is the millions of blind residents
that the country of India has who cannot use a smart phone like you and I can.
He is also looking to make the phone reasonably priced as well, looking to make
it about two-hundred dollars retail.
The
phone uses a touch screen that elevates and depresses the content in which it
receives, making it possible for the blind to read the information on the
screen. This is referred to as a haptic touch screen. When having a video
conversation with someone, the user will even be able to feel the specific
facial expressions that the person they are talking to has, as the screen will
contour to their face. This technology is also beneficial in allowing the users
to interpret maps, and do many more important activities on their smart phone. The
technology will be able to interpret Braille text, images, animations, graphs,
charts, and videos.
The technology used for the
screen of the phone will use pixels to change the height on the screen, rather
than the color, as a normal smart phone does. This is done using a grid of
small pins that move up and down as the text and images change to form patterns
that the blind are able to read.
The designer of the phone said in
an interview, "Technology is giving
everyone superpowers, but many blind people are not able to tap into these
cool, new features, and the technology is making them even more disabled.” I
could not agree with him more. I love the idea of him making this phone, and
allowing a new demographic to partake in the technological advances that the
rest of the population is privileged to enjoy. I hope the testing is successful
and the phone makes it onto the market as soon as possible.
Braille smart phones!!! This is amazing. I think it is great that they are trying to focus more towards blind people and their needs. Whoever is inventing this new braille smart phone or smart pad or whatever it is will be extremely rich.
ReplyDeleteIn order to boost sales and improve the quality of life for all people, companies are continuously looking for ways to develop user friendly devices. Devices that can be used by handicapped individuals in particular are especially useful in allowing people with disabilities to have the freedom to participate in the activities of normal everyday life. This strengthens the brand of the company producing the product and allows for that company to expand in terms of the positive attributes attached to the brand.
ReplyDeleteThis is extremely creative!! This is a very innovative idea. Often times people forget that not everybody has the vision to see on phones with no button pad so to come out with Braille smart phones is simply a very thoughtful idea.
ReplyDeleteTechnology and its progress ceases to amaze me! The company inventing this new braille smart phone or smart pad will open a very wide window of new customers. I am sure the price of these products will be somewhat expensive.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article about visual impairments and smartphones. I think this is a very innovate idea. Companies need to market to people with impairments and disabilities as well. Therefore; not only will it be good for the company profits but for its reputation. I hope they continue to strive for innovation in this smaprtphone. Needless to say, In the future. the smartphone might be the connection in making someone blind see.
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea because it is something that doesn't exist. Just like Justin said, not everyone has the same vision as we do so its good to see change for the people that suffer with visual impairments. I am curious to see what the price is but I think it will sell fairly well.
ReplyDeleteSmartphones that have braille capabilities would be amazing! Just because a person has a handicap doesnt mean that should have miss out on normal everyday activities like playing games on a phone. I the invention is not only cool but I believe that it also gives those with visual impairments more confidence to feel as normal as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting invention. I'm glad to see such progression in technology. I think the most profound thing is that inventors are keeping the disabled in mind. Technology shouldn't only advance mankind but also bridge the gap between the impaired and healthy.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting article that shows how technology can be used to advance the lives of disabled individuals. In the near future, technology will serve as a supplement to many disabled and physically impaired individuals. Technology, represents innovation and a leap into the unknown world. The phone sounds like a winner, but what are the health risks associated with product ?
ReplyDeleteThough at a glance this idea seems to appears a little pricey I really support the idea because it is extremely innovative and it also allows those that are visually impaired to experience something more modern, different and up to date. This would also allow phone companies to increase their brand and become more marketable.
ReplyDelete