New tactile display for the blind

Using thin-film technology, European researchers have developed a new tactile display for blind computer users that they say will cost a fraction of the price of traditional Braille displays. When the film receives a signal from the computer, it can curve upward or downward, forcing a plastic pin into the display area of the module. The device has yet to be commercialized, but has already created a buzz, winning a €60,000 prize from the ONCE foundation in Madrid.

[Brian Peiris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

nice, I didn't even know braille displays existed! this new device could also be used as tactile feedback for 3D environments and games.

[Maikeru @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Actually some sort of primitive one was shown in the movie "Sneakers".