David Pankhurst's 'Audrey' Gives Blind People a Low-Cost Alternative
Katherinev123 — December 30, 2011 — Tech
References: utopiamechanicus & technewsdaily
David Pankhurst, author of the blog Utopia Mechanicus, has designed the Refreshable Braille Display, which will help the visually impaired use their computers and read content off of the Internet much more easily.
According to Pankhurst, typical Braille display devices cost about $7,000 -- much too expensive for most blind people. His solution is a new device, the Refreshable Braille Display -- which he calls 'Audrey,' after his mother -- that will display computer data on a small center window. Braille letters are displayed on a small 3x2 grid underneath the user's fingers, describes TechNewsDaily.
By using less materials and simplifying the design, Pankhurst has managed to design the Refreshable Braille Display so that it is low-cost. In fact, he estimates that a 40-character display will cost only about $200 to make.
Currently, Pankhurst is trying to raise $1,500 on IndieGoGo to build prototypes of the device and start actual production.
According to Pankhurst, typical Braille display devices cost about $7,000 -- much too expensive for most blind people. His solution is a new device, the Refreshable Braille Display -- which he calls 'Audrey,' after his mother -- that will display computer data on a small center window. Braille letters are displayed on a small 3x2 grid underneath the user's fingers, describes TechNewsDaily.
By using less materials and simplifying the design, Pankhurst has managed to design the Refreshable Braille Display so that it is low-cost. In fact, he estimates that a 40-character display will cost only about $200 to make.
Currently, Pankhurst is trying to raise $1,500 on IndieGoGo to build prototypes of the device and start actual production.
Trend Themes
1. Affordable Braille Displays - The Refreshable Braille Display, such as 'Audrey', will provide low-cost alternatives to expensive Braille display devices and make it more accessible for visually impaired people.
2. Simplified Design - Simplifying design in the Refreshable Braille Display will help to make it low-cost and affordable.
3. Open-source Hardware - The Open-Source Braille Display devices contribute to expanding the open-source hardware trend and create opportunities for future innovation.
Industry Implications
1. Assistive Technology - Refreshable Braille Display, such as 'Audrey', will provide a game changer which will improve assistive technology for visually-impaired people globally.
2. Hardware and Electronics Manufacturing - The Refreshable Braille Display will contribute to the electronics industry and help with the manufacturing of low-cost, high-quality hardware devices.
3. Financial Technology (fintech) - With affordable Braille Displays, financial technology firms have an opportunity to reach a larger audience and improve financial inclusion for visually-impaired consumers.
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