Graphic Displays for the Blind: Caesar Receives Research Prize

Scientists from the Caesar Research Center in Bonn, Germany have been awarded a prize by the Spanish foundation, ONCE, for the development of a new mechanism for graphic displays used to assist the blind.

The micro-robotic group at Caesar has been awarded one of three research prizes by ONCE in Madrid. With this 60,000 euro prize, the Spanish foundation acknowledges the invention of a new mechanism for graphical tactile displays for the blind by the researchers Dr. Bernhard Winzek, Dr. Sam Schmitz and Roman Vitushinsky, thus promoting the technical implementation of this principle.

The displays use metallic films with various shape memory alloys that are produced layer by layer on silicon wafers using thin film technology. Display pixels are generated when the metallic film adjusts its curvature. The movement of the films is then transferred to the touch panel via plastic pins and can then be detected by the user.

The shape memory alloys enables switching the film to stable positions using different heat pulses, without a permanent heat supply. Only the switching operation requires electric current, whereas maintaining the status does not.

The benefits compared to traditional Braille displays are the display’s compact structure featuring thin film technology, resulting in a cost reduction per pixel. Winzek says, “from our experience in thin film technology and the high number of 300.000 Braille cells which are sold every year world wide, we expect a pixel price which is significantly below the known price of Braille cell pixel.”

Using conventional Braille-cell technology, costs for the graphic display of information emerging from the high number of pixels required are beyond the price range of the blind. With these innovative displays, scientists make a significant contribution to the freedom in daily life of the handicapped.

The Bonn-based international research center Caesar commenced research in 1999. With over 220 employees, interdisciplinary teams conduct research in the areas of biotechnology, nanotechnology and medical technology.

Sources: Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar) and Medica.de