E02 - README
README is an affordable braille display that specializes in creating tactile graphs, charts, and diagrams for blind and visually impaired students. README consists of a 4 by 4 matrix in which each dot can be raised using thermopneumatic actuators. This process involves filling multiple brass tubes with a volatile liquid. Once the tubes are filled, they are wrapped with a nichrome heat wire and sealed with a nitrile membrane. When the brass tubes heat up, a force is created causing the nitrile membrane to expand. We would like to eventually create a user interface that is compatible with JAWS, a computer screen reader that converts text to speech. Due to the pandemic, we are unable to meet with our partners and build a user interface at this time. README is the only braille display that specializes in graphics so that blind and visually impaired students can learn with adequate charts, diagrams, and graphs. README is driven by a single mission: literacy for all.
Team:
Sikender Ashraf, Richard Li, Upasana Prabhu, Sihyung Woo, Sijin Woo
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Brian Evans