[nfbcs] FW: [Njtechdiv] World's First Affordable Refreshable Tactile Graphics Display

[Tracy Carcione]

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/08/prweb13587698.htm

Orbit Research and American Printing House for the Blind Announce the
World's First Affordable Refreshable Tactile Graphics Display

WILMINGTON, DE (PRWEB) August 02, 2016
Orbit Research and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) today
announced the introduction of GraphitiT, the world's first affordable
tactile graphics display.
Based on revolutionary TactuatorT technology from Orbit Research, the
Graphiti refreshable tactile graphics display represents a breakthrough in

non-visual access to graphical information such as charts, drawings,
flowcharts, floorplans, images and photographs, through an array of moving
pins. The most  unique feature of the technology is the ability to set each
pin to different heights, which enables the display of topographical maps
and other graphical elements such as grey shades and color represented as
varying heights of pins that can be readily sensed by the user's fingers.
Connectable to computers, tablets, smartphones, or the Orion TI-84 Plus
Talking Graphing Calculator via a USB-C port or Bluetooth, its open API
allows developers to create apps to work with Graphiti. Additionally, an
HDMI port allows connection to any device with a video display output,
identifying the unit as a display monitor. This enables any device to
connect seamlessly to Graphiti. The unit also includes a cursor pad for
navigation, and an SD-card slot for loading files for reading and editing in
a standalone mode.
Graphiti also features a touch interface to enable the user to "draw" on the
display; tracing a shape with a fingertip raises the pins along the path
traced.
The touch interface allows traditional forms of touch commands such as
scrolling, multi-touch gestures, etc. In addition, it enables novel uses
such as "pushing" or "nudging" an object on the display to physically move
it.
The proprietary technology is fundamentally scalable and enables development
of refreshable graphic displays of any size, at a fraction of the cost of
graphic displays in the market today. The first model has
2,400 pins in an array of 60 x 40 pins, and can be used in a portrait or
landscape orientation.
Each pin is independently addressable and can also be made to individually
"blink" at configurable rates.
Building upon APH's vast experience in the development of educational
products and Orbit Research's core technology and expertise in developing
affordable accessible products, this unique product is the outcome of
continuing collaborative efforts between the companies.

"We are tremendously excited about the opportunities Graphiti opens for the
blind or visually impaired user. Our Orion family of talking scientific and
graphing calculators enabled access to mainstream tools for STEM education
for blind and visually impaired students. The recently announced Orbit
Reader 20, enables access to low-cost braille and literacy. We believe
Graphiti will do for graphics what the Orbit Reader 20 did for braille."
said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit Research's Founder. "The variable-height
capability that our Tactuator technology enables will allow blind users to
experience and interact with graphics like never before - live and in three
dimensions. For the first time, a blind user will be able to create graphics
in digital form, enter them into a computing device, review and edit them,
and exchange such graphics with others." she added.
"This technology is breaking new ground for the education of the braille
reading students and adults we serve. It gives us a glimpse into the future
of what the graphical digital information age will look like. Up until now,
we have only imagined. Graphiti proves that we can," said Dr. 
Craig Meador, APH
President. "It will be an invaluable tool in the classroom because of its
versatility. For the first time in history, a student who is blind can
connect a tactile monitor to instruments, including microscopes, telescopes,
or video cameras for real time depiction of dynamic content. 
For example, it will connect to the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing
Calculator and students will be able to see the graph, immediately, on the
tactile screen. Textbooks in math and science contain thousands of graphics.
Graphiti provides a path toward delivering textbooks with graphics,
electronically."
The product is expected to ship in late 2017 and further details can be
found at http://www.orbitresearch.com/graphiti
<http://www.prweb.net/Redirect.aspx?id=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5vcmJpdHJlc2VhcmNoLmNvb
S9ncmFwaGl0aQ==>.

About Orbit Research:
Orbit Research develops and manufactures innovative and affordable products
that enable an independent lifestyle for people who are blind or visually
impaired.
Founded with the mission to fulfill the urgent need for affordable assistive
technology products, the company has introduced breakthrough products like
the Orbit Reader 20, Orion Talking Graphing and Scientific Calculators and
the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier that define the state-of-the-art in

features,
functionality, convenience and cost. For more information, visit
http://www.orbitresearch.com
<http://www.prweb.net/Redirect.aspx?id=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5vcmJpdHJlc2VhcmNoLmNvb
Q==>.

About the American Printing House for the Blind:
The American Printing House for the Blind, a 501(c) (3) non-profit
organization, is the world's largest nonprofit company devoted solely to
researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind
or visually impaired. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest organization of its
kind in the United States. Under the 1879 federal Act to Promote the
Education of the Blind, APH is the official supplier of educational
materials for visually impaired students in the U.S. who are working at less
than college level. APH produces textbooks and magazines in braille, large
print, recorded, and digital formats and manufactures hundreds of
educational, recreational, and daily living products including computer
software design and engineering along with other technology items.
For more information., visit
http://www.aph.org
<http://www.prweb.net/Redirect.aspx?id=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hcGgub3Jn>


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