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

[Mario Brusco]

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 Graphiti™, the world's first affordable 
tactile
graphics display.
Based on revolutionary Tactuator™ 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=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5vcmJpdHJlc2VhcmNoLmNvbS9ncmFwaGl0aQ==>.

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=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5vcmJpdHJlc2VhcmNoLmNvbQ==>.

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>