Electromagnetic Thimble for Blind: Design and Investigation

摘要

Special electromagnetic thimble is developed and investigated, allowing the blind to perceive specific 2D graphic information. Electromagnetic thimble is based on the idea, that controllable friction force between thimble and ferromagnetic layer of the screen is related to position of contours or lines and intensity or color of background. Electromagnet with axial symmetry is optimal in respect to the magnetic flux leakage. The magnetic circuit of electromagnet was explored and the model of thimble was designed and investigated. By varying the excitation current in interval [4 mA-14 mA], the attraction force has been varied in interval [0,7 N-6 N]. Initial experiments, supporting the feasibility of the method, were performed by employing blind operator.