Braille KeyGlove

What it does

The Braille KeyGlove is a single handed glove that enables the user to type in Braille with a single hand. It can be used by the visually handicapped, stroke patients, or for rehabilitation purposes to train those with limited finger mobility.

Your inspiration

Braille is often thought of as a language used by the Visually Impaired (VIs) to read, but not so commonly known as a language used to write as well. Braille Keyboards exist, but they are bulky, the technology is old (at least a decade) and they are extremely expensive (cost about a thousand dollars). We wanted to come up with a cheaper alternative and thus invented the single-handed Braille KeyGlove. Using this glove, VIs would thus be able to type in Braille using one hand, freeing up the other hand for other uses as well.

How it works

For input, we adapted the Braille Keyboard design into a single hand. Each finger corresponds to a particular command as seen in the diagram above. Users will then key out the dots of a Braille grid column by column, just like how one would push out the dots of a braille sentence from left to right. For output, each finger is outfitted with a Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) which are then connected to an Arduino. The FSR records a finger press, which the Arduino then takes in and interprets/translates the keystrokes accordingly with a library we wrote. The keystrokes are translated to ASCII code and then sent to a connected Bluetooth HID Chip. The chip converts our ASCII codes to raw HID Keyboard reports which then enable us to send the ASCII codes via Bluetooth to a connected device. Connected peripherals such as computers, tablets or phones will thus recognize the keyGlove as a keyboard.

Design process

Our original purpose was to make the Braille Keyboard cheaper, which was why our original design was a set of gloves that mimicked the functions of the keyboard. However, we wanted a glove that could not only be used with computers, but also with phones. By virtue of design, gloves are not suitable to be used with a phone as both hands are occupied, which is how we arrived at a single glove. With our idea in place, we thus set out to prototype our design. We split it into three stages: 1. Finding the appropriate sensor to read the keystrokes 2. Translating the keystrokes to alphabets 3. Sending the translated keystrokes to the connected device via Bluetooth At each prototyping stage, we consulted our peers and professionals where possible to get feedback and see where we could improve our design. This led to several key design changes, such as using FSRs instead of piezoelectric sensors. We also experimented with a few glove designs, finally arriving at the one above. Our first prototype was a finger glove as we wanted to make our glove as lightweight as possible. However we soon realised that the design led to complications such as double feedback.

How it is different

Whilst consulting industry professionals, we realised our KeyGlove was not only useful for the Visually Impaired (VI), but could also be used by stroke patients for communication, especially those with limited finger mobility as our glove did not require the user to have high dexterity. We also consulted physiotherapists and explored the idea of using our KeyGlove as a tool for rehabilitation. Feedback was positive and they noted that our glove could provide rehabilitation patients an added incentive during rehab sessions. When the patients see that their actions lead to useful feedback, they will be more motivated to continue with their rehab. In all, the Braille KeyGlove is unique. Based on our understanding, our input design, the notion of using a single hand to type in Braille, is the first of its kind. With our KeyGlove, we provide VIs and other persons with disabilities a novel, easy AND cheap way to communicate with their peers.

Future plans

The next step will be to find suitable tactile materials for the glove and come up with a less inhibitive design that can house all the electronics in a stable manner. Also, other than the FSR, we are exploring alternative methods of sensing input such as accelerometers. We are also looking to modify the existing glove to better suit the requirements of rehabilitation (eg. adding resistance bands along the glove fingers to train finger strength). With the Braille KeyGlove, we envision a future where the KeyGlove will provide handicapped individuals with a seamless and affordable way to communicate with their peers.

Awards

2nd Runner Up for Designathon 2017 - Designing for Persons with Disabilities