IEDM 2005: Selected Coverage

Figure 13 – Transistor-actuator structure and electrical circuit for a braille Dot

At IEDM 2005, researchers from the University of Tokyo discussed their research into a flexible, shock-resistant and lightweight braille sheet display. The braille display uses organic Pentacene-based organic transistors as switches to control mechanical actuators. Figure 13 shows the transistor-actuator structure as well as the electrical circuit for a single braille dot. Figure 13 shows that as a circuit is completed, the electro-mechanical actuator is forced up and creates a bump on the surface of the braille display. Figure 14 shows three layers of the braille display sheet where the top layer of the display sheet consists of a rubber-like top layer for durability, the layer of electro-mechanical actuators, and a layer of organic transistors. The researchers claim that the flexible and lightweight braille display sheet can be used to design braille e-books for visually impaired persons.