According to Mr. Dadochkin, most of devices presented on the market are expensive (about several thousand dollars) due to using of piezoelectric elements. That is why not many partially sighted customers can afford them. Unfortunately cheaper prototypes are not widespread nowadays.
“Thanks to Braille script users can communicate through the Internet and acquire information. Although these devices don`t provide all forms of interaction and services, they allow to work with a text. However, such devices are not affordable for everyone; it inspired us to develop the alternative one,” said Maksim Dadochkin.
The prototype consists of a box with ten buttons (five on the one side and five on another one) that generate symbols consecutively. They also manage cursor moving, symbol deleting, entry approval and a switch as well. The design of device is ergonomic: position of buttons replies finger positioning. The weight of the prototype is about one kilogram. Each button is equipped with a vibratory sensor, which warns about an error. Having entered a symbol one should approve the input. If required a user also can record information so as to use it later.
Currently Maksim Dadochkin plans to improve his invention using his own money. However, after testing it he is going to attract investors.
“We want give visionless and partially sighted people an opportunity to use the Internet. Our target is to make such common things as email or social networks` chatting accessible for them,” underlined the inventor.
