VOICE-CONTROLLED TEXT-TO-BRAILLE CONVERTER

Abstract

A low-cost voice operated text to Braille conversion system to provide more accessibility to visually impaired users. Conventional refreshable Braille displays utilize expensive piezoelectric mechanisms for operation, but this design utilizes a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) and solenoid actuation to greatly reduce the system cost while maintaining high performance. A host device processes the speech input and transmits data via USB serial communication to be used by the embedded controller to convert ASCII characters (letters) into the 6-dot Braille representation of each character, and operate the actuators accordingly. The results of experimental evaluation indicated reliable tactile output, good refresh rate and low power consumption from the design. The scalable and affordable design provides another option for assistive communication devices.