Dot Pad

Dot Pad Smart Tactile Graphics Display.

Dot Pad is the first smart tactile graphics display for the visually impaired that enables the user to access visual content from any source.

DotPad can convert any input on the connected device into a tactile graphic instantly. This opens up a new world of content for users.

• Mutli-line braille support with NVDA, JAWS and Apple devices provides unique 8 line, 160 cell braille for faster, easier reading.
• 300 cell tactile graphics display (2,400 braille pins) provides a unique and real-time braille experience enabling far better understanding of complicated visual concepts 
• 20 cell braille display (160 braille pins) at the bottom of the device enables simultaneous display of text and the tactile graphic above
• Feel scientific diagrams, graphs, maps, photographs, floor plans, art, handwriting, documents, etc. 
• Enables real-time access to visual content without the need for Swell touch paper, saving time, cost and storage space
• Less than a third of the cost per pin of standard 40 cell braille displays

What is Dot Pad?

Dot Pad is the first smart tactile graphics display for the visually impaired that enables the user to access visual content from any source.

Dot Pad outputs Braille and tactile graphic information in real-time. Historically, Braille devices could only output text but Dot Pad outputs Braille and images simultaneously.

For the first time, you can feel handwriting, graphs, equations, photos, documents, art, sketches, and more. Dot Pad goes beyond words to make graphics tactile.

Feel and learn about the shapes of app icons, images in photos, drawings created in the Notes app, and other graphics from various apps whenever and wherever you are. Dot Pad can convert any input on the connected device into a tactile graphic instantly, opening up a new world of content for users.

Learning

Dot Pad provides access to maps, diagrams, charts, and other illustrations, allowing easy access to content on the internet.

Work

By making productivity apps accessible, Dot Pad creates whole new career opportunities and a more inclusive workplace.

Mutli-line braille support with 160 cells

Full support for multi-line braille when using NVDA or JAWS on Windows devices or through VoiceOver on iPhone, iPad and Mac.

The 160 usable cells in the main display area enable the following advantages: can be used, allowing users to read far more quickly, with less refreshing required, providing the ability to effectively skim read and find pertinent information far more quickly. Some of the main use cases for this include:

• Significantly faster reading speed for improved productivity
• Ability to skim read a document and find pertinent information in much less time
• 5x reduction in the number of times "Next line" button is needed to be pressed vs a 32 cell display 
• Ability to quickly read ahead without having to refresh the display This is extremely useful if giving a presentation
• Great for reading text that needs to be studied and read over multiple times / back and forth e.g. code for software engineering, maths, complicated legal documents, detailed emails etc.  

Creativity

Dot Pad is a powerful tool for creative expression, empowering diverse creators in the fields of graphic design, music production, photography, and more.

Entertainment

Artworks, exhibits, comics, and movies. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the world of content that is now accessible through the Dot Pad.

Dot Pad comprises of 2,400 pins in a pixel-like format, which can be set in up or down positions, these form identifiable shapes or Braille letters. The Dot Pad provides for 300 glyphs in Braille, plus 20 more in a traditionally spaced format in the line below.

Dot Pad is compatible with many Apple devices. This enables the ability to integrate with Apple’s VoiceOver, providing additional screen reading capabilities.

• Real-time: Unlike existing solutions, Dot Pad provides output with real-time refreshing cells, allowing users to consume more dynamic content than ever before.
• Connectivity: Dot Pad can be connected to the iPhone or iPad with a simple Bluetooth or USB-C connection. No extra installations are required.
• Dual Display: Dot Pad has two areas for graphics and text, giving users the opportunity to seamlessly switch between different types of content.
• Integration: Dot Pad works with iOS screenreader VoiceOver to detect and convert graphic assets into tactile output for the cells.
• Image Explorer: The buttons on the Dot Pad allow users to go into the details of the image with options to invert, zoom, and pan.
• Image Processing: Edge Detection through VoiceOver is used to convert graphic assets into tactile output for the cells.
• Dot Actuators: Dot Pad’s cells are powered by the innovative Dot actuator technology: ten times smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient than conventional devices.
• Mobility: Get around independently with tactile maps.
• Intuitive Control Elements: Take control of the content with six freely assignable buttons.
• Dot Image Explorer: Explore, zoom, pan, invert, and rotate content directly on the device.
• Dot Image Processor: An AI based processor that renders the most meaningful tactile output.

 

 

 

• Learning: Dot Pad gives the low vision community access to maps, diagrams, charts, and other illustrations, allowing easy access to content on the internet.
• Work: By making productivity apps accessible, Dot Pad creates whole new career opportunities and a more inclusive workplace.
• Creativity: Dot Pad is a powerful tool for creative expression, empowering diverse creators in the fields of graphic design, music production, photography, and more.
• Entertainment: Artworks, exhibits, comics, and movies. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the world of content that is now accessible through the Dot Pad.  Because a picture is worth a thousand words.
• Creation: For the first time, you can feel your handwriting, sketches, signature, and more. Dot Pad can convert any input on the connected device into a tactile graphic instantly.
• Mobility: Get around independently with tactile maps. The Dot Pad technology is permanently installed in the public transportation kiosks of Busan, Korea.
• Dot Image Processor: The innovative processor uses AI to analyze and segment images to produce tactile graphics best suited for visually impaired users.
• Interact with the graphics and explore every detail: Simple intuitive controls along with a text-to-braille panel built-in for your comfort.
• A simple Bluetooth connection and boom: The App Store at your desk — the same 2.2 million apps, now accessible like never before.
• Dot Actuator 3.0: Patented actuator technology based on electromagnetism.
• iOS & iPadOS Integration: Works seamlessly with iOS/iPad OS 15.2 and higher.
• Dot Image Processor: An AI based processor that renders the most meaningful tactile output.
• Intuitive Control Elements: Take control of the content with six freely assignable buttons.
• Dot Image Explorer: Explore, zoom, pan, invert, and rotate content directly on device.
• Connectivity: Classic USB-C and and Bluetooth LE for power supply and data transfer.
• Portability: Sized at 273 x 228 x 16 mm, weighs 1200 g, so you can take it everywhere with ease.