[optacon-l] Re: TSI and the Good Old days!
- From: Keith Shaw <scitech200@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:15:57 -0800 (PST)
Hi Nigel and list,
Thank you for responding and I too apologize for getting off topic.
However, I also have been following a wide range of developing technologies for
braille cell actuators; which could, perhaps,
also be used to fabricate an oscillatory Optacon array. The evolving database
of patents and worldwide R&D projects, both current and failed, is extensive.
My personal opinion is that no real progress can be expected for the design of
a "new" Optacon until an array of actuators can be developed to replace the
piezo-based array used in both the R1 and R2 Optacons. This new array is
required to duplicate the Optacon mechanical specifications for interaction
with the reader's finger, to operate reliably for billions of cycles and
aslo must be produced at a cost less than one thousand dollars (hopefully way
less). To say the least, this is a very difficult task. By comparison the
camera, electronics and software are relatively straight forward engineering
tasks - although still time consuming and expensive.
The bad news is that no low cost replacement actuator can be demonstrated as of
this date, but the good news is that many individuals worldwide are working on
it!
Regards,
Keith
----- Original Message ----
From: Pentronics <service@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 7:10:17 PM
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: TSI and the Good Old days!
Hi Keith,
If I remember correctly the cells from that calculator used a cam
arrangement driven by a miniature servo motor. Clever idea but I think the
resultant cell size was a little larger than standard. Unfortunately I have
not seen one in a long time. I'll if I can find an old contact at Robotron.
(I've known Tim a very long time - best not to count the years.)
(Sorry list - I realise this is a bit off topic.)
All the best,
Nigel
Pentronics
33B Sheppard Road
EMU PLAINS NSW 2750
AUSTRALIA
PO Box 965
PENRITH NSW 2751
Tel. +612 4735 7355
e-mail service@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
web. www.pentronics.com.au
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