Members of Group 9:
Raul Perez - Computer Engineer (VLSI)
Antonio Duford - Computer Engineer
John Childs - Electrical Engineer
Vincent Pagliuca - Photonics Engineer
Background and Motivation:
Our motivation behind developing a machine that can etch Braille patterns into paper using a laser stems from the urgent need to make written information more accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Despite the abundance of printed material in the world eg. books, letters, educational resources, only a small fraction of it is available in Braille. This lack of accessibility creates significant barriers to education, employment, and daily life for those who are blind or have low vision. Our laser-based Braille etching system aims to bridge this gap by enabling fast, accurate, and customizable transcription of written content into tactile Braille directly onto paper, eliminating the need for bulky or expensive embossing equipment.
By integrating advanced text recognition and transcription software with precise laser etching technology, our machine can convert a wide range of printed documents into Braille in real time. Whether it is a personal letter, a chapter from a textbook, or a page from a novel, users will be able to quickly generate tactile versions that they can read independently. Our goal is not only to provide a more flexible and scalable method of Braille production but also to promote inclusivity by giving visually impaired individuals greater access to the same information and opportunities as everyone else.