Design of a Low-Cost-Computer Braille System for Visually Impaired People Based on Open-Source Hardware

Abstract

This paper describes the creation of a low-cost Braille printer using readily available components and open-source software. Existing Braille printers are expensive for many visually impaired individuals, particularly those with limited economic resources. This project aims to address this issue by providing both a functional printer and a practical construction guide. The system utilizes a CNC machine, controlled by a CNC shield board and an Arduino UNO microcontroller. The open source GRBL firmware, loaded onto the Arduino flash memory, translates G-code commands into Braille patterns. The open-source software Visual Studio and Braille G-code Generator are used to create the user interface that converts alphanumeric texts into instructions to control the two stepper motors. One motor is in charge of moving the sheet, and the second one for the displacement of the reel housing an electromagnetic coil (solenoid) that creates the raised Braille dots. The resulting printer achieves a maximum relative displacement error of 8% and a printing speed of approximately 1/36 characters per second. These results demonstrate the printer’s ability to generate Braille text, thus increasing accessibility for the visually impaired community.