Cyclopes; Braille for Digital Technology

Chennai based Govindan Induchoodan tells YourStory.in on how he went about to bring Braille display for consuming digital information and thereby helping the visually challenged.

Please tell us about your Project

“Cyclopes" Is a refreshable Braille display that can be used to consume digital information (mainly text) from the cell phones in the form of Braille codes and also to interact with their phones. This is done by pairing the cell phone with Cyclopes through Bluetooth.

How does the entire process work?

1. The text is interpreted and converted – this is then transferred to the Cyclopes – where the information is provided as continuous raised dots.2. The Primary task of the device is to read messages and other digital text. It can also be used to navigate and utilize almost all the functions of a phone. It hence works as a virtual screen for the visually challenged and helps them to use the cell phone effetely like all normal users

3. In the model the device also has an audio output facility and the user provides input through audio.

How did the idea come about?

One night my mother happened to be watching a television segment about a visually challenged person. While she was watching, she received messages on her phone. At that moment it sparked a discussion among us about the difficulties faced by the visually challenged in reading messages on a mobile phone. This discussion inspired an idea in me, to design a system that will help the visually challenged to use the cell phone effectively.

When will this be launched and when do you plan to come up with the first prototype?

The device will be launched by early or mid 2013. The first prototype is due to be finished by the mid of this year (2012).

How do you plan to monetize?

Through government support, retail/cooperate contributions and other sources (funds and loans).

Feeling of being a NSIH Finalist?Every idea is a good idea. It only depends on how much your idea can tender to the current global needs. Through NSIH, being a finalist, I have realised that this project is in the right track. This, to me, feels like the first success for my project.

How do you think NSIH will make a difference in your growth?

Recognition, exposure and support are the primary needs for any idea to be successful across multiple dimensions. Through NSIH, my project has received all the above and has given me a ladder.