Framework-Braille-Display

A braille display for the Framework 13 laptop's touchpad, hopefully

Project Status

⚠️ This project is still a work in progress. It is not usable, yet. ⚠️

If you are interested in helping design, test, or advise on this project, please reach out!

I'm not sure how long this project will take. The goal is to have a proof of concept by 2025-06-01.

What is this?

This is a project to create a refreshable braille display, which is installable in the location of the Framework 13 laptop's touchpad.

A braille display is a device that allows blind and visually impaired people to read text on a computer screen by converting it to braille.

Manufacturing techniques, cost, etc. TBD.

Why?

I am not blind. I am, however, disappointed in the lack of laptop-compatible braille displays, and the lack of affordable braille displays in general. I believe that an addition to the open source Framework laptop is a great way to make computers more accessible to visually impaired people from all countries.

Braille Standards

• ISO 17049:2013 (Accessible design — Application of braille on signage, equipment and appliances)

Parameter	Min (mm)	Max (mm)	Nominal for Embossing (mm)
Dot Base Diameter	1.5	1.6	1.44
Dot height	0.6	0.9	0.48
Dist. between two dots in the same cell	2.3	2.5	2.34
Dist. between corresponding dots in cells (char-to-char)	6.1	7.6	6.20
Dist. between corresponding dots in cells (row-to-row)	10.0	10.2	10.00

Framework Laptop

• CAD and electrical specs for the Framework 13 laptop: https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/Framework-Laptop-13