Tactile-enhanced display

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method provide a tactile-enhanced representation of a physical environment, for use by a visually impaired person. The apparatus may be implemented as a cover or accessory for a portable electronic device that features one or more sensors for sensing the environment (e.g., IMU, GPS, LiDAR). The system receives data from the sensor(s), maps it to a surface of the apparatus and activates components of the apparatus to raise or lower corresponding points or regions of the apparatus to represent an obstacle detected in the environment. The components may include an array of magnetic and/or electric actuators that, when instructed, actuate corresponding mechanisms (e.g., mechanical flexures) to raise the points/regions of the surface of the apparatus accordingly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.