Rabbit® Enables gh, LLC to Streamline Tactile Assistive Technology
The main driving factor
for going with the RabbitCore was the greatly simplified design and layout of the control board achievable using an off-the-shelf core module.
Since the 1800s, tactile assistance has been used to help seeing impaired individuals read text. The invention of Braille code was deemed an incredible advancement in education and literacy, yet the machines designed to print Braille were cumbersome and sometimes inaccurate. gh, LLC has developed a small, fast and accurate Braile printing machine using Rabbit's RCM3200.
gh, a leader in the assistive technology industry since February 2000, provides those with disabilities access to information ranging from textbooks to websites. gh offers a host of services that convert content-independent media into products for the sight impaired. The company focuses primarily on tactile technologies such as Braille, which is created by machines that emboss dots in patterns that represent letters and phrases on a piece of heavy stock paper.
Built around the RabbitCore RCM3200, gh's Embosser X-1200 is deemed as the fastest, most reliable and smallest (in its class) Braille embosser in the world. With an embossing rate of 1200 pages per hour and double page capability, it is imperative that the machine operates efficiently and accurately. Each Embosser X-1200 contains a bank of 168 solenoids (84 male, 84 female), with one solenoid per column, to create the dot patterns. This configuration allows the machine to print on both sides simultaneously via a technique called Interpoint Braille that ensures the dots do not interfere with each other.
A custom toroid transformer and capacitor bank is needed to accommodate the heavy power requirements of the Embosser X-1200. After receiving a print job, the RCM3200, which is the main controller, intelligently powers up the supply by monitoring the capacitor charge rate. This helps to control the power and prevent burning of shortened components. Each solenoid is monitored during printing to reduce embossing output errors.
Along with the RCM3200, two Atmel processors are used for low level I/O control and monitoring. These processors interface with the RCM3200 via an SPI multi-drop interface. The RCM3200 runs a Real-Time Operating System, and is responsible for the operation of the Embosser X-1200.
“I was happy to incorporate the RabbitCore RCM3200 into the construction of the embosser,” says Kyle Rhodes of gh. “The main driving factor for going with the RabbitCore was the greatly simplified design and layout of the control board achievable using an off-the-shelf core module.”
Using the RCM3200 with its easy-to-use design and Dynamic C with its included libraries, gh was able to incorporate features such as TCP/IP connectivity, LCD/keypad interface and failsafe backup systems. The TCP/IP connectivity is especially important for the operation of the Embosser X-1200, since it allows operators with vision impairments to control and monitor the machine remotely.
“Data is sent to the machine via the built-in Ethernet interface and works just like any standard network printer. Additionally, a PC based remote control program may be used to operate the embosser,” explains Rhodes.
The RabbitCore RCM3200 played a key role in gh's development of the smallest, fastest and most accurate Braille machine in the world. The Embosser X-1200 truly is a “huge” addition to the Braille embosser market.
For more information on gh, visit: www.gh-accessibility.com
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