Introduction: Braille Keyboard With Voice Output
In this world, there are around 286 Million Visually impaired people, out of which around 39 million people are Blind. These people have very rare access to technology. Due to this reason, they have been left behind in the field of education. This is also the reason for their poor employability. Keeping this in mind I have designed a keyboard, using which the blind will be able to type data on to their laptops and desktop using the braille language and at the same time will be able to hear what they type. With the help of open source software "Cool Term", the typed text can also be converted into a Word document or a Text document.
So, in this instructable, I will be teaching you all to make such a Keyboard.
Step 1: Requirements
Components Required
Arduino Uno (1)
SD Card Module (1)
SD Card (1)
Push Buttons (6)
Slide Switch(1)
PCB or Bread Board (1)
Male to Female Audio Jack 3.5mm (1)
Jumper Wires (Few)
USB 2.0 Cable Type A/B (1)
9V battery with clip (1)
1K Resistors (7)
On/Off Switch (1)
5V Regulator (1)
Materials Required
A Hard-Cardboard box (1)
Step 2: Circuit Diagram
Connect all the components as per the circuit diagram. You can use a Breadboard or either solder everything on a PCB.
Step 3: Preparing the SD Card
Firstly, format the SD Card. In the formatting options, choose "FAT32 (Default)" under "File System". You can refer the images for clarification.
Then copy the audio files from Drive Link given-.Link for Audio Files (Don't forget to unzip them)
It consists of the audio files of number, alphabets and punctuation marks. Then insert the SD card into the SD Card module in the circuit.
Step 4: Connecting and Assembling the Whole Circuit
Assemble the whole circuit inside a stiff box as shown in the figure.
Step 5: Dumping the Code
Copy the code from the link below and dump it on your Arduino Uno board using Arduino IDE.
Step 6: Configuring the Software "Cool Term"
Ones you have completed the above steps, you can type using your Braille Keyboard on the Serial Monitor of Arduino IDE.
If you want to covert the typed data into word document or text document, you will have to download an open source software "Cool Term".
Download Link for the Software - Link for the Software
The stepwise pictures for configuring the software have been uploaded.
Step 7: Testing the Braille Keyboard!
Connect your Braille Keyboard and start typing!
Check the out Video for the Demonstration of Working.

Participated in the
Arduino Contest 2019
27 Comments
11 months ago
I'm getting an infinite loop of A or 1, so I'm guessing that the switch 1 is automatically on, because when I press the second key I got the output as B for a sec and then again a loop of A goes on. Could you please help me with the same?
11 months ago
Why are we using a two way switch?
Reply 11 months ago
One way switch also would do the job here.
1 year ago
Please share code of backspace, enter and space bar share connection too please
Reply 1 year ago
Hi Fizzaishaq, I have already added those conditions. Just press that respective buttons to get a spacebar and enter.
Here is that code-
if(i==LOW&&j==LOW&&k==LOW&&l==HIGH&&m==LOW&&n==LOW)
{
Serial.print(" ");
tmrpcm.setVolume(5);
tmrpcm.play("space.wav");
}
else
if(i==LOW&&j==LOW&&k==HIGH&&l==LOW&&m==LOW&&n==LOW)
{
Serial.println();
tmrpcm.setVolume(5);
tmrpcm.play("enter.wav");
}
}
From the code, it's clear that you need to press only l button to get a space, and you need to press only k button to get a enter.
Reply 1 year ago
OK sir got when I press key I combination of braille
Question 2 years ago
what about the space bar? Nice project!
Answer 2 years ago
It's possible. You can add a line of code for that too.
Reply 1 year ago
Please share line of code of space bar enter and backspace
1 year ago
Please share a complete video how to made this keyboard and please share line of code of space bar
1 year ago
Please can you share complete video how to create this keyboard and share line of code space bar please...
Question 3 years ago on Step 2
Can I do circuit connection online
Answer 3 years ago
Yes.
If you just want to connect the circuit, you can use Fritzing software.
If you also want to simulate the circuit, then you can use Tinkercad.
Reply 2 years ago
There not available all components in tinkercad. Sir please can u make a stimulation video .
Reply 2 years ago
Tinkercad is for the simulation of simple circuits. We cannot simulate the whole Braille keyboard on tinkercad. You will have to try it on hardware.
Question 3 years ago
Sir/madam
In tinkercad all the components are not there
Answer 2 years ago
Yes. You cannot find all the components there. You will have to try it practically using hardware.
3 years ago
Awesome project! Keep it up :)
Reply 3 years ago
Thank You!!
4 years ago
A very portable and useful device.