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Ototenji (Sound Braille) interactive installation, Mika Fukumori
Mika Fukumori approaches the theme of this exhibition in a recreational way with her game device called "Ototenji" translated as "sound braille" in Japanese. This chessboard-shaped device has an intuitive interface that invites participants to learn how to read the Braille in a fun way. On the small table, there are 12 holes where the participants can play with transparent beads to make a Braille character. As soon as the visitor arranges a pattern of beads, it immediately pronounces the meaning while the beads are highlighted. by Byeong Sam Jeon
Ototenji: A device for learning Braille for the non-visually impaired
"Ototenji" is a device that allows people who can see to easily learn Braille using their eyesight, hearing and touch. Japanese Braille is expressed by 50 letters with a combination of 1 grid with 6 dots. The combination of vowels and consonants determines the sequence of the grids. Blocks are inserted into a panel with 6 holes and when the figure is in the Braille sequence the sound of the corresponding letter is played from the speaker. At the same time, the connection between vowels and consonants is illuminated with different colors. It is an attempt to interest people who can see in Braille.
What is braille? Braille was invented in 1825 by Louis Braille of France. Braille is an alphabet for the blind. Braille consists of a system which has 6 dots. There are 3 dots in length, and are 2 dots wide. A character of braille is expressed using a combination of these 6 dots. Braille of Japan expresses the alphabet with the combination of a vowel and a consonant.
What is "Ototenji"? "Ototenji" is the name of a device for learning braille, which I have made. "Ototenji" is "oto [ sound ]" + "tenji [ braille]." The device consists of 6 holes, which are 8 mm deep and are on a milk white acrylic board. And there are 6 small acrylic blocks, which fit in the holes. Each unit expresses one character of the braille alphabet. When putting a small acrylic block in a hole, the place where the block has been put reflects the letter of the dot in the braille alphabet. When a combination of the dots expresses a character, a sound is emitted, and the sound of the character can be heard. Braille of Japanese Braille expresses the alphabet with a combination of vowels and consonants. When someone places the blocks on the board and creates a syllable, a "kana," the dots, which are the vowels, emit light.
Motive for making "Ototenji" The motive for developing this device is that I want many people to know Braille. Braille can be found in all public places. For example, it can be seen in elevators, the ticket offices of train stations, on cans of beer and so on. However, the blind can read braille but they do not know where the braille plates are placed. If there is a good relationship between non-visually impaired and the visually impaired, there will be more awareness of the importance of braille in the towns. I think that getting to know braille leads to getting to know the physically-challenged.
Concept, Production: Mika Fukumori Design of electronic circuit: Takehiro Kobayashi Programming: Takanori Endo Sound: Emi Takahashi, Shani Tobias Cooperation: IAMAS
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