What is b.my.jet

B.my.jet is a revolutionary but affordable desktop-sized multifunctional device (printer, scanner & photocopier) to be used at home. The technological base of our system is a patented ink depositing method that allows the accurate placement of our special ink on a normal sheet of paper that is fixed onto the surface to produce a tactile print. This technology allows a new operational model that is very similar to the inkjet printer model and therefore the commercialisation of such product can be modelled similarly to it. This technology combined with the operational model can be one of the biggest breakthroughs on the field of Braille and tactile graphic printing.

INNOVATION

Basic innovation: Powder deposition system

Technology integration: Desktop-sized multifunctional device with integrated Braille & Moon translator and image converter

Unique features: Book-scan function with automatic translation and image conversion, which results a new way of “photocopying”

Business model innovation: Our technological solution allows to commercialise B.my.jet under the “normal” inkjet printer’s model (low price device – use any kind of paper – average price ink cartridges)

UTILIZATION & OPPORTUNITIES

The primary users for B.my.jet are the visually impaired people but we have collected other possible use cases for education and alternative applications.

Braille/Moon printing – The simplest use for B.my.jet is to print text for the blind. This can be done through direct printing of braille or moon text or through converting a text file to these formats before printing. Braille writing has standard dimensions, but with the use of B.my.jet it will be possible to adjust the font sizes just like when using Microsoft Word to suit the need of the user.

Simple graph printing – It is possible to print lines with B.my.jet hence it will allow blind and visually impaired people to visualise graphs. People who can see are used to looking at statistical data or tendencies and through the visual experience it is possible to register information quickly.

Map printing – Finding the closest post office will no longer be a problem for the blind and visually impaired as it will possible to convert online maps with directions to B.my.jet format, print it and “feel” yourself to the destination indoors and outdoors.

Diagrams printing – We can use b.my.jet to print simple diagrams that can have many uses. It can be used for educational purposes, especially for those who were born blind so they can “visualise” simple geometries like a house or a car. Furthermore the diagrams can be used for labelling that is especially useful for those blind and visually impaired people who cannot read braille.

Photo printing – The accurate and fine deposition of the powder allows to draw lines with different thickness, place dots and even vary the density of the deposited powder by “spraying”. This method should allow the printing of complex graphics similar to a grey scale diagram.

Photocopying text – The B.my.jet printer will also have a scanner function just like a multifunctional device (printer, scanner, and photocopier). The difference will be that the scanned text will not be copied directly, but first analysed by the software and using OCR (optical character recognition) converted to editable text first and then braille.

Photocopying graphics – The B.my.jet device will also be able to scan in images, convert them to grey scale graphic or simple diagrams and printed the way detailed above. The copying of text and graphics can also be combined, hence it will be possible to photocopy newspaper articles for example.

Education – During the early childhood education with the tactile surfaces develop the graphomotor skills and the writing-movement coordination. Later, it can be used in primary/secondary schools, for tactile learning methods for sighted students.

Creating embossed art – The tactile printing allows to create in “3D” so very imaginative images can be produced that differ from the ordinary, resulting in a new type of art.