The Braille Sign Generator

Ian Murray | Ethan Brown | Jacob Striebel | Kyle Franson

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

Table of Contents
Executive Summary..3

Statement of Work5

Research and Explanation of Existing Technology..8

Financial Plan.....10

Timeline..13

Graphic Concept Representation14

Citations..15

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

1. Executive Summary
How the Project Functions
The aim of this project is to address the issue of widespread inaccessibility of important
information for the visually impaired (V.I.) by providing a cost effective method for the
production of signage featuring Braille text and large-print, high-contrast English letters. This
project utilizes original software developed by the Chemic Innovators known as the Braille
Sign Generator (B.S.G.), which converts English text into a file that can be processed by a
three dimensional printer. The B.S.G. allows for the production of two-color signs with widths
of three, five, and seven inches, all of which have a height of two inches and a thickness of
0.08 inches. Signs created with this technology are durable and visually appealing. Due to the
inclusion of standard English letters, the signs can be used to give direction to those with and
without visual impairments.

The Impact of External Factors

The main external factors affecting this project are both technological and economic: the costs
and speed of 3D printing. The cost to buy a 3D printer has been on a downward trend over the
past ten years and does not show any indication of stoppingthe cost of a mid-grade 3D printer
is down to just under $500 this year from roughly $15,000 in 2004 according to Wize Printingi.
In addition, filament (3D printer ink) prices recently have also begun to fall. 3D printer filament
has relatively low production costs: raw materials cost around $2-per-kilogram while the
finished product is often sold for as much as $55-per-kilogramii. This means that as competition
increases, it is likely that filament prices will continue to fall. Further, the time required for 3D
printing is also decreasing as the technology is improved uponiii. When taking this information
into account, the external factors actually add to the value of our project because the cost and
time needed to make our signs will decrease while the print quality will increase as the
technology advances.

Why the Braille Sign Generator is Innovative

The Braille Sign Generator combines existing technologies for use in a never before seen
application: a customizable Braille sign that anyone can computer generate in seconds and print

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

in just over an hour, all within a modest budget. Currently, customized Braille signs will often
cost in excess of fifty dollarsiv, while signs generated and printed using the B.S.G. generally
cost less than one dollar in materials and have the added convenience of being immediately
available following printing, while ordered signs often require long delivery times. Thus, our
signs are a great option for organizations that cannot afford to pay a premium for V.I.
accessibility.

How the B.S.G. Will Help the World

The Braille Sign Generator will help the world by lessening the problem of widespread Braille
inaccessibility. The B.S.G. can achieve this by decreasing the cost of providing Braille and
large-print accessibility to V.I. individuals and thus the cost of employing a V.I. person over
someone without an ocular disability. This is also applicable to schools, where budget cuts in
recent years have made it hard to secure funding for accessibility. Patty Killey, Teacher
Consultant for the Visually Impaired at the Midland County Educational Service Agency,
stated that the signs generated using the B.S.G. had high quality Braille characters that met the
Braille Authoritys regulations, and would be very useful for businesses and institutions
needing low-cost and convenient Braille solutions.

Furthermore, the B.S.G. can be used by businesses to lower the costs associated with the hiring
of V.I. individuals. The cost of quality Braille signsas previously statedcan often exceed
fifty dollars. That cost can skyrocket into the thousands of dollars for larger organizations
requiring many signs. Thus, this project provides a low cost method to not only improve the
Braille accessibility of blind individuals, but also give businesses the means to hire and cater
to the blind without increased costs, thereby improving the self-sufficiency and quality of life
for visually impaired individuals.

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

2. Statement of Work
Initial Research and Completed Work
After the inception of the idea for the Braille Sign Generator, the initial course of action was
aimed at verifying that the idea of 3D printed Braille was (1) needed and (2) viable. Our
preliminary research foremostly looked into the accessibility and practicality of current Braille
printing technology. It was discovered that the most frequent method for creating Braille was
with a Braille embosser, which generally are owned only by Braille book publishers because
an embosser of robust quality often has a price tag in the tens of thousands of dollars v. In
addition to the costly nature of these machines, Braille embossers simply cannot produce
durable signs. This, combined with the high cost of commercially available signs, puts
accessibility to the visually impaired out of reach for many organizations.

After this initial research we established the aim of our project: to create a software application
with an intuitive interface that will allow any individual with access to a 3D printer to create
custom Braille signage in a cost-effective manner. Our next step was to look into the file
formats supported by 3D printers and how Braille
characters could be stored in this format. The STL
(STereoLithography) format was chosen because it is
the most prevalent format for 3D modeling. After

B.S.G. Features

familiarizing ourselves with the format, we began

using SketchUp to generate files of anything drawn in
the program.

Next, a library of the twenty-six letters and additional

characters such as numbers and punctuation was
compiled. With these files we created a program that
outputs the users desired text containing large-print
English and Braille in an STL file. An interface was then developed allowing the user to easily
input the text desired. In addition, the program was updated to automatically resize the English
text to fit the selected sign size. Once the software has finished running, the STL file can be
loaded into the 3D printers software and the sign can be printed.

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

Future Continuation of Work

We now address the necessity of making this technology accessible to those who need it. This
will be achieved in two ways. For those with access to a 3D printer, we will publish the B.S.G.
as a web application. This way, any client who wishes to make low-cost signage would have
to do no more than visit the website that hosts the application, use the B.S.G. program, and
either print it themselves or take it to the closest commercial 3D print shop. As 3D printers
become more common as consumer goods, this will provide a more affordable and convenient
method of production. For those without access to a 3D printer, we will offer direct sale of the
signage. We will generate and print the signs, then use a 3rd party delivery service, such as UPS
or FedEx, to deliver the product to the customer. As our business expands, we will utilize the
profits and technological advances in 3D printing technology to expand. The decreasing cost
and increasing quality of 3D printers will allow us to serve customers better and better in the
future.

We will also test our product through real-world market development. According to Mrs.
Killey, several locations throughout mid-Michigan are not up to code regarding their Braille
accessibilityv. For example, Logans Roadhouse in Midland has blatantly incorrect signage,
and justifies their refusal to correct it on the expensive cost. We plan on approaching the
establishment with samples of our signs, and offering them an inexpensive alternative to
commercially available signs. This will not only serve to evaluate the durability our signage,
but also spread the word about our business.

Furthermore, we plan on contacting the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory

Affairs, which handles V.I. service throughout the entire statevi. Through them, we will
research the need for our product in new applications, and discover which markets both public
and private are in greatest need for our signage. We will then contact representatives in these
markets, and expand our market reach.

We will also increase the quality of the signs. As reported by Mrs. Killey, Braille destruction
is a major problem throughout various establishments, particularly schoolsv. People often pick
at the Braille on signs, eventually reaching a point where the signs are simply useless to those
who need them most. Through further research, we will investigate the best size and shape of

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

dots to perfect both legibility and durability. Even if there is no combination to create a more
durable character, the low cost of our signs will still lower the financial burden of replacing
these signs in case of vandalism.
Finally, we plan on improving the B.S.G. software. Currently, our signs reflect Braille 1
standards. This means that the text does not use contractions, and can only handle capital and
lowercase letters, some punctuation, and numbers. Over time, we plan on increasing the
sophistication of the software, allowing for features such as braille contractions, advanced
punctuation, and the use of symbols like arrows. This will allow for greater clarity in
communicating messages to the V.I. through signs.

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

3. Research and Explanation of Existing Technology

Explanation of Technology Used
This project is built upon 3D printing technology, and a software application we created using
the Java programming language. The 3D printer in use for the B.S.G. works by feeding
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic
filament from the cartridge to the extrudervii. The
extruder then heats the plastic to 215 Celsius, and
feeds the melted ABS through the nozzle. The nozzle
then moves around the printer, while extruding
plastic onto the print bed, creating the desired object.
The ABS then rapidly cools to a solid state. Once the
print is finished, the object can be removed and used.

Figure 1: The Basic Concept of a 3D Printer

Discussion of Potential Competitors

As stated earlier, Braille embossers are one of the
most frequently used personal Braille creators. They

serve a similar function to the B.S.G., but have some key weaknesses. The most significant
shortcoming is cost-related. A low-quality Braille embosser costs at minimum $3,000, with
more sophisticated models exceeding $20,000v. This makes it impossible for many institutions
to afford, while making it impractically expensive for those who can and only need a few new
or replacement signs. Furthermore, these embossers were designed for the creation of books,
and therefore lack the durability that the B.S.G.s signs offer.

There are also technologies for creating braille that have emerged after the beginning of the
2015 A.H. Nickless project. On November 7th, 2014, Shubham Banerjee created a software
that will create Braille using Lego Mindstormsviii. However, Mr. Banerjees project differs
from the B.S.G. in several ways. First, Mr. Banerjees project requires making a Braille Printer
out of plastic Lego bricks. The B.S.G. differs in that it uses already existing, readily available
3D printer technology to create the Braille, and therefore these printers already have an
established foothold in the market, and are more accessible to the interested client.
Furthermore, Mr. Banerjees project is more relatable to a Braille embosser than the B.S.G., in

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

that it creates the Braille on paper, and in one color. The B.S.G.s durable plastic design and
two-color support means that it is more properly equipped as signage, and helps those who
only need high-contrast, large-print English letters, instead of Braille. Finally, the user-friendly
design of the B.S.G.s interface means that everyone is able to use the software, instead of just
those familiar with the Lego Mindstorms design program.
Additionally, on December 12th, 2014, a small French company named Yoocan3D announced
a project similar to the B.S.Gix. Yoocan3D markets a small, user-friendly program that follows
a similar process to the Chemic Innovators program. However, the B.S.G. serves a market that
Yoocan3D does not, because Yoocan3D only operates in French. This means that they cannot
feasibly market their product in the United States. More importantly, Yoocan3D does not
provide the high-contrast non-Braille characters along with the Braille on their signs, severely
limiting their functionality in a real-world setting because they cannot be read by all people.
Overall, competition is not much of a factor for the B.S.G.

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

4. Financial Plan
Fund Gathering
The costs associated with the long term functioning of the project would be maintaining 3D
printers used, purchasing filament, and maintaining the servers the website is hosted on. Server
costs could easily be covered by advertising, and the printing costs could be covered in the
costs of signs ordered from us. The average materials cost for a medium sign (2x5) is roughly
$0.55. However, wear on equipment must also be accounted for. If we assume the 3D printer
can run for 1,000 hours before needing repairs, and budget $400 to cover these repairs
(Replacing the extruders, print-bed and power supply would cost $280, leaving an extra $120
for the unexpected), the cost of a medium sign rises to about $1.18. We plan on charging $10
plus shipping and handling for each of the signs ordered, resulting in an $8.82 profit, which
will more than cover all printing costs and provide compensation for labor. Below is a table
and accompanying graph illustrating the projected revenue and expenses per unit sold.

Graphics for Purchasing Signs through The Chemic Innovators

Sign Size

Materials Cost

Upkeep Cost

Revenue

Profit

Small

-$0.33

-$0.43

+$10.00

+$9.24

Medium

-$0.55

-$0.64

+$10.00

+$8.82

Large

-$0.76

-$0.77

+$10.00

+$8.47

REVENUE VS. UNITS SOLD

$1,400.00
$1,200.00
$1,000.00
$800.00
$600.00
$400.00
$200.00
$0

20

40

60
Revenue

10

80

100

Cost of Printer

120

140

The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

As shown by the graph, it will take only about 75 signs to fully pay off or purchase a new
printer. The magnitude of this profit can be clearly seen when projecting a real-world
application. Consider the fact that Central Middle School in Midland is completely renovating
the facility to function as a restored elementary school. As a two-story public facilities, this
accounts for upwards of 200 signs. Assuming that they need to replace their signs to
accommodate reuse, one can use the following cost projections to understand the benefits of
using the B.G.A. through the Chemic Innovators (Prices will be similar for those using our web
application, as most 3D printing services charge $0.50 per cubic centimeter of material.)

Cost of Re-Signing CMS through The Chemic Innovators

Sign

Sign Size

Cost Per Sign

Number of Signs Total Cost

Rooms (100-150)

Small

$10.00

50

$500.00

Rooms (200-250)

Small

$10.00

50

$500.00

Medium

$10.00

$40.00

Medium

$10.00

$40.00

Medium

$10.00

15

$60.00

Exits/Entrances

Large

$10.00

$60.00

Other Facilities

Large

$10.00

$60.00

N/A

$10.00

10

$100.00

$1360.00

Restrooms
(Men)
Restrooms
(Women)
Offices

Miscellaneous
-

Cost of Re-Signing CMS through JustBrailleSigns (Economy Style)

Sign

Sign Size

Cost Per Sign

Number of Signs Total Cost

Rooms (100-150)

Small

$24.00

50

$1200.00

Rooms (200-250)

Small

$24.00

50

$1200.00

Medium

$43.00

$172.00

Restrooms
(Men)

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The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

Medium

$43.00

$172.00

Medium

$29.00

15

$435.00

Exits/Entrances

Large

$41.00

$246.00

Other Facilities

Large

$41.00

$246.00

N/A

$20.00

10

$200.00

$3871.00

Restrooms
(Women)
Offices

Miscellaneous
-

As seen by these tables, even with a 1,300% profit margin, the Chemic Innovators product will still
save Central Middle School over $2,500. We can then use this profit to expand our business. By
purchasing more and better 3D printers, we will be able to better serve the community with an increased
stock of higher quality signs.

Spending Report

Table of Itemized Costs

Description
Grant

Deposit

Withdrawal

+$1000.00

Total
$1000.00

-$649.00

$351.00

Shipping

-$7.15

$343.85

Filament

-$56.00

$287.85

Filament

-$56.00

$231.85

-231.85$

$0.00

3D Printer

Donation to MHS
Programming
Club

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The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

5. Timeline
Achieved Project Deadlines
Project Aspect

Date Completed By

How It was Done

Initial Idea Development

10 October 2014

Phase One Report First Draft

17 October 2014

Phase One Report Final Draft

24 October 2014

Software Structure Plan

7 November 2014

First Successful Sign Print

(Braille Only)

19 November 2014

Updated Software
Architecture

12 December 2014

First Successful Sign Print

(Braille and English)

15 January 2015

Software Fully Functional

29 January 2015

Graphical Interface
Completion

19 February 2015

Phase Two Report Drafting

13 March 2015

Phase Two Report Final Draft

30 March 2015

The initial concept was

developed largely through
team brainstorming and also
individual reflection.
Each team member wrote their
own first draft.
The final draft was formed by
combining the best parts of
each individual in the groups
draft.
The software was initially
structured by two members of
the group.
With the basic software in Beta
phase, the first test sign was
successfully created
The software was redesigned
and programmed by one group
member.
With primitive functional
software, the first legible sign
was created.
The software was brought to a
fully functioning status through
the work of all team members
Two members of the group
worked together to establish a
working interface.
Two team members wrote their
own first drafts.
The best parts of each first
draft were combined and the
product of this jointly edited to
create the final report.

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The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

6. Graphic Concept Representation

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The Chemic Innovators Braille Sign Generator

7. Citations
i

3D Printer Price over Time. (2014, January 1). Retrieved October 23, 2014.
Covert, A. (2014, February 20). 3-D Printing "ink" is way too Expensive. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
iii
Krassenstein, B. (2014, June 10). 3D Systems Just Broke the Speed Barrier, Surpassing Traditional
Injection Molding Manufacturing Techniques. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
iv
Braille Restroom Signs. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2015.
v
P. Killey, personal communication, March 28, 2015.
vi
LARA - MI Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2015.
vii
Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing. (2013, September 30). Retrieved March 29, 2015.
viii
Mendoza, H. (2014, November 11). Intel Capital Funds 3D Braille Printer Created by 13-Year-Old
Boy. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
ix
A, J. (2014, November 1). YooCan3D, Making Life Easier for Visually Imapaired People. Retrieved
March 28, 2015.
ii

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