The Optacon is a direct‐translation reading aid for the blind. In operation, material that has been hand scanned by the small pickup camera is reproduced in vibratory form upon the 144‐element vibratory stimulator array. The present array configuration is the result of extensive psychophysical, engineering, and manufacturing effort. The array utilizes piezoelectric “bimorphs,” driven at 250 Hz, for electromechanical energy conversion. Custom integrated circuit driving circuits enable compact packaging. The 24 rows are spaced 45 mils apart and the six columns 90 mils apart, enabling the entire display to be presented on the fingertip of the blind user.