Message

Miho Suganai (2004)

Please write your message with dots.

This work shows how the binary signal system works. The binary signal system is used in many different forms in our modern life – computer signals, CDs, broadcasting of digital satellite TV. Some scientists, who believe that there are intelligent lives in other planets, use the binary code to send messages from the Earth. One of the earliest examples of the use of the binary signal system is Braille.

Braille is a code which enables blind persons to read and write. It was invented in 1829 by a Frenchman, Louis Braille, who was blind. Braille comprises rectangular six-dot cells, with up to 63 possible combinations using one or more of the six dots. Braille is embossed onto thick paper, and read with the fingers moving across on top of the dots.

Try to write your message with the Braille Alphabet, and communicate with people on the other side of the panel – do not forget they look at your Braille the other way round!