Improving Blind People's Spatial Ability by Bimodal-Perception Assistive Device for Accessing Graphic Information
By Sribunruangrit, N.; Marque, C.; Lenay, C.; Gapenne, O.; Assistive Technology - Shaping the Future: AAATE 2003 Conference Proceedings, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 476-480Publication Date: 2003
Article describes the Braille Box, which is an assistive device designed to help people who are blind or have low vision to access graphic information via tactile perception. The device utilizes two Braille cells to form an array of tactile stimulators, which is placed on one finger. Each pin of the tactile stimulator can be controlled independently. For study purposes, a tablet and a stylus were coupled with TACTOS software from Perceptive Supplementation, which allows the use to explore a graphic form presented on a computer screen. The device also allows the user to draw the form. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the Braille Box, which involved ten sighted, blindfolded participants. The participants used the stylus to explore a figure placed on the tablet with one hand, while they put the other hand on the tactile stimulator to perceive the tactile feedback from the Braille Box. The authors found that it was necessary to include a reference point so that the participants could access spatial information. The reference points were indicated with sound, together with points on an axis. The authors found that they could increase the performance of exploration and recognition of geometric forms with the Braille Box.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
ISBN: 1-58603-373-5
