Using haptics in computer interfaces for blind people

ABSTRACT

This paper has its roots in Certec's efforts to find a way to use haptic technology (i.e. touch based interfaces) to provide new computer interaction techniques for visually impaired people and those with physical disabilities.The paper presents a set of recommendations that we have formulated during our research and development work. These rules of thumb are grouped under the headlines Navigation, Finding objects, Understanding objects, Haptic widgets and Physical interaction.

REFERENCES

• 1: Fritz, J. P., Barner, K. E. Design of a Haptic Visualization System for People with Visual Impairments, IEEE Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering, vol. 7, No 3, 1999, pp 372-384.
• 2: von der Heyde, M. Psychophysical experiments in a complex virtual environment, Proc. of the Third PHANToM User Group Workshop, Dedham, MA, USA, 1998.
• 3: Johansson, A., Linde, J. Using Simple Force Feedback Mechanisms to Visualize Structures by Haptics. Proc. of the Second Swedish Symposium on Multimodal Communication Lund, Sweden, 1998.
• 4: Miller, T., Zeleznik, R. An insidious haptic invasion: Adding Force Feedback to the X desktop, Proc. of the Third PHANToM User Group Workshop, Dedham, MA, 1998.
• 5: Schön, D. The Reflective Practitioner, Basic Books, 1983.
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• 7: Sjöström, C. The Phantasticon - Haptic Interfaces Give New Possibilities for Blind People. Master's Thesis, Certec, Lund University, Sweden, 1997.
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• 9: Sjöström, C. The IT Potential of Haptics -- Touch Access for People with Disabilities, Licentiate Thesis Certec, Lund University, Sweden, 1999.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Haptic I/O

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
blind, guidelines, haptic interface, sense of touch, visual disability