[accessibleimage] Re: Dream Machine

Hi Chris,

Whilst multiple points of input aren't necessary for drawing, the technique typically only uses a single point of input with the other points being for reference, I can see some benefit in multiple input points. Sticking with the topic of drawing, the additional input points could be used to alter state, similar to the manner in which alt, ctrl, shift, etc. alter state on a keyboard. This would allow someone to use the same finger motion, or motion of an input device, to semantically indicate different actions based on the state of the system, determined by other input points.

Whilst not necessary, multiple input points do make for an interesting addition, and therefore Apple could potentially deny people the opportunity to explore these possibilities, as they have attempted to do with possibilities in the past. Is the LPF still active? If so, you may have found another convert.

Will
----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Hofstader" <chris.hofstader@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <accessibleimage@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 9:23 PM
Subject: [accessibleimage] Re: Dream Machine


Apple has recently announced that they have filed for a patent on a
multi-point touch screen which can probably solve half of the problem by
providing multiple simultaneous hot spots.  As far as reasonably priced
tactile output is concerned, there is a group called orbital (I think) doing
some very interesting work which, I hear, has come a long way since I saw it
a few years ago.  If one can "marry" these technologies, full page
interactive Braille and graphics might be possible in a profitable product
that could sell for under $1500.  I think we're at least three years out
before this can be a reality but adding touch input to tactile output (both
technologies are flexible and neither seems entirely incompatible with the
other) might not have the financial backing to move it forward.

Apple, in spite of their meager screen reader, isn't too friendly too blind
people or technologies related to blindness but they do love licensing
patents and a multipoint touch technology can find homes well beyond
anything they care to do.  Orbital is small, venture funded and very
aggressive so they want to license things everywhere.


-----Original Message-----
From: accessibleimage-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:accessibleimage-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Tina E
Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 1:03 PM
To: accessibleimage@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [accessibleimage] Re: Dream Machine


Hey there to all,

My dream machine would also incorporate a touch tablet feature for
input and tactual output, where we could draw lines, select areas for
fills, and so on, by touching spots with fingertips, and then, well,
doing something to signal that a point-and-click should occur.

It should also allow for erasures, or slight re-draws, if finger-drawn
input hasn't been to one's exact liking.

Tina E
Please feel free to visit my blog,
Tina's Virtual BackPack:
http://tvbp.wordpress.com
tina-e@xxxxxxxxx







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