[accessibleimage] GRAB Haptic Interface to Touch Graphics

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Axistive.com
Monday, May 01, 2006

GRAB Haptic Interface to Touch Graphics

By Author: Aaron Marks 

A new type of computer interface will possibly enable people with a
visual disability feel and hear 3D graphic environments.

It is being developed as part of an EU funded research project called
GRAB (Computer Graphics Access for Blind people). The aim is to create
workspaces that enable people with visual disabilities to navigate
virtual 3D environments. Eventually, the technology could allow users
"feel" a virtual street map or pie chart or play a 3D game, all of which
are tools the project has already developed. 

Two of the six partner organizations behind the development of the
device belong to Ireland. The National Council for the Blind of Ireland
(NCBI) is a user organization involved in the testing of software and
hardware components. 

"The GRAB project is very exciting," said John Wood of the NCBI. "One
of the most practical uses, which we have been testing, is with charts
and graphs. These are not usually accessible to blind or visually
impaired people. Spreadsheet information can now be translated into 3D,
so a user can feel a pie-chart or graph."

Dublin-based Haptica is a GRAB project partner currently examining the
commercial aspects of the project. A company spokesperson has said that
the device is in its prototype phase and its commercial availability
cannot be confirmed. The product may first be sold to public authorities
so they can be at peoples' disposal in libraries and other public
venues.

The device along with the software it runs on is called the Haptic and
Audio Virtual Environment (HAVE). It has two mechanical arms that are
attached to the all of the user's fingers over a large flat surface such
as a desktop.

The arm works as follows: a shape or object is loaded onto a computer
which then relays the information to the HAVE arms, so that they are
aware of the dimensions of the virtual object. The user would be able to
move his fingers only along the edges of the invisible shape, with the
HAVE arms restricting any further movement. 

Elastic material like cotton or rubber can be simulated with the HAVE
arms offering more resistance as the virtual object is compressed. Even
textures and bumps or characteristics like stickiness and smoothness can
be simulated using this technology. The interface controls and guides
the user towards any remaining surfaces or objects in case of failure to
explore all the virtual workspace. 

Users can, depending on the application, receive audio information
providing details about virtual objects and their actual position in the
environment. The technology can be controlled through verbal and
keyboard commands and can zoom in and out to further explore objects
that are too big or small.  

The EU-funded 1.38 million GRAB project has brought together
researchers and experts from Ireland, Spain, UK, Italy and Germany. The
technology can supposedly be used for applications in disparate fields
such as architecture, art, aeronautics and medicine.

Source: GRAB Project
http://www.grab-eu.com/ 


http://www.axistive.com/content.jsp?objectid=12483 

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