[accessibleimage] Re: Haptic rendering of images

Hi Will,

I have worked a little bit with Logitechs haptic feedback mouse a few
years back. We tried it out a bit. It was very interesting and definitly a
lot of potential. I was using the designer bit adding effects to images.
There was a bit of software problem, but is likely was more due to need of
learning the program better.   A state agency in Canada uses the haptic
feedback for freely available downloadable maps with sound. Have also used
Virtouch a  haptic mouse.  Also some years ago.
The limited experience I have gotten is that these tools can be very
useful for the user. From the designers end it would be advantageous the
programs are relativly easy to use. There is the cost issue also.
Regards,
Lisa

accessibleimage@xxxxxxxxxxxxx skriver:
>Hi,
> 
>Whilst I don't really work in accessibility any more, it's no longer my
>day job but rather something of a part time hobby now, I may be able to
>combine accessibility with my day job, if only in a little way.  I'm
>currently working on my PhD in the field of using haptic devices to aid
>in collaberative working between two parties.  For those of you
>unfamiliar with the field of haptics, it is the study of kinesthetics and
>cutaneous touch and applying these to generate virtual objects that
>people can touch.  Consider it something akin to touchable virtual
>reality.
> 
>Whilst I'm investigating it's application to enhancing collaberation, it
>strikes me that this could be a means by which blind people could gain
>access to images, in fact, Sensable, who make the devices I'm using, cite
>accessibility as one of the potential applications.  So, I'm wondering if
>anyone has had previous experience with using haptic devices and
>virtually generated tactile images.  If so, what were your impressions
>and did you encounter any problems?  I'm fast gaining an understanding of
>the psychology involved with this sort of interface, and it would be
>interesting to see if current psychological thought can't resolve some of
>the problems that may exist.
> 
>Thanks,
> 
>Will


Lisa Yayla
Huseby Kompetansesenter 
Oslo Norway
lisa.yayla@xxxxxxxxxx

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