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Currently, individuals who are blind or visually impaired have limited resources to allow them to interpret information contained in images. The aim of this project is to provide an accessible system to automatically generate tactile graphics for those who need to interpret information contained in visual images. The fundamental steps to accomplish this are to segment and simplify the image. The focus of this paper will be on several methods to segment an image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many individuals who are blind or visually impaired are interested in drawing tactile pictures, and some have already done so with static raised-line drawing kits. However, static raised-line drawing kits are problematic as they are non-erasable. Various computer systems, with or without accompanying device interfaces, have been designed to allow these individuals the ability to both perceive and construct their own drawings on a computer, but each with various drawbacks. A focus group was conducted to gain input from blind and visually impaired computer users on a new design. Based on these results, a new multimodal device design concept has been generated which will improve upon previous solutions and give graphic editing and viewing to blind and visually impaired individuals at a low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously in our lab, we developed a low-cost mouse-like device that has high position accuracy, very good temporal and spatial collocation between kinesthetic and tactile information, a fairly large temporal bandwidth and a short time delay. However, it can still be limiting when generating texture-like patterns. We have therefore extended the function of the device to be able to vary the amplitude as well, while maintaining its low cost (under $500). Various virtual textures have been developed which can be used to create salient graphics that can be perceived through this device. Preliminary investigations suggest that having multiple amplitude levels increases the number of distinguishable textures as well as the amount of information that can be displayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For presenting graphics on small, moveable tactile displays such as those that resemble computer mice, word labels can be as important as the diagram itself. In addition, the ability to present Braille with these displays offers an alternative for accessing full pages of Braille with a cost effective system. In this work, we consider the inherent difficulties arising from presenting Braille on these displays and propose algorithms to circumvent these problems. Lastly, we present preliminary results from individuals who are visually impaired that suggests the promise of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enable individuals who are blind and visually impaired to participate fully in the world around them, it is important to make all environments accessible to them. This includes art museums which provide opportunities for cultural education and personal interest/enjoyment. Our interest focuses on the portrayal of paintings through refreshable haptic displays from their digital representations. As a complement to representing the structural elements (i.e., objects and shapes) in a painting, we believe it is also important to provide a personal experience of the style and expressiveness of the artist. This paper proposes a haptic display and display methods to do so. The haptic display consists of: (1) a pin matrix display to the fingers to relay tactile texture information about brushstroke, (2) a thermal display on which the warm-cold spectrum of colors is mapped, and (3) the sensing of location within the painting used to change tactile and thermal feedback to create contrasts within a painting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]