Poster Presentation Abstract for Tactile Graphics 2005

Title: Ink-jet printing of tactile map on clay tile

Presenter: Shoufeng Yang, Julian Evans

Queen Mary, University of London , UK

Abstract:

Tactile maps and diagrams to convey information in graphic formats to people with visual impairments (VIPs) can be made in many materials. We describe an ink-jet printing system that prints clay ink onto clay tiles to broaden the use of such maps in public sites such as the entrance to buildings and public transport and to aid navigation for VIPs in the home environment. It could be adapted to operate over a tile mass production line to provide computer generated individuation on clay tiles that are widely used in the built environment. The printer has been used successfully by the authors to print Braille on clay tiles.

Here we present printed tactile maps and diagrams on clay tiles. Various shapes, dots and lines were printed. A kitchen map was designed and printed on clay tiles for demonstration purposes.

Objectives of presentation:

To introduce our work on tactile map printing for clay tile by ink-jet printing technology derived from our solid freeforming methods.
To present the experimental details of ink preparation, printer fabrication and map design.
To present the experimental results of dispersant selection, map printing and firing.

Outcomes for audience:

Distribute the idea of using a computer controlled printing method to build tactile maps on clay tiles to any party who is interesting in this work.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low

Contains advanced technical content: Yes

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