Technologies: Nomad, Concept Keyboard, TAG pad
Principles: A tactile graphic connected to a touch screen to
give additional information.
What are Tactile-Audio Graphics?
A tactile graphic, is placed on top of a touch sensitive pad.
The screen connected to a computer can then be programed to react
when different regions of the graphic are pressed, producing audio
information for that region.
There are very few touch-pads currently on the market, although
there are several development and research prototypes. Hopefully
these machines will develop into products in the not too distant
future.
Where to buy materials and equipment.
Penny + Giles Computer Products (UK)
Tactile-Audio Graphics
Touch Graphics
Links to Suppliers Details
Techniques
Typically the touch-pad comes with a software package which will
allow you to define regions of an image, and insert text or record
a description. Some applications allow several layers of description,
for example if a region were to be pressed a second time, further
information or topic specific details could be output.
Strong Points:
- Allows access to information impossible to incorporate in
an diagram alone
- Adds a new dimension to the learning experience
Weak Points:
- Linked to a computer, not easily portable
- Requires special software & touch-pad
- Can take a long time to programme a new image
Back to Making Tactile Graphics
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