The Moose: A Haptic User Interface for Blind Persons
(O'Modhrain, M. Sile and Gillespie, R. Brent)
ABSTRACT
This paper presents our work to date on a haptic interface whose immediate
aim is to provide access for blind computer users to graphical user
interfaces (GUI's). In this presentation, we describe the hardware and
supporting software which together reinterprets a Microsoft Windows screen
for the haptic senses. Screen objects such as windows, buttons, sliders,
and pull-down menus are mapped to the workspace of a two-axis haptic
interface called the Moose where they emerge as patches and lines of
varying resistance. The Moose operates much like a mouse except that it is
able to move under its own power and thereby make apparent touchable
virtual objects. Thus presented to the hand, interface objects may be
located, identified, and even manipulated or activated. Using Microsoft
Windows as a test bench, we have proven
the feasibility and usefulness of the haptic interface approach for
non-visual computer access. Extensions to haptic browsing of the Web are
discussed.