The sense of touch provides new computer interaction techniques for disabled people

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sjöström, Calle^{; *} | Rassmus-Gröhn, Kirsten

Affiliations: Certec, Center for Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Lund University, Box 118, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden

Correspondence: [*] Tel.: +46 46 222 40 38; Fax: +46 46 222 97 10; E-Mail: [email protected]; Internet: http://www. certec.lth.se/haptics

Abstract: Windows and the World Wide Web are two of the keys to the Information Technology explosion that we are all caught up in. Computer capabilities are increasing while they are getting easier to use. But how does a blind person handle a graphical environment like Windows? This article deals with Certec's efforts to find a way to use haptics (i.e., controlling with movements and getting feedback via the sense of touch), to provide new computer interaction techniques for visually impaired people and people with physical disabilities. Haptic technology makes it possible to extend the range of touch from the length of an arm to a virtually unlimited distance.

Keywords: haptic interface, Touch Windows, blind, sense of touch, visual disability

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1999-10105

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 45-52, 1999