Communications of the ACM
Blind People 'see' Microscope Images Using Touch-Feedback Device
Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana have developed a system that uses a haptic device to let people interpret visual information using their hands.
Credit: Getty Images
Purdue University researchers have developed a system that uses a haptic device to let people interpret visual information using their hands.
The device, which looks like a sophisticated joystick, is connected to a computer and a microscope. The user moves the joystick to explore microscope images, and the joystick pushes back when it hovers over an image and vibrates to simulate different textures.
During testing, visually impaired users could differentiate between red and white blood cells using the sensory feedback.
The system uses computer-vision algorithms to extract important features from an image, and then reconstructs the image virtually so the user can interact with it via the haptic device.
The new system also enables users to interpret images from a microscope in real time.
The Purdue researchers hope their study will encourage more people with visual impairments to pursue science.
From New Scientist
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