Richard,
I can't say how useful a large Optacon display might be for identifying
icons and other BUI features. TSI did some work coupling the Optacon
with computer screens, but as far as I know, the tactile display was of
the earlier types, like the Model D. I also seem to remember that they
did some work exploring a somewhat larger display for reading print.
Cost of building large displays is a major obstacle to research, and even
a bigger barrier to producing a consumer product.
Computer technology has been improved greatly since the Optacon came on
the scene. It is now possible to do a lot of signal processing that
could hardly be considered just a few years ago. It would now be
possible to use OCR programs to go directly from print to Braille,
driving a refreshable display like the one in the Braille Lite that you
are using. This is worth thinking about, even though there are many
problems associated with hand tracking lines of print. And, if a useful
device for reading print-to-braille is made, it would be useless for
examining graphical images due to the inadequate resolution imposed by
six- or eight-dot braille displays.
It occurs to me that we don't know enough to describe the ideal Optacon.
Until we do, we probably shouldn't build one. If we will continue this
discussion, and each participant make a serious effort (off line) to
refine his thoughts on the matter, we might get some useful guidelines
for making the next generation Optacon. As a minimum, it will have to
have a new name.
Tim Cranmer
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