You may find the following proposal interesting... and then again, you may
not.
David Andrews
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 15:13:58 -0400
From: Gordo <Gordo@ETHERON.NET>
Reply-To: "BLIND-DEV: Development of Adaptive Hardware & Software for the
Blind/VI" <BLIND-DEV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
To: BLIND-DEV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: a petite non -comp. interruption
With all do respect, & with no intention of disturbing the
'computer-platform' orientation of this list serv...
I am sending a very brief summary of the Chromatic Code for the Blind -CCI-
to those who might be interested...
---------------
Concerning the Chromatic Code for the Blind -CCI ...
FOR THE RECORD:
The simplicity of the code might overwhelm most of you (you might consider
it a 'silly design', but its simplicity is a must, particularly for an
eventual (hopefully) industrial manufacturing... ["Ask a simple question
and ...!. Albert E.]
The CCI came about from a fine arts approach (painting) to a 'descriptive'
code. In a manner of speaking...from a non-so-thecnical approach. Please
bear with me ...[it started from an 'plastic' process [if I was to paint
without light, how would I differentiate the colours? -> see, I used to
work late at night & I came with the simple question, what if...?, and I
knew that -within the oil colours- the density of each colour 'gamma' (e.g.
yellows from reds) varied (however many drops of Linseed oil to each
pigment varies in the size of the powered pigment as well as its absorption
capacity ...., basically ochres are 'light' colorants whereas the cadmium
reds are very thick & 'explosive ...which lead close to an intoxication
state and a very dirty studio. Thus, what if I codify each colour,
'reserving' the mixing abilities, etc. -> which lead to the code
(immediately lead to the Blind as a possible 'participant') -> which
immediately lead to the descriptive application forthe blind communities
(e.g. clothing, transport routes, etc. )
INTETEND (ORIGINALLY) FOR:
During the designing of the code, I had in mind a
'therapeutically/recreational' purposes for it, particularly in the
children's segment (another 'tool' for a better understanding of the
'outside' world, the presence of an element known as light -> colours are
'on' everything, etc. ...), but from what I can gather, many blind adults
are highly interested in 'making use' of it too... . Further, as a 'fun'
communicative tool. Let the kids (now also adults) 'express' themselves
paint-wise (to have a new, 'intrinsic'/empirical communicative tool without
the 'syntax's' of so many others... which is one important 'aspect' of the
'art language' in the first place. Once the code was designed, and as the
Argentinean saying goes "if the ball is RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GOAL,
well?... just kick it in!", well ... . I have come up with a few possible
applications, such as the clothing and/or transport routes, etc. in which
colours can be helpful. Further, also non-blind people can use the code if
need it be. (e.g. for instance, to label certain buttons of machinery so a
to differentiate them and be 'used' in case - for instance- of a blackout).
Notice, there is a 'middle point' where the CCI meets with the Braille
Method ..., as I said before, the CCI needs some polishing ...
APPLICATIONS:
Created two general segments:
A. Sensitive segment: *Artistic*
Therapeutically/recreational: to play with colours & come close to an
understanding of the
basic colour theory which might be useful in the 'long run' to the blind
communities.
Fine arts: so as to allow the blind to paint (express 'freely') among
themselves & observers.
B. Descriptive segment: *Explicit/labeling*
To denote the colours of objects, so as to identify them in order to inform
the blind in case he/she needs it (e.g. clothing).
To Nourish: reproduce -via the CCI- famous art paintings throughout the
'History of Man kind,' so as to nourish the blind community of our own
history. (e.g. Reproduce a drawing of the Altamira Caves & a Mondrian
painting...)
THE CCI CODE: In synthesis...& 'good old' English.
I know, I know, " lets have it!".
----------------
- A TACTILE code: Digital, 'read' off via the fingers...like the Braille
Method
----------------
- I assigned one geometrical figure (IN RELIEF...) to a specific primary
colour (no 'measurements' given for now, very small, avg. size 4mm
'diagonal'):
YELLOW (Pure) = A yellow circle
BLUE: (Cyan) = A blue square
RED: (Magenta) = A red triangle
----------------
- Then created new geometrical figures with the 'sum of' the previous other
two colours ('superimposing') to create the Secondary (Subtractive)
Colours:
GREEN: (Pure) = A green geo. shapes -> A hollow circle inserted in a
square (much like a square-nut). Blue & yellow = green.
VIOLET: (Pure) = A violet geo. shape -> A hollow equilateral triangle
inserted (at the base) in a square. Red & blue = violet
ORANGE: (Pure) = An orange geo. shape. A hollow equi. triangle inserted in
a circle. Red and yellow = orange
Therefore, now we have the Colour (subtractive) Compass (which in theory
will create the rest of the existing colours, once mixed, along with the
grey scale)
-------------------
- The grey scale:
BLACK: a black cylinder
WHITE: a white sphere
--------------
As of this moment, I will not go into the size of each of the geo. shapes,
plus what occurs when their sizes varies, and the basic difference between
the Descriptive & Sensitive Mode, since I'll be, basically, rewriting the
original patent CCI documentation. But keep in mind, there are some already
stabilised guidelines as to the 'construction' of tertiary colours, etc. .
----------------
NOTICE:
- Its simplicity is ideal for industrial reproduction (e.g. Blue acrylic
paint in which 'tiny' blue acrylic (exactly the same colour/tone) squares
(very easy to manufacture...) are found floating in it, which will 'stick'
to the surface once dry ... Finally, one can go 'into' a museum and touch
certain paintings ... no more "please STAY behind the yellow line stuff...)
&/or allow the blind community to 'narrate' each other their 'abstract'
expressions.
- Keep in mind that it's a tool intended to help the blind, particularly
the children. I think CCI could help considerably, yet it is not immaculate
to flaws...particularly at this state.
- An UNIVERSAL code ...
-------------
Well, thank you very much, particularly if you've read this far, and with
no further abuse...
Yours Sincerely
Carlitos
<gordo@etheron.net>
PS Mi e-mail es tu e-mail... (any comments/suggestions?)
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