Hello:
I know there is some extraneous material in the following, but thought the Microsoft patent on a tactile screen would be of interest.
Happy New Year,
Robert
----- Original Message -----
From: Lisa Yayla
To: accessibleimage@freelists.org ; art_beyond_sight_learning_tools@nfbnet.org ; artbeyondsightmuseums@nfbnet.org ; art_beyond_sight_educators@nfbnet.org ; art_beyond_sight_educators@nfbnet.org ; art_beyond_sight_theory_and_research@nfbnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2010 4:40 AM
Subject: [accessibleimage] touch screen, signage, poets, patent,
Touch Screen Technologies for the Blind [Video Explains Technologies Being Developed for Blind Access to Touchscreen Devices, Including Tactile Feedback, Screen Overlays & Voice Prompts]
excerpt
Innovation is sign of the times for Interface
The Walsall-based company, which has used support from the Winning Opportunities in Walsall (WOW) programme, has launched a new range of specialist signs for care homes across the UK that feature instructions in Braille and tactile lettering with large illustrations to help guide blind residents and those suffering from dementia and learning difficulties.http://www.24dash.com/news/bill_payments/2010-12-02-Innovation-is-sign-of-the-times-for-Interface
blogg
Blindfolded poets tour Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Here’s a cool idea from Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander:
In October she took 20 undergraduate students from Iowa State to the Iowa Department for the Blind in downtown Des Moines, where two instructors blindfolded them and shared tips about getting around with a long white cane. Still blindfolded, the students headed over to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where they took a guided tour and were allowed to touch several of the works with gloved hands.
They wrote poems about the experience, which have been produced in both audio and Braille formats, and they’ll read their work at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Dec. 6, at the Des Moines Art Center. The poems, as well as a few tactile representations of the sculptures, will remain on display through early January, along with an Art Center-produced exhibition of prints by some of the PSP artists. Admission is free.
The project encouraged students “to experience art in a new way,” Swander said in a press release. “The poems express ways of interpreting art without having seen it, and this project explores deeper ideas of art appreciation for all and disability awareness.”
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/12/03/blindfolded-poets-tour-pappajohn-sculpture-park/
article
Microsoft files for patent on tactile, light-sensitive touch screen
Microsoft has filed a patent application for touch screens whose surfaces can change topography so users can "feel" what they see.
The technology would use ultraviolet light to activate special pixels that rise and retract, creating a textured display surface. The screen also would be able to respond to external influences such as touch, of course, but also light, electricity, sound, water and temperature, according to the patent application.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/230023.asp
link to patent
United States Patent Application 20100295820
Kind Code A1
Kikin-Gil; Erez November 25, 2010
LIGHT-INDUCED SHAPE-MEMORY POLYMER DISPLAY SCREEN
http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20100295820.PGNR.&OS=DN/20100295820&RS=DN/20100295820
excerpt
Inside an isolated world
Alan Lawson has competed in duathalons and with the help of an art therapist, he loves to paint, even though he can't see his finished product.
ART THERAPIST: So what ideas have you got for a new painting today? What would you like to do?
ALAN LAWSON (translated by support worker): Maybe a beach with waves, and then I want some sand as the next layer and then in the background we're going to have some bush and mountains and trees.
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2010/s3080894.htm
article
Renowned cheddar carver creates Thomas the Tank Engine in Kaukauna
Families who stopped by the library had a chance to examine the new collection of braille and tactile books for children who are visually impaired. The 400-plus book collection was funded through donations collected by Kaukauna High School senior Chris Lehrer, who spearheaded the effort as part of an Eagle Scout project.
"Most children who are blind or visually impaired don't have sufficient reading material," said Lehrer, whose sister, Brooke, a student at River View Intermediate School, is blind. "I thought it was great that we got that many books (for the collection). Hopefully, they'll have enough books to read for awhile."
Waggoner said the new collection will benefit not only children who are visually impaired or blind, but their caregivers as well.
"The parents can look at the book and see the book the way a normally sighted person would see it and the child can follow along in the way a blind person would," she said. "It's a major contribution to our collection."
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20101119/APC0101/11190436/Cheese-carver-a-hit-in-Kaukauna
with a video about the book project
Kaukauna Boy Scout builds braille library
article
Paris's Palais de la Decouverte is showcasing an unusual exhibition entitled Get Tactile, which allows visitors to explore their sense of touch.
Travellers with Paris hotel bookings can check out the installation until March 13th 2011 at the venue and attendees are encouraged to interact with everything in the collection.
According to the organisers, the show is family-friendly and allows people to look at the way their senses work.
"The exhibition is full of fun and, with a wealth of sensations, offers a great opportunity for children in particular to enjoy the freedom to explore," they added.
Attendees from nearby accommodation such as Hotel Des Arts Paris will find they not only investigate the physical sense of being touched, but also the concept of being emotionally affected.
Unusually, visitors will be asked to take their shoes off before entering the display area, as this will allow them to take in all of the sense-exploration on offer.
Admission to the exhibition costs EUR7 (GBP5.95), but there are concessions available.
Opening hours at the centre are from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 09:30 and 18:00 local time and 10:00 to 19:00 on Sundays and public holidays. The complex is shut on Mondays.
Anyone getting to the Palais de la Decouverte by January 25th could also check out the Marine Alliances show.
http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=574643&Itemid=34
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