Existing Technology

Talking Tactile Technology

The Talking Tactile Technology unit is a touch sensitive, multi sensory device which provides instant audio feedback from tactile images. The combination of sound and touch transforms the way in which people who are visually impaired can access graphical information.

Operation is simplicity itself. The Talking Tactile Technology unit is connected via a USB to a standard PC or laptop computer which has the program software installed.  To activate the system all that is needed is a tactile diagram overlay to be placed on the surface of the device and touched by the operator’s finger.

Depending on the CD program content the operator now has access to a huge volume of information on any pre-selected subject. When a user presses on various parts of the tactile diagram they hear appropriate descriptive audio feedback.

Methodology

 Operating the Talking Tactile Technology is simplicity itself... 

• The Talking Tactile unit is a simple desktop computer peripheral device that consists of a touch screen on which tactile overlays are placed
• It works with minimum spec PC's and laptops
• It does not require a separate power supply; just a connection via a USB to a standard PC or laptop computer which is running the self installing program
• A tactile overlay is laid on the touch screen and the system activated by the user pressing anywhere on the screen.
•  When the unit is first used a narrator takes the user through all aspects of setting up the device and how to insert and use the overlays
• The sounds are heard from the speakers on the computer
• All spoken introductions can be skipped by pressing the enter key to jump to the next stage.  This procedure works throughout the program and enables the user to jump from topic to topic or paragraph to paragraph in much the same way as a sighted reader
• When symbols, icons, and regions of the tactile surface are pressed, the user receives instant audio feedback from the computer
• A hierarchical menu system offers volumes of data on an 'as needs' basis
• The Talking Tactile Authoring Tool allows you to produce tactile overlays for your own purpose.
• There is no need for volumes of Braille to accompany the overlay, or intrusive labels - in fact the user does not need to know Braille or an alternative reading format called ‘Moon’ at all