초록 ▼

A method for communicating graphic data such as plotted two-dimensional curves to a user such as a sight impaired person is disclosed. The disclosed arrangement uses haptic or tactile stimulation of a user's extremity such as is relied--upon in the Braille code fingertip communication already known

A method for communicating graphic data such as plotted two-dimensional curves to a user such as a sight impaired person is disclosed. The disclosed arrangement uses haptic or tactile stimulation of a user's extremity such as is relied--upon in the Braille code fingertip communication already known to many sight impaired persons. Computerized control over a Braille character-like display and use of the computer mouse as a data selection input device; are included in the invention. The invention also includes provision of data enhancement and data interpretation aids including axis names, multiple curve identifications, grid line identifications and the addition of audio information such as tick sounds and spoken utterances to supplement the tactile communication. A computer-based embodiment of the invention is disclosed, this in the form of hardware block diagrams, software flow diagrams and computer code listing, the latter being primarily in microfiche appendix form.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computer lookthrough and virtual surface inclusive tactile method for communicating multi-dimensional graphic data to a sight impaired and hearing impaired human operator, said method comprising the steps of:combining a computer data input function of a planar absolute

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computer lookthrough and virtual surface inclusive tactile method for communicating multi-dimensional graphic data to a sight impaired and hearing impaired human operator, said method comprising the steps of:combining a computer data input function of a planar absolute position sensor assembly physically with a computer data output function of an operator finger-engageable, electricallyenergizable, unitary character, multiple pinned tactile display array to form a portable, bi-directional communication, data transducer device having operator-provided mobility over an absolute position-determining-digitizer pad surface;storing a bit map representation of said multi-dimensional graphic data in a computer memory having a memory location relating to each pixel point of said absolute position-determining digitizer pad surface according to a selected virtual surface-defining relationship;accessing said computer bit map data representation in said computer memory data in response to operator induced absolute position changes of said portable, bi-directional communication, data transducer device across said absolute position-determining digitizer pad surface and said virtual surface; andenergizing accessed memory data-determined pixel elements of said multiple pinned tactile character display array, in graphic data-detailed tactile communication with said human operator, and in synchronism with movement and absolute positioning of said portable, bi-directional communication, data transducer device to absolute position-determining digitizer pad surface and virtual surface locations of graphic data presence in said memory.