Friday 14 October 2011

Tablet computers used as Braille keyboards

Researchers at New Mexico University have developed a system that uses tablet computers, like the Apple iPad, as Braille keyboards.

Touchscreen tablets can present a problem for blind and visually impaired people when the normal on-screen keyboards are not tactile and can’t be seen. 

Tablets like the iPaad use speech software that feed back vocally what is under the users finger, meaning that you have to slide your finger around the screen until you find the right key.  Rather than the users fingers having to find the keys the research group has developed a system where the device works out where the users fingers are.  The combination of fingers determines the letter typed, in the same way a Braille typewriter would.

Though not yet commercially available the group hope to release the system which could be portable and help speed up typing, note taking and numerous other applications.

Link:
Read the BBC News story here.

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