Improvement of User-Interface for Blind PC Users

研究了一种基于GUI的盲人辅助系统。两个触觉设备，触觉图形显示器和触觉鼠标被用来控制GUI。此外，使用屏幕阅读软件（Win 95 Reader）接收文本信息。本研究的目的是通过实验分析盲人对GUI的操作行为，进一步完善视觉障碍者的人机界面，设计了基于标准PC键盘的按键功能系统来控制触觉设备。这种设计对于盲人使用者自己控制触觉装置而不需要视力正常的人的帮助是必要的。触觉鼠标由"Alt"和"Numeric"键控制，触觉图形显示由"Ctrl"和"Numeric"键控制。此键功能与其他Windows功能不重叠。在此基础上，开发了基于Windows 2000操作系统的USB接口的实用软件，并对7名重度视障者进行了实验。研究结果如下：1.该系统在约两个小时内使用，包括约30分钟的停留时间.模式识别是可能的，然而，这项任务是更容易的触觉图形显示器比触觉鼠标。两个触觉装置可以实现视觉屏幕中的光标控制和一些模式搜索。对于大多数参与者来说，识别屏幕布局是困难的。虽然需要进一步的研究，但在这项研究中，为视障人士改进人机界面的概念似乎可以从这些实验中实现。

An assistgive system for the GUI-based personal computer (PC) for the blind was studied. Two tactile devices, the tactile graphic display and the tactile mouse were used to control the GUI. In addition, the screen reading software (Win 95 Reader) was used to receive textual information. The aim of this study is analyze a behavior of the GUI operation by the blind experimentally, and further improve human interface for visually impaired person.Key functional system that was based on the standard PC keyboard was designed to control the tactile devices. This design is necessary to control the tactile devices by the blind users themselves without an assistance of the sighted persons. The tactile mouse controlled by the "Alt" & "Numeric" keys, and the tactile graphic display controlled by the "Ctrl" & "Numeric" keys. This key function is not overlap with the other Windows functions. Furthermore, utility software developed with the USB interface that works under the Windows 2000 operating system.Experiments performed by seven severe visually impaired person. Results are as follows :1. This system utilized in about two hours including about 30 minutes instruction.2. Pattern identification was possible, however, this task was easier by the tactile graphic display than the tactile mouse.3. The cursor control in a visual screen and some pattern search was possible by the two tactile devices.4. Identification of a screen layout was difficult for most participants.Although further research is needed, the concept developed to improve the human interface for the visually impaired people in this study seemed to fulfill from these experiments.