ELECTROTACTILE DISPLAY OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS FOR BLIND

描述（来自申请人的摘要）。这项研究将继续 探索向盲人展示图形信息的方法， 指尖扫描的电触觉显示器。越来越多地使用 计算机图形和图像显示器（如Apple Macintosh和 Microsoft Windows环境）对盲人来说是一个主要问题 计算机用户。虽然文本输出可通过语音合成 通过小的可刷新的盲文显示器，这些技术不能呈现 复杂的图像或空间信息，如嵌入在 组织结构图、计算机程序或流程图， 电气、建筑或机械图纸、图片或视觉 艺术品该项目的上一个竞争部分表明， （1）控制，局部触摸感觉可以通过 指尖上的电模拟，以及（2）受试者可以识别 简单的几何图案，通过触觉探索的小矩阵 嵌入在平板中的电极。 拟议的研究旨在 进一步理解和推进这种沟通空间的方法， 信息. 未来可能的应用包括远程机器人和虚拟 现实的手控制器以及感官的主要焦点 康复活动.具体而言，拟议的工作旨在：（1）制定 改进的指尖扫描电极阵列 微制造技术;（2）评估的性能 指尖触觉显示器（并且另外与现有的 腹部电触觉显示器）用于呈现复杂的空间 使用模式识别技术的模式，通过决策- 理论模型;（3）研究和表征两种感知 与电触觉显示器有关的现象：感觉适应和后 通过测量感觉阈值来评估的刺激感受， 跨模态强度匹配;（4）电极配置顺序 最大化空间模式鉴别性能;以及（5）探索 先进的波形控制方法，以提高可控性的 电触觉感受器

Description (From Applicant's Abstract). This research will continue to explore the presentation of graphical, information to blind persons using a finger-tipped scanned electrotactile display. The increasing use of computer graphics and pictorial displays (such as the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows environments) presents a major problem for blind computer users. While text output is available through speech synthesis and by small refreshable Braille displays, these techniques cannot present complex pictorial or spatial information, such as that embedded in organizational charts, computer programs or process flowcharts, electrical, architectural, or mechanical drawings, pictures, or visual artwork. The previous competitive segment of this project demonstrated that (1) controlled, localized touch sensations can be induced via electrical simulation on the fingertips, and (2) subjects can identify simple geometric patterns via haptic exploration of a matrix of small electrodes embedded in a flat plate. The proposed research seeks to further understand and advance this method of communicating spatial information. Possible future applications include telerobotic and virtual reality hand controllers as well as the primary focus of sensory rehabilitation. Specifically, the proposed work aims to: (1) develop improved fingertip-scanned electrode arrays using advance micromanufacturing techniques; (2) evaluate the performance of the fingertip tactile display (and additionally compare with an existing abdominal electrotactile display) for the presentation of complex spatial patterns using pattern discrimination techniques, evaluated by decision- theoretical models; (3) investigate and characterize two perceptual phenomena related to electrotactile displays: sensory adaptation and post- stimulus percept evaluated by measurement of sensory thresholds and also be cross-modality intensity matching; (4) electrode configuration in order to maximize spatial pattern discrimination performance; and (5) explore advanced waveform control methods to enhance the controllability of the electrotactile percept.