Touchable Windows Interface for the Visually Impaired

描述（由申请人提供）：I在这项工作的第一阶段，Vortant Technologies创造了一种新设备，可以显著提高盲人探索和理解Windows TM计算机显示器上内容的能力。Touchable Window设备使用一个鼠标垫大小的表面，以空间、触觉的形式呈现每个窗口的内容，类似于在屏幕上的视觉呈现。通过触摸，用户可以通过多种方式探索和操作窗口的内容，就像使用鼠标一样。在可用性评估期间，初学者和有经验的用户都超过了第一阶段的学习性能目标。与现有的盲人用户技术相比，教师和学生对Touchable Window界面的热情要高得多。参与者报告说，这使他们能够更好地可视化软件应用程序中的信息组织，并提高了他们与视力正常的人谈论程序的能力。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): I In Phase I of this work, Vortant Technologies created a new device that significantly improves the ability of unsighted individuals to explore and understand what is on a Windows TM computer display. Using a surface about the size of a mouse pad, the Touchable Window device presents the contents of each window in a spatial, tactile format, similar to what is visually presented on the screen. With touch, the user can explore and manipulate the contents of a window, in several ways, much like with a mouse. During the usability evaluation, both beginners and experienced users exceeded the Phase I learning performance goals. Instructors and students showed a significantly higher level of enthusiasm for the Touchable Window interface, as compared to existing technology for blind users. Participants reported that it allowed them to better visualize the organization of information in the software application, and improved their ability to talk about the program with sighted individuals. The overall aim of the proposed Phase II project is to expand on this foundation to create a Touchable Window prototype with the look, feel, and functionality of a real-world product. Ergonomic and functional improvements will be made to the device, and a set of Touchable Window prototypes will be evaluated for usability, including a learning-curve study and a one-month trial.