Optimizing Tactile Map Parameters for Blind Users

描述（由申请人提供）：本研究培训项目的目的是通过心理物理实验，确定由自动化系统（“TMAP”）生成的触觉街道地图的最佳布局参数，以帮助盲人和视障人士。TMAP（触觉地图自动化生产）是由申请人设想的一种为个人提供任何感兴趣区域的低成本，按需触觉地图的方法。它将使用一个网络界面来利用现有的计算机化地图数据库，如美国人口普查局提供的数据库，并以用户指定的任何位置为中心合成本地地图，以便在用户的盲文压花机上立即打印出来（或通过现有的盲文压花服务）。为了使这样的系统有效，需要研究一些布局和呈现参数，以确定最佳的触觉密度、街道线厚度和这类街道地图的标签位置。本项目的目标是进行必要的实验来优化这些参数。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The aim of this research training project is to determine, through psychophysical experiments, optimal layout parameters for tactile street maps to be generated by an automated system ("TMAP") to assist blind and visually impaired travelers. TMAP (Tactile Maps Automated Production) was conceived by the applicant as a means of providing low-cost, on-demand tactile maps of any area of interest to an individual. It would use a web interface to harness existing computerized map databases such as that provided by the US Census Bureau, and synthesize local maps centered on any location specified by the user, for immediate printout on the user's Braille embosser (or by existing Braille embossing services). For such a system to be effective, research is needed into some of the layout and presentation parameters, to determine optimal tactile density, street line thicknesses, and label placement for this type of street map. The goal of the present project will be to conduct the necessary experiments to optimize these parameters.