Recordings from the pre-conference

Can you imagine the internet without pictures? All of our knowledge is on the internet today. A huge majority of that is in a form of pictures, maps, charts and graphs. The problem is that blind people have limited access to them. With Feelif technology the blind can feel and recognize digital graphic content on the standard touchscreen.

Based on revolutionary Tactuator™ technology from Orbit Research, the Graphiti® represents a breakthrough in non-visual access to graphical information such as charts, drawings, flowcharts, floorplans, images and photographs, through an array of moving pins. The most unique feature of the technology is the ability to set each pin to different heights, which enables the display of topographical maps and other graphical elements such as shades and color represented as varying heights of pins that can be readily sensed by the user’s fingers.

Connectable to computers, tablets, smartphones, or the Orion TI-84 Plus Talking Graphing Calculator via a USB port or Bluetooth, its open API allows developers to create apps on any platform to work with the Graphiti. Additionally, an HDMI port allows connection to any device with a video display output, making Graphiti an external tactile display monitor. This enables any device to connect seamlessly to Graphiti. The unit also includes a cursor pad for navigation, and an SD-card slot and USB port to load files for reading and editing in a standalone mode.

Taking electronic braille to a different level of functionality for reading displays, redefining existing technology in order to keep Braille relevant for the next generation.

The HT Instructor is an App on a tablet computer through which a teacher can better support his students using a Braille display in the classroom situation. For this purpose, HT Instructor converts the information displayed on up to 4 Braille displays of students in real time on the tablet computer. With the Braille display of the teachers it is possible to observe individual students and their reading position in real time.

Round Table Discussion.
Welcome to a talk about future directions on technology and tactile reading, mainstream technology and impact, possibilities and threats.