Gerhard Weber

Tactile-based direct manipulation in GUIs for blind users

The increasing use of graphical user interfaces is making computer systems more, rather than less difficult to interact with for blind users. One solution is to create interfaces for blind users which are based on auditory and tactile information rather than visual information. The GUIB Project is developing such an interface making use of a number of different information sources: synthetic and digitised speech, non-speech sounds, braille and a touchpad. This video illustrates how the GUIB interface allows users to directly manipulate interface objects using a touchpad and braille display with cursor routing buttons. This gives blind users the same sense of engagement with the interface which sighted users gain from using a mouse.

Using spatial audio for the enhanced presentation of synthesised speech within screen-readers for blind computer users

In order to enhance the presentation of synthesised speech output within GUI-based screen-readers for blind computer users, a spatial audio processing system, based on head-related transfer function processing technology is used to apply virtual acoustic positioning to synthesised speech. The spatial audio processing system and methods for generating spatial auditory displays are introduced. A procedure for the integration and synchronisation of an external speech synthesiser to the system is described. Finally, some prospects for the use of the enhanced speech output facilities of the system are given.

Adapting direct manipulation for blind users

In contrast, for a variety of other languages than English speech synthesizers are not suitable for intensive &y-to-day use. In Europe education and rehabilitation of blind people is focusing on bmille as the standard notation. Originally Braille is based on paper and is being read by moving fingers over lines of text. Braille displays can be used effectively at the work place, as they are based on the principle that every chamcter shown on the screen is also presented in braiIIe by raising several pins.

Gestures as a Means for the Blind to Interact with a Computer

A new input channel in man-computer communication especially for blind computer users is opened. Fingers are used to form gestures on a touch sensitive input device. An implementation in a computer-aided dialogue to recognize gestures is described.

Training blind people in the use of graphical user interfaces

The need for training of blind people to use graphical user interfaces has arisen since the first access systems became available. Two different approaches on the basis of PC-based tutorial systems are described and their benefits for the blind user are investigated.