Shigenobu Shimada

Development of directly manipulable tactile graphic system with audio support function

A basic device combining a tactile graphic display function and a touch position sensing function is proposed. The trial device consists of two major components, a tactile graphic display and a force sensor. The force sensor measures a center of gravity generated by touch action on the display surface and a PC estimates the point based on the data. The fundamental function for achieving the interactive communication is to detect the location where user is touching a tangible surface. By applying this functions, the click and scroll function by an empty hand are realized. In addition, an audio-tactile graphic system which can be used mainly to overcome tactile cognitive limitation is implemented as an application of the system. Moreover, the area of tactile display is expanded for the purpose of improvement userability. Following this, we propose the tactile scrollbar where the users can recognize their position of plane space. The validity of the developed tactile graphic system has been confirmed through subjective experiments.

An approach for direct manipulation by tactile modality for blind computer users: development of the second trial production

A basic device combining a tactile display function and a touch position sensing function is proposed. The trial device consists of two major components, a tactile graphic display and a six–axis force/torque sensor. The force sensor measures six dynamic values generated by touch action on the display surface and a PC estimates the touch position based on the data. Since the defects of the first trial production are the weakness of the touch surface, an assembly error, and the measurement error of six–axis force/torque sensor, they are solved in the second trial production. The effect of a contact force on the estimated position are examined respectively by a vertical component and a horizontal component. It is shown from the above experimental results that the second trial production is practically sufficient estimated position accuracy

Development of System for Managing Individual Surgical Instruments by RFID

Among medical errors, surgery provides environments that are particularly vulnerable to malpractice and in which a single case of such malpractice could create a threat to the life of a patient. In this study, with the aim of implementing individual data management of surgical instruments using RFID tag, we developed a RFID tag that can be attached to surgical instruments. On clinical site, in order to implement individual management for surgical instruments, we focused on repeating sterilization characteristics, Durability and contamination tests during washing processes at medical site, impact resistance against falls.

New design for a dynamic tactile graphic system for blind computer users

An interactive tactile graphic display which acts by touch force has been developed as a trial. The trial model showed four usability problems through several usability experiments. Thus we re-designed three operation rules and developed a new image resampling algorithm to solve the problems. As the result, all problems shown in the previous system were solved. Furthermore a strategy of user interface design for interactive tactile graphic displays was shown through the development. In addition, an audio-tactile graphic system which can be used mainly to overcome tactile cognitive limitation was implemented as an application of the system.

Application of metal hydride paper to simple pressure generator for use in soft actuator systems.

Metal hydride (MH) actuators have a simple structure and a number of features that make them attractive for use in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology. The MH actuator provides a high power-to-weight ratio, high-strain actuation, human-compatible softness, and noiseless operation, while being environmentally benign. On the other hand, there remain technical challenges to be overcome to improve the MH actuator regarding its speed of operation and energy efficiency, given the low heat conductivity of the MH powder that is used as the pressure generator for soft actuation. To overcome the issues of low heat conductivity and the handling of MH powder, we developed an MH paper, which is a special paper incorporating MH powder and carbon fiber, for use as a new pressure-generating element for a soft MH actuator system. In addition, the basic properties and structure of the proposed MH paper were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and several thermodynamic experiments. The results of these experiments showed that the hydrogen absorption and desorption rates of the MH paper were significantly higher than those of the MH powder around room temperature.

Development for an interactive communication display for blind computer users

This study is the development of the interface for visually handicapped persons using the knowledge of the robotics field. A basic device combining a tactile graphic display function and a touch position/force direction sensing function is proposed. The trial device consists of two major components, a tactile graphic display and a 6-axis force/torque sensor. The force sensor measures six dynamic values generated by touch action on the display surface and a PC estimates the point based on the data. The fundamental function for achieving the interactive communication is to detect the location where user is touching a tangible surface. By applying this functions, the click and scroll function by an empty hand are realized. In addition, an audio-tactile graphic system which can be used mainly to overcome tactile cognitive limitation is implemented as an application of the system. The validity of the developed tactile graphic system has been confirmed through subjective experiments.

Development of a Measuring System of Contact Force during Braille Reading Using an Optical 6-Axis Force Sensor

A system with an optical 6-axis force sensor was developed to measure contact force during braille reading. In using this system, we encountered two problems. One is a variability of output values depending on the contact point. This was solved by using two transformation techniques. The other is that subjects read braille in a different manner from the usual. We compared two manners of braille reading, one-handed vs two-handed, and found a small reduction in reading speed. Using this system, we collected data from four braille readers and quantitatively showed more minute contact force trajectories than those in earlier studies

Basic Study of Blind Football Play-by-Play System for Visually Impaired Spectators Using Quasi-Zenith Satellites System

A project to develop a blind football play-by-play system was started. The target of the system is visually impaired spectator. To conduct a basic study, we made an experimental system that detects a position of a player using a Quasi-Zenith Satellites System (QZSS) and shows the position via refreshable tactile display. The QZSS allows users to acquire more precise position information than only with GPS around Japan. The study showed that a certain possibility to acquire an arbitrary position data of the player in the field and display it to the tactile display.