Type of Project: In-house project
Tactile graphic panels for the blind and severely visually impaired

For the research, production and evaluation of graphics for the blind, the development of a special numerically controlled milling and deep-drawing system and the development of software for the direct conversion of written text into Braille is required. The development is intended to produce tactile images that are considerably larger than A3 at low cost. The known regularity that the milling costs increase in the square and higher with the milling surface is to be broken through suitable measures in the hardware and software. Likewise the necessary energy supply is to be clarified with the deep drawing of tactile or separating foils of these sizes. With the realization of this project systematics and requirements of the automation and control engineering are considered. For the use of tactile information boards in public spaces, castable materials are to be selected and combined in such a way that the fine tactile structures can be arranged on thin, impact-resistant, transparent and UV light-resistant sheets. Furthermore, image carriers for sighted people are to be embedded in the tactile foils. By incorporating a touch system, the tactile information transfer is to be supplemented with acoustic information. Investigations with tactile test subjects are to provide information about the image design, size and arrangement. The previous use of tactile graphics exclusively for blind people is to be extended for assessment and therapy in rehabilitation and also used to promote the tactile ability of children in kindergarten.