Abstract
To understand geographical positions, globes adapted for tactile learning is needed for people with visual impairments. Therefore, we created three-dimensional (3D) tactile models of the earth for the visually impaired, utilizing the exact topography data obtained by planetary explorations. Additively manufactured 3D models of the earth can impart an exact shape of relief on their spherical surfaces. In this study, we made improvements to existing models to satisfy the requirements of tactile learning. These improvements were the addition of the equator, prime meridian, and two poles to a basis model. Hence, eight types of model were proposed. The equator and the prime meridian were expressed by the belt on four models (i.e., B1, B2, B3, and B4). The height of their belt was pro-vided in four stages. The equator and the prime meridian were expressed by the gutter on four models (i.e., C1, C2, C3, and C4). The width of their gutter was provided in four stages. The north pole was expressed by a cone, while the south pole was expressed by a cylinder. The two poles have a common shape in all of the eight models. Evaluation experiments revealed that the Earth models developed in this study were useful for tactile learning of the visually impaired.
Highlights
The standard globes for the sighted persons have no undulations on their spherical surfaces, and countries and oceans are color-coded on the surface of such globes
The American Printing House for the Blind has produced two types of tactile globes: one is a relief globe (Fig. 1b) with a diameter of approximately 76 cm, and the other one is the tactile and visual globe (Fig. 1c), which is a standard globe covered with a tactile overlay
Teshima et al [12] developed relief globes that were modified from the model used by Nakano and Tanaka [11] to meet the requirement of tactile learning by the visually impaired
Summary
Blind people can recognize various shapes through tactile sensations. For example, a tactile map creation service was offered according to the demands of the visually impaired and their helpers to disseminate the use of tactile maps [1–3]. Nippon Charity Kyokai Foundation made a relief globe (Fig. 2b) with a diameter of about 50 cm, while Sun Kougei Inc. produced a barrier-free globe (Fig. 2c) with a diameter of about 32. We can 3D print a relief globe that reconstructs the exact topography data by using additive manufacturing. To illustrate such an application, Nakano and Tanaka [11] made a relief globe (Fig. 3, S) and the models of the planets in the solar system. Teshima et al [12] developed relief globes that were modified from the model used by Nakano and Tanaka [11] to meet the requirement of tactile learning by the visually impaired. This paper describes in detail both the development of the tactile globe and the evaluation of the level of understanding of the visually impaired
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