Microcapsule Paper Research Articles

Tactile thematic maps for the territory of Russia: multivariate representation of geographic information

Abstract. Nowadays, when visualization is one of the main channels of communication, maps, geo-images and infographics can help develop the concept of space and expand knowledge about our world. But most spatial data are not available to the visually impaired and need to be converted to a tactile format. Tactile and tiflographic maps are becoming more and more popular because they help overcome information barriers for those who cannot see, making it easier to navigate in everyday life.Blind or visually impaired people need to know more about their immediate environment to navigate in the room, building, city or country. The ability to read and understand a tactile map is not an automatic skill for visually impaired people. The user of the map must be trained to recognize and understand the relief material, symbols in the form of points and lines, use the texture and legend that reveal the information presented on a particular map.The last decade witnessed a great technological leap towards the creation and replication of tactile and tiflographic maps. In addition to such traditional methods of creating relief graphic maps as thermoforming of plastic on the engraved surface and printing on specialized paper, new methods have been added – quickly solidifying varnishes, paper stamping devices and 3D printers. However, the process of drawing up high-quality relief-graphic maps is strongly influenced by the technology of publication. It depends on the tactile distinctiveness and clarity of drawing elements of the map and conventional signs. This has an impact on the choice of tactile variables that can be operated on when mapping. In addition, the selected technology depends on the final price of the final product. In fact, the creators of tactile and tiflographic maps have the choice between a triade: "method of production – material – format edition". These technological moments subsequently influence and determine the scale of the maps, the image methods and the level of generalization. According to some teachers, tactile maps are a special case of relief-graphic materials (tactile graphics) so requirements, content, design, application signatures which are applicable to tactile graphics should also apply to tactile maps. However, for cartographers, tactile and tiflographic maps are a particular area of cartography that uses its own language describing space with a combination of specific rules and regulations.Laboratory of cartography at the Institute of geography RAS has been engaged in the creation of thematic tactile maps at different scale levels and areas for 7 years already. A set of thematic maps for the territory of Russia was created to ensure the educational process in specialized institutions (schools and colleges for the blind and visually impaired). This set of thematic maps consists of the following maps: components of the natural environment, climate, minerals, soil cover and land resources, vegetation. In total, the set includes 34 different thematic maps with a total circulation of more than 700 copies. More than 400 maps have been transferred to specialized agencies and are already being used at geography lessons.All created tactile maps are made at once by 4 methods: micro-capsule paper, stamping, thermoforming, printing on a 3D printer. With the help of 3D printing and embossing technology, each thematic map is made in a single copy, and the maps on microcapsular paper and plastic are made in large quantities.When creating tactile thematic maps for the territory of Russia many factors were taken into the account that are not important in the creation of conventional, traditional maps. In addition to the selection of suitable subjects, scale, projections in the first place the special requirements for the creation of tactile graphics and manufacturing technology were taking into the account primarily, which greatly affect the tactile readability.

Oral hygiene education of special needs children. Part 2: visually impaired children

The purpose of this study was to implement an educational programme for oral hygiene for visually impaired children. It involved 30 children with total blindness aged 7–14 years: 13 boys and 17 girls. For their training, specially designed training materials were made, including magnified gypsum teeth models with and without cavities resembling carious lesions, Braille instructions for oral hygiene and embossed images printed out on special microcapsule paper presenting the sequence of the toothbrushing movements. To facilitate the maintenance of oral hygiene at home, a special CD with children’s favourite music was made, divided into fragments by a bell ring that indicates the time to change the area to be toothbrushed. The music meets the time required to clean all the tooth surfaces for three minutes. The oral hygiene level was assessed using the Greene and Vermillion – Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. The approved one-year oral hygiene educational programme showed a significant improvement in the oral hygiene habits of the visually impaired children. There was a slow improvement in the oral hygiene levels in the first month. The trend continued until the end of the one-year period, the results obtained being statistically significant compared to the baseline. The motivation and education of visually impaired children with Braille instructions and magnified tooth models were essential to improve the oral hygiene status.

Usability Evaluation of Tactile Map Symbols across Three Production Technologies

Introduction Technological advances have introduced three-dimensional (3-D) printing as an option for creating tactile maps for people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision), diversifying the types of map products that are available. At the same time, it presents a challenge to map makers to implement designs across multiple production methods. We evaluated map symbols to determine their discriminability across three different materials: microcapsule paper, 3-D printer plastic, and embossed paper. Methods In a single session lasting less than 90 minutes, participants completed a matching task and provided informal feedback regarding their preferences. We measured speed and accuracy to establish discriminability of map symbols on each of the materials. Eighteen participants were recruited from a referred sample among attendees at the American Council of the Blind annual convention in 2013. Results Response times were significantly different across the three materials (p < 0.001). Without sacrificing accuracy, response times were faster for the 3-D printed graphics than for either the microcapsule paper (p < 0.001) or the embossed paper (p < 0.001). User preference was divided across the three materials. Some people disliked the “sharp” corners of the 3-D printed symbols, while others preferred their “crisp” edges. Discussion Our results demonstrate faster discriminability of a set of tactile symbols produced on a 3-D printer compared to those same symbols printed on microcapsule paper, the material for which the symbols were originally designed. Participant feedback reflected preferences both in favor of and against reading symbols produced on the 3-D printer. Implications for practitioners This article discusses the functional equivalence of tactile symbols produced across multiple production technologies. It addresses two considerations when using 3-D printing to make tactile maps: preparing digital files for printing and the printing work flow. Digital files ready for printing on each of the three materials are available for download (Brittell, Lobben, & Lawrence 2016).

Consistency of a Tactile Pattern Set

Consistency over multiple images is a central requirement in most guidelines for creating tactile graphics. By contrast, tactile consistency over multiple production media for tactile graphics is not very common. In this article, we describe a user-centered approach of developing a tactile fill pattern set to be used for tactile graphics on microcapsule paper, tactile matrix embossers, and dynamic tactile pin-matrix devices. We show the results of our iterative user evaluations with visually impaired and blind-folded sighted participants. Finally, we present a Scalable Vector Graphics pattern set that comprises nine intuitively recognizable and distinctive patterns keeping their meaning and recognizability over the different production media.

The Design of Tactile Thematic Symbols

The study reported here investigated the design and legibility of tactile thematic maps, focusing on symbolization and the comprehension of spatial patterns on the maps. The results indicate that discriminable and effective tactile thematic maps can be produced using classed data with a microcapsule paper production method. The participants demonstrated that they could describe the spatial data patterns that were displayed.

New Technologies of Convex Printing of Maps for the Blind and Weak-sighted People

For the blind and weak-sighted people is very important to be able to move around independently. They use of white sticks, dogs and other aids are useful, but prior knowledge of an area can further aid mobility. Convex (tactile) maps are potentially very helpful in knowing the layout of a city, plans of public transport, the type of terrain to be encountered and so on.In the last few years, two new technologies for convex printing have been developed: microcapsule paper and convex inkjet printing. With these technologies it is easy to produce convex graphics, be they maps, charts, diagrams, graphs or even artworks.

Estimating of Quality Parameters of Convex Copies for the Blind

The development of convex copies has important aspect on education and life of the blind. Convex copies on capsule paper are used in education as maps and as information papers for the blind. Quality and quantify control of image parameters may be come a tool for the evaluation of convex copies. Quantitative and objective quality control of convex prints could help to improve the design and performance of Braille copiers.In the paper we present the attempt and measurements of the parameters (high of the convexity, non-uniformity of the shape of Braille points, diameter of Braille point), influencing the perceived quality of Braille printouts. We also present trial determination of a combined index of the quality of the Braille characters and convex copies of graphics. In order to improve the design of the copying device on microcapsule paper being developed. We intend to apply the index to assess the influence of the parameters of the copying process on the quality of the copies.

Determination of the Combined Index of Quality of Braille Printouts and Convex Copies for the Blind

The development of the convex print on paper implies improvement of the quality of education and quality of life of the blind. This development has also important economical aspect, as the number of manufacturers of Braille writing and copying equipment is increasing. The development of the convex printing techniques enables the increase in the prints' quality specifications. Reliable mechanism of the quality control of convex prints may become a tool for the evaluation of the publications for the blind. Quantitative and objective quality control of convex prints could help to improve the design and performance of Braille printers and copiers. In the paper we present the attempt at measurements of the parameters (high of the convexity, non-uniformity of shape of Braille points, diameter of Braille point), influencing the perceived quality of Braille printouts. We also present trial determination of a combined index of the quality of the Braille characters and convex copies of graphics. We intend to apply the index to assess the influence of the parameters of the copying process on the quality of the copies in order to improve the design of the copying device on microcapsule paper being developed.

Maps on microcapsule paper: the performance of visually impaired children

Tactile diagrams can be produced by several processes, each of which has specific advantages. There has been little previous work to indicate whether microcapsule maps and diagrams are as easy to use as those made by more traditional methods such as the thermoform process. This article describes a study which set out to compare the performance of a group of children using the same maps produced on microcapsule paper and by the thermoform process. The children performed almost equally well with both sets of maps, which indicated that children would not be at a disadvantage when using microcapsule maps and diagrams.

A Comparison Of Two Types Of Tactile Maps For Blind Children

Tactile maps produced on microcapsule paper are a comparatively recent innovation. Previous research has indicated that visually impaired adults find such maps easier to use than the longer established thermoform tactile maps. But previous studies have not considered whether microcapsule maps are also suitable for visually impaired children. Therefore, this experiment compared the effectiveness of thermoform and microcapsule maps designed for children. Three pairs of equivalent thermoform and microcapsule maps were designed, and visually impaired children were timed while they traced a route on the maps. The children performed equally well with both types of maps, and there were no effects for age or for the degree of sight. It was concluded that microcapsule maps can provide a feasible alternative to thermoform maps.

Tactile-map output from geographical information systems: the challenge and its importance

Abstract The incorporation of the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) into a wide range of planning decisions makes it important that the visually handicapped have access to GIS-based map products to participate more fully in community decision making. Fortunately, GIS contain many procedures useful to the design of tactile maps, including changes of scale and simplification. Developing research opportunities are outlined within the context of the general problem. Tactile maps using microcapsule paper can be produced quickly, but they must be tested using visually handicapped subjects to ensure that suitable symbolization and specifications are developed.

TACTUAL MOBILITY MAPS / A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Tactile maps may be produced in a wide variety of ways and the literature is replete with examples and supporting documentation of each particular method's successful use. The objective of the research reported, was to compare the map use performance of representative methods of tactile map production. The four production methods chosen, were Thermoforming, Multi-textural, Letter Press Plate, and Microcapsule paper. A similar set of four maps representing different levels of complexity was prepared by each technique. Each subject worked with one map at each level of map complexity and with examples of each of the map production methods being compared. The questionnaire comprising both locational and route-finding questions was administered individually to each subject and the time taken to solve each question was recorded as the basis for comparing maps. An unstructured interview was also held to explore each subject's 'feelings' about the maps and their map preference. The results of the study show maps on microcapsule paper recording the fastest times (the best performance). This held not only for the subject group as a whole but also for the subsets of total and partial blindness and by sex. Further, most subjects preferred the microcapsule paper map. In contrast, Thermoformed maps recorded the longest times for correct answers and were not reviewed favourably by the subjects.