[{"id":694,"date":"2020-12-12T01:12:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T01:12:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=694"},"modified":"2020-12-16T20:01:18","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T20:01:18","slug":"access-algorithms-for-dynamic-interaction-with-tactile-graphics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/access-algorithms-for-dynamic-interaction-with-tactile-graphics\/","title":{"rendered":"Access Algorithms for Dynamic Interaction with Tactile Graphics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Previous projects:<\/em>
Software Algorithms to Facilitate Graphic Exploration: Zooming and Simplification (R. Rastogi)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rastogi, R., Pawluk, D.T.V., Ketchum, J. (2013). Intuitive Tactile Zooming for Graphics Access by Individuals who are Blind and Visually Impaired. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 21 (4).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rastogi, R. and Pawluk, D. (2013). Tactile Diagram Simplification on Refreshable Displays. Assistive Technology, 25 (1),31-8.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous projects:Software Algorithms to Facilitate Graphic Exploration: Zooming and Simplification (R. Rastogi) Rastogi, R., Pawluk, D.T.V., Ketchum, J. (2013). Intuitive Tactile Zooming for Graphics Access by Individuals who are Blind and Visually Impaired. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 21 (4). Rastogi, R. and Pawluk, D. (2013). Tactile Diagram Simplification on Refreshable Displays. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-694","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=694"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/694\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":687,"date":"2020-12-12T01:06:38","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T01:06:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=687"},"modified":"2020-12-16T18:31:03","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T18:31:03","slug":"nonvisual-graphics-representation-methods","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/nonvisual-graphics-representation-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Nonvisual Graphics Representation Formats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Comparison of Audio, Tactile and mixed Audio-tactile Representations of Maps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently completed project:<\/em>
Exploration of Multi-fingered Access to 2D Spatial Information (D. Parker)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project was motivated by previous work in our laboratory that provided conflicting results as to whether the use of multiple exploring fingers on vibrotactile maps (with cues provided individually to each finger) could improve performance. This project investigated this question in more detail for different types of navigational maps and for different types of questions (some more spatially involved than others). However, as vibration feedback also consumes a lot of battery power (which presents an issue for portable maps), we also were interested in investigating whether sonified cues would work as effectively as tactile cues.  We also look at whether perceptual principles of audio stream segregation can be used to effectively relay information about two exploring fingers.  Results suggest that users who are blind or visually impaired perform better and prefer the use of sonified cues. Results also suggest that the use of multiple fingers increases performance, although this is more clear for tactile than for sonified cues.  This work is currently being written up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current project:<\/em>
Exploration of Non-visual Maps with A Priori Narrative Summary (H. Nathi, M. Pham, collaboration with N. Giudice, Univ. Maine )<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project was motivated by recent work in our laboratory looking at different methods using one or more exploring finger to understand non-visual maps. In that project, when we had participants who were blind or visually impaired answer questions about the maps we presented them with, we found that they were only able to answer at about a 70% correct level. This suggested to us that the method of presentation was limited. However, as the use of portable, virtual audio-tactile methods have many advantages over physical tactile maps, we are exploring ways to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired better understand the virtual maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

================================================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Representing Perspective in Tactile Diagrams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Completed Project:<\/em>
Improving the Representation of Perspective in Tactile Diagrams (A.M. Ngyuen)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perspective is very difficult for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to interpret in tactile diagrams as it requires the information in a perspective diagram to be interpreted globally to determine which lines are perspective lines and which lines indicate shape. This project involved the development of local cues that could be added to a perspective diagram so that 3D information about a location in the diagram can be determined upon immediate contact. This was performed by varying the thickness of the lines\/edges in a tactile diagram as a function of depth away from the viewer. We found that blind or visually impaired participants performed better using our new method that included local cues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness of Using Local Cues to Indicate Perspective in Tactile Diagrams for People with Visual Impairments<\/strong>
Nguyen, A.M., Ferro, T.J., Pawluk, D.T.V. (2018)
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, JVIB
Paper (PDF)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

================================================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Importance of Texture in Tactile Diagrams<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous projects:<\/em>
The Use of Virtual Textures and Multiple Fingers to Enhance the Understanding of Tactile Diagrams<\/strong> (D. Burch)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using multiple contacts with texture-enhanced graphics<\/strong><\/a>
Burch, D., Pawluk, D. (2011)
World Haptics Conference (WHC), 2011 IEEE.
Paper (PDF\/HTML)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Perception of Virtual Textures Through a Haptic Multi-pin Display Device<\/strong> (P. Headley)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roughness perception of textures on a haptic matrix display<\/strong><\/a>
Headley, P.C., Pawluk, D.T.V. (2011)
World Haptics Conference (WHC), 2011 IEEE.
Paper (PDF\/HTML)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1. Comparison of Audio, Tactile and mixed Audio-tactile Representations of Maps Recently completed project:Exploration of Multi-fingered Access to 2D Spatial Information (D. Parker) Overview This project was motivated by previous work in our laboratory that provided conflicting results as to whether the use of multiple exploring fingers on vibrotactile maps (with cues provided individually to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-687","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=687"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/687\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":682,"date":"2020-12-12T01:00:04","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T01:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=682"},"modified":"2020-12-16T19:30:25","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T19:30:25","slug":"tactile-haptic-computer-interaction-devices-for-the-blind","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/tactile-haptic-computer-interaction-devices-for-the-blind\/","title":{"rendered":"Tactile\/Haptic Computer Interaction Devices For the Blind"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Current project:<\/em>
Desktop Co-robotic Assistant for Information Access for Individuals Who Are Blind (S. Gill)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview picture<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current access to electronic content is limited to screen readers or Braille displays, which provide primarily sequential access to text only. This is particularly limiting given the dominance of graphical diagrams to convey information. Being able to skim a page for words relevant to the task at hand, is also important for equivalent effective access to text as sighted users. In addition, current access to create electronic content for individuals who are BVI is through keypad entry, whether using print character or Braille character entry. However, unlike users with vision, a user who is BVI is not able to simultaneously enter data and view the result. Finally, being able to show or be shown by others particular aspects of the content, whether by pointing or other physical means, is an important component when working collaboratively, teaching or being taught. The main goal of this grant is to provide a coherent haptic system that provides effective input and output of graphics and Braille on a full page through the same hand posture on the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous projects:<\/em>
The Use of Virtual Textures and Multiple Fingers to Enhance the Understanding of Tactile Diagrams<\/strong> (D. Burch)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burch, D. and Pawluk, D. (2011). Using Multiple Contacts with Texture-enhanced Graphics. 2011 IEEE World Haptics Conference.<\/a>

The Perception of Virtual Textures Through a Haptic Multi-pin Display Device<\/strong> (P. Headley)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headley, P.C. and Pawluk, D.T.V. (2011). Roughness Perception of Textures on a Haptic Matrix Display. 2011 IEEE World Haptics Conference.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Displaying Braille Labels with Graphics with a Tactile Mouse <\/strong>(V. Hribar, L. Deal)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hribar, V., Deal, L. and Pawluk, D. (2012). Displaying Braille and Graphics with a Tactile Mouse. ACM Assets 2021, 351-352.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Current project:Desktop Co-robotic Assistant for Information Access for Individuals Who Are Blind (S. Gill) Overview picture Current access to electronic content is limited to screen readers or Braille displays, which provide primarily sequential access to text only. This is particularly limiting given the dominance of graphical diagrams to convey information. Being able to skim a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-682","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=682"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/682\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":666,"date":"2020-12-12T00:19:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T00:19:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=666"},"modified":"2020-12-12T00:50:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-12T00:50:53","slug":"automated-visual-to-tactile-graphics-conversion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/automated-visual-to-tactile-graphics-conversion\/","title":{"rendered":"Automated Visual to Tactile Graphics Conversion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although presenting graphical information in terms of tactile diagrams is one alternative that has been proven useful, creating these diagrams remains a complex art that usually requires participation of a trained human. This is because to be effective tactile diagrams must be simplified; otherwise, they may be impossible to understand. Automating this process will have advantages in terms of cost, in terms of providing diagrams in a timely fashion (or even providing them at all), and in terms of independence for the intended users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently completed project:<\/em>
Automatic Simplification Methods: Conversion from Visual to Tactile Presentation for Diagrams and Photographs<\/a> (T. Ferro)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Dissertation: Download<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Papers, Abstracts and Posters:
Segmentation and Simplification of Images for Tactile Diagrams<\/strong> Ferro, T.and Pawluk, D. (2018) IEEE EMBC 2018, Honolulu, Hawaii. <\/em> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More coming soon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Although presenting graphical information in terms of tactile diagrams is one alternative that has been proven useful, creating these diagrams remains a complex art that usually requires participation of a trained human. This is because to be effective tactile diagrams must be simplified; otherwise, they may be impossible to understand. Automating this process will have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-666","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/666","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=666"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/666\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":654,"date":"2020-12-11T23:52:37","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T23:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=654"},"modified":"2020-12-11T23:59:50","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T23:59:50","slug":"effective-exploration-of-functional-spaces-for-bvis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/effective-exploration-of-functional-spaces-for-bvis\/","title":{"rendered":"Effective Exploration of Functional Spaces for BVIs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"logo\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Funding:<\/em>
NIH NEI SBIR (previous funding with Barron Associates)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous project:<\/em>
Multi-modal Application for the Perception of Spaces (NIH SBIR Awarded R. Adams, Barron Associates, D. Pawluk sub-contract)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MAPS refreshable map display for functional spaces (indoor and outdoor) supports independence of function for individuals who are blind or visually impaired by providing on-the-go information about the space when and where needed. The system will be designed is compatible with the new interior maps feature on Google Maps for Android, thus providing access to a rapidly growing database of publicly available data. Performance was assessed using a survey knowledge task in which participants were exposed to three different cue combinations: audio only, audio with haptic cues provided by the tablet\u2019s built-in vibrational motor (built-in tactile), and audio with haptic feedback provided by special vibrating rings worn on two fingers (stereo-tactile). Of the three conditions, the combination of audio and built-in tactile feedback resulted in superior user performance in judging the relative direction to points of interest. Results indicate that the audio-tactile display improves survey knowledge both when used for a priori (pre-visit) map learning and on-the-go (within the environment) to provide just-in-time information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multimodal Application for the Perception of Spaces (MAPS).<\/strong>
\nAdams, R., Pawluk, D., Fields, M. and Clingman, R. (2015).
\nhttps:\/\/dl.acm.org\/doi\/pdf\/10.1145\/2700648.2811386?accessTab=true<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Funding:NIH NEI SBIR (previous funding with Barron Associates) Previous project:Multi-modal Application for the Perception of Spaces (NIH SBIR Awarded R. Adams, Barron Associates, D. Pawluk sub-contract) The MAPS refreshable map display for functional spaces (indoor and outdoor) supports independence of function for individuals who are blind or visually impaired by providing on-the-go information about the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-654","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=654"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/654\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":648,"date":"2020-12-11T23:42:43","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T23:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=648"},"modified":"2020-12-11T23:44:47","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T23:44:47","slug":"equivalent-print-access-for-bvis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/equivalent-print-access-for-bvis\/","title":{"rendered":"Equivalent Print Access for BVIs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Current Project:<\/em>
Full page electronic text reading (W. Gourley)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Print access project<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal of this project is to provide assistive technology for individuals who are blind or visually impaired that achieves the full equivalent of sighted text access (which includes the ability to skim, scan and search text while retaining the surrounding context), in contrast to the primarily word by word access that is currently available. Equivalent access to those that are sighted is essential for the timely completion of educational and work tasks to enable individuals who are blind or visually impaired to be competitive to their peers and reach their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The approach focuses on text to speech as many individuals who are blind or visually impaired do not know Braille. The approach allows the user to control the location of the words read in a virtual page and the rate of speech by movement of their fingers over a tactile overlay indicating the lines of text. Users are able to change speed, backtrack or jump to a new area of the text intuitively with their fingers. This method also, as with Braille, ensure active learning as the text is only read when a user moves their finger to read (in contrast to screen readers).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Current Project:Full page electronic text reading (W. Gourley) Print access project The goal of this project is to provide assistive technology for individuals who are blind or visually impaired that achieves the full equivalent of sighted text access (which includes the ability to skim, scan and search text while retaining the surrounding context), in contrast to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-648","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/648\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":633,"date":"2020-12-11T22:57:13","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T22:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=633"},"modified":"2020-12-11T23:00:32","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T23:00:32","slug":"low-cost-tactile-crayons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/low-cost-tactile-crayons\/","title":{"rendered":"Low-cost Tactile Crayons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Completed Project:<\/em>
The Development and Assessment of Crayons Producing Textured Lines (S. Kandalam, T. Ferro)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sighted children, the use of crayons plays an important role in childhood development, aiding a variety of development goals. Their low cost and bright colors allow sighted children to be engaged and develop skills through incidental learning. Drawing products for blind and visually impaired children are more costly and less easy to obtain. This project focused on the development of a set of low cost textures that could produce different types of textured lines and areas on standard paper. The developed crayons consist of a combination of different waxes and additives; particle suspensions were not used due to the difficulty in ensuring uniform suspension and consistent deposition on paper. We found that blind or visually impaired participants were able to identify the textured output on paper of the four main tactile crayon types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Development and Assessment of Crayons Producing Textured Lines<\/strong>
Kandalam, S., Ferro, T., Pawluk, D. (2019)
Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
Paper (PDF)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Completed Project:The Development and Assessment of Crayons Producing Textured Lines (S. Kandalam, T. Ferro) For sighted children, the use of crayons plays an important role in childhood development, aiding a variety of development goals. Their low cost and bright colors allow sighted children to be engaged and develop skills through incidental learning. Drawing products for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-633","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=633"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/633\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":619,"date":"2020-12-11T22:31:33","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T22:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=619"},"modified":"2023-10-25T19:34:45","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T19:34:45","slug":"tscratch","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/tscratch\/","title":{"rendered":"Tangible Environment for SCRATCH"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Current Project:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tangible Programming Environment for Scratch; B. Goolsby PhD student, H.W. Kim, PhD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Overview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible diagrams<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funding: <\/em>\"National
NSF DRL <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main goal of this prior work was to develop a nonvisual interface for the Scratch programming language in order to enable BVI students to learn Scratch programming independently alongside their sighted peers. A critical component of the approach was to translate key aspects of Scratch that increased engagement and lowered hurdles to programming for sighted students to the haptic domain, which is accessible by all BVI students. To do so, it was necessary to consider the significant differences between how haptics and vision process information to avoid adding new barriers due to these differences. Visual design techniques for low vision were also used in tandem to ensure access for BVIs who may still use their residual vision, as well as sighted students. Components of the system were developed with stakeholder feedback, including two full design iterations for the main components of the system with objective user testing involving BVIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

     A pilot test involving BVI middle school and high school students using the complete system was performed through multiple offerings of a 2-day camp for BVI students at VCU. Each camp simulated a classroom setting with 1-2 BVI students. A hands-on learning curriculum, consisting of lecture notes, accessible multi-media support materials and accessible quizzes, was created for this purpose. A subset of the Scratch code blocks were used, including most of the blocks from the Motion and Control categories, as well as some code blocks from the Events, Operators and Sensing categories. Audio-visual data of student behavior, as well as an exit survey, was collected and analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods. Participating BVI students did use the system as expected and were enthusiastic about the camp. Improvements for subsequent design iterations were noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Publications for this work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACM CHI 2021 Conference<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistive Technology, https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/10400435.2023.2213733<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensors, https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1424-8220\/23\/11\/5159<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Current Project: Tangible Programming Environment for Scratch; B. Goolsby PhD student, H.W. Kim, PhD) Project Overview Accessible diagrams Funding: NSF DRL The main goal of this prior work was to develop a nonvisual interface for the Scratch programming language in order to enable BVI students to learn Scratch programming independently alongside their sighted peers. A […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-619","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/619\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":577,"date":"2020-02-14T22:28:33","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T22:28:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=577"},"modified":"2020-02-14T22:45:19","modified_gmt":"2020-02-14T22:45:19","slug":"hand-prostheses-control-and-tactile-feedback","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/hand-prostheses-control-and-tactile-feedback\/","title":{"rendered":"Hand Prostheses: Control and Tactile Feedback"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Current Project:<\/em>
The Use of Different Control Algorithms and Tactile Feedback for Dexterous Manipulation (Collaboration with P. Pidcoe, Physical Therapy, VCU; C. Aymonin)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those with unilateral upper-limb loss, clinical focus is on training the use of a prosthesis for helping the healthy hand with tasks that are difficult or impossible to do with a single hand. In many of these bimanual tasks, the healthy hand is responsible for the dexterous manipulation, while the prosthetic hand is needed to primarily stabilize the object of interest or assist in less dexterous ways. We are investigating the use of co-contraction of the fingers and thumb to stabilize and assist in the manipulation of compliant objects that are common in many bimanual activities of daily living (ADLs). The prosthetic utilizes a Switching Position-Impedance controller that allows the user to control the aperture of the prosthetic using EMG signals, while the device modulates the impedance based on sensed compliance characteristics of the object of interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently Completed Project:<\/em>
The Effect of Tactile Feedback on Task Performance (M. Standard)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its becoming increasingly common to introduce tactile feedback into tasks in order to avoid overloading the human operator’s auditory or visual sense with extra information. For astronauts wearing spacesuits, their dexterity and tactile sense are greatly impaired and can be harmed in the form of fingernail delamination from unknowingly exceeding the necessary grip force when handling tools or may unknowingly let tools slip out of their hands. The tactile sense can also be used as a means to relay important and\/or urgent information about their environments such as high temperatures or electrostatic fields that may compromise equipment or the suit itself. Through the use of sensors on the outside of the gloves and actuators on the inside of the gloves, the spacesuit can be augmented with a tactile prosthesis to overcome these problems currently facing astronauts. This project aims to determine the most effective vibrotactile signals to provide the human operator in order to increase task performance by reducing errors, increasing reaction time and reducing mental workload.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Current Project:The Use of Different Control Algorithms and Tactile Feedback for Dexterous Manipulation (Collaboration with P. Pidcoe, Physical Therapy, VCU; C. Aymonin) Overview For those with unilateral upper-limb loss, clinical focus is on training the use of a prosthesis for helping the healthy hand with tasks that are difficult or impossible to do with a single […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-577","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/577","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=577"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/577\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":573,"date":"2020-02-14T22:25:58","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T22:25:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/?page_id=573"},"modified":"2020-12-11T22:28:46","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T22:28:46","slug":"haptic-information-processing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/haptic-information-processing\/","title":{"rendered":"Haptic Information Processing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mid-level Haptic Processing in Humans
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"footer_banner_en\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Funding:<\/em>
NSERC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous project:<\/em>
Haptic Figure-Ground Organization (Collaboration with R. Kitada and S. Lederman)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mid-level Haptic Processing in Humans Funding: NSERC Previous project:Haptic Figure-Ground Organization (Collaboration with R. Kitada and S. Lederman)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":974,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-573","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/573\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/dtpawluk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]