Exploring Scalable Vector Graphics for Visually Impaired Users

Graphical information is very important in common information publishing. For visually impaired users this information is usually not accessible. Scalable Vector Graphics, a recommendation of the World Wide Web Consortium, describes graphical information in an XML document. We propose a transformation scheme into a tactile representation for this kind of graphics. Navigation modes, filters, and the output of meta information support the exploration of the graphics. Furthermore our software environment can simulate this transformation for all sizes of tactile devices. 1 Motivation Nowadays it is common to have bitmap graphics on web pages. The information presented in images must be accessible to all users. For users with visual disabilities it is necessary to access this information with non-visual devices. Preparing bitmap graphics for visually impaired people in a tactile representation uses techniques like optical character recognition (OCR), because it is not possible to get any me...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: ICCHP
• Authors: Martin Rotard, Kerstin Otte, Thomas Ertl
• Keywords: Human Computer Interaction, ICCHP 2004, Scalable Vector Graphics, Visually Impaired, World Wide Web Consortium