Talkabel: A Labeling Method for 3D Printed Models

Three-dimensional printed models are important learning tools for blind people. Unlike tactile graphics, there is no standard accessible way to label these models. We present Talkabel, a labeling method that enables blind people to access information in a model by simply tapping tactile markers that can be added almost anywhere on the model. We use a mobile phone that is propped on an attached scaffold to detect and classify the user’s taps and then speak the appropriate label. We evaluated the feasibility of Talkabel with four 3D printed models, and our results showed that Talkabel could be implemented quickly and maintained a high accuracy with different models. We conclude with future work. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces - Input devices and strategies. Keywords Labels, acoustic sensing, 3D models, visual impairments Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom u...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2015
• Where: ASSETS
• Authors: Lei Shi
• Keywords: ASSETS 2015, Emerging Technology