Assistive Multimodal Interfaces for Improving Web Accessibility
iFeelPixel association
For your information. The appended paper about Multimodal Interfaces
and iFeelPixel software is appeared on the web.
Best regards,
iFeelPixel Association
Interactive Accessibility via Tactile Sense technology
http://www.ifeelpixel.com
"Assistive Multimodal Interfaces for Improving Web Accessibility"
ABSTRACT:
Multimodal interfaces have been used in helping blind and
partially sighted people to access visualization tools such as
graphs and numerical tables. However, few studies have
been undertaken to improve Web access and navigation
using a multimodal approach. This paper describes a novel
approach that addresses this Web accessibility issue by
using an assistive tool which consists of a multimodal
interface and a content-aware Web browser plug-in. A force
feedback mouse and a real-time audio rendering tool form
the basis of the multimodal interface. The Web plug-in
constantly monitors the mouse position on-screen as well as
detecting the objects in the vicinity. As a result, haptic and
audio feedback are provided to inform users when they are
close to an image or hyperlink. The multimodal interface
and the Web plug-in are described in the paper. Results
from a pilot study on the usability of this system are also
presented.
EXTRACT:
Research has shown that advantage can be gained when the haptic
modality is used in conjunction with the visual and auditory
channels [2, 15]. The IFeelPixel multimodal application [4]
enables the user to mediate structures such as edges, lines
and textures, depending on features of the pixels detected
by the device. Both tactile and auditory feedback are
experienced, as a result. Multimodal solutions have the
capacity to extend visual displays making objects more
realistic, useful and engaging [2].
IFeelPixel: Haptics & Sonification.
http://www.ifeelpixel.com/faq/#whatitwill.
Multimodal interfaces also provide assistance in the mental
mapping process, allowing the user to develop a greater
awareness of objects contained within the environment. A
clearer spatial representation created by multimodal
feedback, enhances the user's ability to orientate and
navigate within their environment [3, 5]. It seems apparent
that a multimodal assistive interface may provide a solution
to reducing barriers that are currently faced by the visuallyimpaired
community.
It is intended that this will promote a sense of
orientation within a page for the visually-impaired user.
Author Keywords:
Haptic & audio interfaces, assistive technology, Web plugin,
accessibility, navigation.
ACM Classification Keywords
H.5.2 User Interfaces: auditory feedback & haptic I/O;
H.5.4 Hypertext/Hypermedia: navigation
Read more from Source URL:
http://www.sarc.qub.ac.uk/eduserv/documents/chihaptics2005.pdf