Representing Spatial Geographical Data via variations of Volume and Tempo in Sound

The majority of spatial data are represented visually which can lead to an overload of information if too many data are represented. This study explores and evaluates the methods of representing spatial data using sound, with the aim of increasing the amount of spatial data that can be communicated without information overload. This study was performed for an undergraduate BSc Geograph

Using haptics as an alternative to visual map interfaces for public transport information systems

The use of public transport for daily commutes or for journeys within a new city is something most people rely on. To ensure users actively use public transport services the availability and usability of information relevant to the traveler at any given time is very important. In this paper we describe an interaction model for users of public transport. The interaction model is divided into two main components – the web interaction model and the mobile interaction model. The web interface provides real-time bus information using a website. The mobile interaction model provides similar information to the user through visual user interfaces, gesture based querying, and haptic feedback. Improved access to transit services is very dependent on the effectiveness of communicating information to existing and potential passengers. We discuss the importance and benefits of our multi-modal interaction in public transport systems. The importance of the relatively new mode of haptic feedback is also discussed

A multi-modal interface for road planning tasks using vision, haptics and sound

The planning of transportation infrastructure requires analyzing many different types of geo-spatial information in the form of maps. Displaying too many of these maps at the same time can lead to visual clutter or information overload, which results in sub-optimal effectiveness. Multimodal interfaces (MMIs) try to address this visual overload and improve the user\u27s interaction with large amounts of data by combining several sensory modalities. Previous research into MMIs seems to indicate that using multiple sensory modalities leads to more efficient human-computer interactions when used properly. The motivation from this previous work has lead to the creation of this thesis, which describes a novel GIS system for road planning using vision, haptics and sound. The implementation of this virtual environment is discussed, including some of the design decisions used when trying to ascertain how we map visual data to our other senses. A user study was performed to see how this type of system could be utilized, and the results of the study are presented

Assessment of Access Methods for Mobile Maps for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

When people go to a mall, museums, or other such locations they tend to rely on maps to find their way around. However, for people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) maps are not easily accessible and they depend on other means, such as a guide, to get around. Research has only just begun to investigate providing maps for people who are BVI on touch screen devices. Many different types of feedback have been used: audio (sound), tactile (touch), audio-tactile, and multitouch. Some research has been conducted on the benefit of using multiple fingers (multitouch) and has found conflicting results. Yet, no known research has been conducted on the comparison of using audio feedback to that of tactile feedback. In this study, we look to try and answer two questions. 1.) Is audio equal to or better than tactile? As well as: 2.) Does multiple fingers help? Participants were asked to use seven different methods (4 audio, 3 tactile) to explore an overview map and an individual map and answer questions about them. Results showed that overall, audio cues are similar or better than tactile cues which is beneficial since it requires less battery to generate audio cues than tactile cues. It was also shown that the use of multiple fingers was more beneficial in tasks that are spatially demanding. While those who have tactile experience benefited when using two fingers with each finger represented by a different instrument played to separated ears

A conceptual multi-model HCI model for the blind

The ability for blind people to read and write Braille aids literacy development. A good level of literacy enables a person to function well in society in terms of employment, education and daily living. The learning of Braille has traditionally been done with hard copy Braille produced by manual and more recently electronic Braille writers and printers. Curtin University is developing an electronic Braille writer and the research on an interface for Braille keyboard devices, presented in this thesis, forms part of the Curtin University Brailler project.The Design Science approach was the research method chosen for this research because of the flexibility of the approach and because it focuses upon the building of artefacts and theory development. The small sample size meant that both individual interviews and a focus group were employed to gather relevant data from respondents. The literature review covers a variety of areas related to computer interfaces and Braille keyboard devices. A key finding is that the interaction paradigm for Braille keyboard devices needs to differ to interfaces for sighted individuals because of the audio, tactile and serial nature of the information gathering strategies employed by blind people as compared with the visual and spatial information gathering strategies employed by sighted individuals. In terms of usability attributes designed to evaluate the interface consistency was found to be a key factor because of its importance to learning and memory retention.However, two main functions carried out on a computer system are navigating and editing. Thus the model of interface for Braille keyboard devices presented in this thesis focuses upon navigation support and editing support.Feedback was sort from by interviews with individuals and a focus group. Individual interviews were conducted face to face and via the telephone and the focus group was conducted via Skype conference call to enable participants from all over the world to provide feedback on the model.The model was evaluated using usability attributes. Usability was important to the respondents, in particular consistency, learnability, simplicity and ease of use were important. The concept of rich navigation and infinitely definable key maps were understood by respondents and supported. Braille output is essential including the ability to show formatting information in Braille.The limitations of the research included the few respondents to the interviews and the choice to focus upon a theoretical model rather than implementing the model on an actual device. Future research opportunities include implementing the interface concepts from the model on to touch screen devices to aid further development of the interface and implementing the interface on a physical device such as the Curtin University Brailler

Integrating Haptic Feedback into Mobile Location Based Services

Haptics is a feedback technology that takes advantage of the human sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, and/or motions to a haptic-enabled device such as a mobile phone. Historically, human-computer interaction has been visual - text and images on the screen. Haptic feedback can be an important additional method especially in Mobile Location Based Services such as knowledge discovery, pedestrian navigation and notification systems. A knowledge discovery system called the Haptic GeoWand is a low interaction system that allows users to query geo-tagged data around them by using a point-and-scan technique with their mobile device. Haptic Pedestrian is a navigation system for walkers. Four prototypes have been developed classified according to the user’s guidance requirements, the user type (based on spatial skills), and overall system complexity. Haptic Transit is a notification system that provides spatial information to the users of public transport. In all these systems, haptic feedback is used to convey information about location, orientation, density and distance by use of the vibration alarm with varying frequencies and patterns to help understand the physical environment. Trials elicited positive responses from the users who see benefit in being provided with a “heads up” approach to mobile navigation. Results from a memory recall test show that the users of haptic feedback for navigation had better memory recall of the region traversed than the users of landmark images. Haptics integrated into a multi-modal navigation system provides more usable, less distracting but more effective interaction than conventional systems. Enhancements to the current work could include integration of contextual information, detailed large-scale user trials and the exploration of using haptics within confined indoor spaces

Untersuchungen zur Struktur und Funktion taktiler kartographischer Medien und ihren Wechselwirkungen

Es wird heute weltweit versucht, Konzepte für vielfältige taktile kartographische Medien zu entwickeln, die vorrangig der allgemeinen Orientierung und Mobilität, aber auch verstärkt dem Wissenserwerb, z.B. im Geographieunterricht an Schulen für Blinde und Sehbehinderte, dienen sollen. Diese Konzepte müssen von denen der "visuellen Kartographie"1 zwangsläufig mehr oder weniger abweichen und auf weitgehend anderen Methoden, Regeln und Techniken beruhen. Wesentliche und durch die Praxis verifizierte Erkenntnisse der visuellen Kartographie sind der taktilen Kartographie zugänglich zu machen bzw. in/an diese zu adaptieren. Trotzdem dürfen grundlegende Theorien und Erfahrungen der Kartengestaltung und Kartennutzung für Sehende nicht völlig negiert werden