This information may be relevant for Braille display users.
Dan

--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 03:05:48 -0400
Subject: Fwd: The ITACI Project
Message-ID: <[log in to unmask]>

From: "Sheila Armstrong" <[log in to unmask]>
>>If you'd like to take part in the survey below, please do so this week
as
>>the results are needed quickly.
>>Thanks
>>Sheila Armstrong
>>
>>ITACI Survey
>>Thank you for finding the time to take part in this survey
>>
>>The ITACTI project will use new technology to replace the existing
>>piezoelectric system to activate pins.  Because of anticipated lower
costs,
>>more screen information can be displayed.  We anticipate an array of 10
to
>>12 lines of a screen page, with the possibility of bolting several
units
>>together.  Touch sensors will be incorporated in the interface.  The
form
>>that such a display would take is being researched and your responses
to
>>this survey form part of that investigation.  The display could be
iconic,
>>Braille or a combination of the two. Such choices would affect the
>>configuration and density of the pin design.
>>
>>Firstly we would like to know how you use a computer and details of
your
>>current speech and Braille access software and hardware.
>>Secondly, what do you find difficult or impossible to access using this
>>technology?
>>Thirdly, if you wish, let your imagination fly and help us envisage the
>>future. How should an interactive tactile interface work?
>>
>>
>>1.  Please supply the following personal information.
>>Name:
>>
>>Organization:
>>
>>Organization function:
>>
>>Contact details:
>>Email:
>>Phone:
>>
>>
>>Please supply the following background technical information about your
use
>>of computers.
>>Computer type and operation system:
>>
>>Screen access hardware and software including technical details such as
>>version if known. Leave detailed use for the later section on specific
>>software:
>>
>>And  a subjective assessment: how well do you feel you know these
access
>>systems?
>>
>>Use of computer - brief description of professional capacity and/or
leisure
>>use including names of main applications used, with some indication of
hours
>>per week.
>>
>>Please supply information on your Braille knowledge and use. If you
read
>>Braille for professional or leisure use, but not for computer access,
>>indicate the reasons.
>>
>>2. Please give  examples of specific  problems  with applications.
Group
>>under application, as below:
>>
>>Name of application:
>>Problem(s):
>>
>>Name of application:
>>Problem(s):
>>
>>Expand this section as appropriate.
>>
>>
>>3. Your comments and ideas:
>>Please do not feel obliged to complete this section. However, you may
have
>>ideas on the following:
>>
>>The array will allowed multiple lines,  how many would be useful? How
should
>>the active focus be indicated?
>>
>>How would you envisage the interactive component?
>>
>>The interactive tactile interface has as its aim to open up existing
>>graphical and internet interfaces to both Braille and non-Braille
users. If
>>you have experience of tactile diagrams or iconic representation, how
would
>>you envisage such an interactive array for non-Braillists?
>>
>>Any other comments you feel are relevant?
>>
>>Please return your questionnaire to:
>>John Bristow
>>RNIB Vocational College
>>Ramoor Rd
>>Loughborough LE11 3RT
>>
>>Email: [log in to unmask]
>>
>>Phone: 01509 611077 Ext 243
>>
>>Fax: 01509 232013
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: John Bristow [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>>Sent: 05 October 2001 15:54
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Subject: The ITACI Project
>>
>>Dear Ms Armstrong
>>Last week I wrote to members of the committee inviting participation in
>>the ITACTI survey (see copy of email below). I wondered if it would be
>>also be possible to approach any  of the BCAB members by phone? I
attach
>>a copy of the survey, and would be pleased to discuss it with BCAB. We
>>have to have the survey results in next week, so it is important I make
>>contact soon!
>>
>>Thanking you in anticipation
>>   John Bristow
>>
>>
>> >  -----Original Message-----
>> > From:         John Bristow
>> > Sent: 28 September 2001 15:52
>> > Subject:      The ITACI Project
>> >
>> > I have taken the liberty of contacting all the BCAB committee
members
>> > since this important project is one that I am sure you as computer
>> > professionals would wish to be made aware of, and I hope that some
>> > will wish to contribute to the survey.
>> >
>> > The ITACTI Project - Interactive Tactile Interface - is a EU funded
>> > project to design and build a tactile array that will enable blind
PC
>> > users to overcome some of the barriers created by the increasing use
>> > of internet and graphical interfaces.
>> >
>> > As part if this initiative the RNIB Vocational College has been
asked
>> > to prepare a design specification for the device. We therefore need
to
>> > identify key tasks that are difficult or impossible for someone
>> > working with non sighted methods such as speech or Braille line
using
>> > standard software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Internet
Explorer,
>> > Excel and Access.
>> >
>> > We would welcome the participation of those who use PCs for both
work
>> > and leisure, as well as visually impaired staff and students, and
>> > sighted trainers.
>> >
>> > If you are willing to participate in the survey, please indicate
your
>> > preferred medium) for the questionnaire - print (with font and size
>> > preferences), Braille, electronic format (such as email attachment,
or
>> > floppy disc) or tape
>> >
>> > Thank you
>> >
>> >   John Bristow

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