Category: accessible Devices
Ok, so I really want one of these.
https://www.handytech.de/en/normal/products/for-blind/gwp/index.html
Graphic Window Professional (GWP)
Access to Graphics for the Blind
The GWP enables the blind user to touch graphical information on the Windows desktop. The graphics are converted into tactile pictures of 24 x 16 tactile pins.
GWP uses image processing methods to extract the most important information.
The tactile graphics vary dynamically in real-time according to the changes on the screen.
Explore the World of Graphics
With the GWP, blind users can touch graphical information on the screen. An observation frame can be moved around the screen using arrow keys. The zoom function enlarges the display up to the most detailed view in which one tactile pin on the tactile display corresponds to a single pixel on the screen.
For better orientation on the Windows desktop, the GWP provides an orientation mode where the position of the tactile matrix is displayed relative to the desktop. Furthermore, it is equipped with an overview mode to display the whole contents of the desktop.
The functions of the GWP can be controlled by 8 user-definable function keys and a shift key. The tactile patterns are displayed by the GWP software on the screen for visual assistance.
Using GWP in the Training Situation
Especially during training, the GWP can be an important tool to teach the concept and layout of Windows. Abstract concepts of Windows such as icons in the toolbar can now be touched. The active window can be emphasized by a blinking border. Even real pictures can be touched with the GWP. With the information density control, the display on the matrix can be adjusted manually. At school, GWP opens up new ways of obtaining more information, for example by displaying function graphs, geometrical figures or boundaries of countries.
Using GWP in the Office
For professionals who need to be able to control the screen layout, GWP introduces new advanced possibilities for the blind user. Now it is possible to touch graphical results such as diagrams, for example progress of stock value or cake slice diagrams. Even for word documents and internet pages, the blind user can check and modify the layout independently.
Graphical information such as the volume control in a record studio can be touched on the tactile display of the GWP.
GWP in Combination with Handy Tech Braille Displays
A Handy Tech Braille display with a GWP is the perfect combination for a professional workplace. Information on the screen can be touched simultaneously in Braille on the Braille display and with tactile graphics on the GWP. For example, when the mouse pointer is located on the printer icon, the GWP shows this icon as tactile graphics and the Braille display shows the word "printer" in Braille. Just as on a Braille display, the cursor position on the tactile display of the GWP is shown as a blinking dot. It is possible to choose between permanent and manual mouse tracking.
The Functions of GWP
· Navigation functions
With the arrow keys it is possible to shift the section of the screen shown on the tactile display. Besides up and down, left and right, is possible to navigate diagonally. The speed and the steps of the shifting movement can be selected via the GWP software.
· Zoom functions
With the zoom keys located directly on the tactile display, it is possible to enlarge or reduce the section of the screen shown on the tactile display of the GWP. The range of zooming the screen section reaches from displaying the whole screen at once, down to the most detailed view of one dot on the tactile display corresponding to exactly one pixel on the screen. The zoom steps can be adjusted with the GWP software.
· Orientation mode
When activated, the orientation mode displays the size and position of the tactile display on the screen by a rectangle of blinking dots. It is then possible to quickly locate the position of the tactile display on the screen.
· Overview mode
When using the overview mode, the whole screen is shown on the tactile display of the GWP. The active window can be highlighted by a frame of blinking tactile dots.
· Adjusting the information density
The information density determines the brightness level of the graphical information displayed on the tactile display, and is automatically determined by the software. When touching graphics with low contrast, it is possible to adjust the information density manually in 6 steps.
· Tracking the positioning
When tracking the positioning of the mouse pointer is active, the GWP tracks the position of the mouse on the screen. If this is also linked to the position of the Braille display, the tactile display of the GWP and the text in Braille on the Braille display are linked together.
· Structure mode
In addition to the graphical information on the screen, Windows system information is also interpreted by the GWP software when using the structure mode. This makes it possible to highlight the active window by blinking dots.
Technical data
· 16 x 24 dots tactile graphical display, matrix of equidistant (3mm) tactile dots
· 2 zoom keys
· Serial port
· 8 function keys
· Shift key
· Runs autonomously for 20 hours
· Quick charging (3 hours)
· Dimensions: 110 x 75 x 210 mm (width x height x length)
· Weight: 1,0 kg
the price seems to be around £5000.
Has anyone used one of these? What for? how good was it? the dimensions seem a bit too small to be of any real use?
Ben.