Device Makes Electronic Image Files Accessible to the Blind
NIST researchers John Roberts (right) and Oliver Slattery demonstrate a new device designed to allow people who are blind or visually impaired to feel images. The device uses software to convert electronic image files into outlines. An array of more than 3,000 rounded pins then recreates the outline as a raised pattern that can be locked into place and felt to "view" the image. Video describing NIST tactile graphic display. (To view and hear this link, you must have Real Player installed on your system. Download RealPlayer for Windows, Mac, or UNIX.) Audio only file for the visually impaired. (Includes descriptions of video images)
Copyright is owned by the photographer. This photo is available without charge for use in materials that describe NIST programs directly. All other uses require permission from the photographer. For further information or to receive a high resolution version of this image contact: Gail Porter, (301) 975-3392
Information Storage and Integrated Systems Group Convergent Information Systems Division Information Technology Laboratory NIST Image Gallery Created: 10/24/2002 Last updated: 10/27/2003

Device Makes Electronic Image Files
Accessible to the Blind

NIST researchers feel the raised image of the NIST logo on the tactile graphic display.

NIST researchers John Roberts (right) and Oliver Slattery demonstrate a new device designed to allow people who are blind or visually impaired to feel images. The device uses software to convert electronic image files into outlines. An array of more than 3,000 rounded pins then recreates the outline as a raised pattern that can be locked into place and felt to "view" the image.

Video describing NIST tactile graphic display. (To view and hear this link, you must have Real Player installed on your system. Download RealPlayer for Windows, Mac, or UNIX.)
Audio only file for the visually impaired. (Includes descriptions of video images)

Copyright is owned by the photographer. This photo is available without charge for use in materials that describe NIST programs directly. All other uses require permission from the photographer. For further information or to receive a high resolution version of this image contact: Gail Porter, (301) 975-3392

Information Storage and Integrated Systems Group

Convergent Information Systems Division

Information Technology Laboratory

NIST Image Gallery

Created: 10/24/2002
Last updated: 10/27/2003