Nano-Biotechnology

Haptic Pen Guides the Hand of Visually Impaired

Phantom Omni teaches the blind how to write

By Gabriel Gache, Science News Editor

5th of April 2008, 10:27 GMT

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For most people writing is second nature, just like walking. However, because most of our actions are directly correlated to vision, both walking and writing can turn into a nightmare while presented with no visual coordination. Visually impaired children may find the task of learning how to write almost impossible, albeit a revolutionary new robotic devices promises to change that.

Introducing the Phantom Omni, a haptic device that teaches visually

impaired children how to write by providing them with a force-feedback. The Phantom Omni robotic pen consists of a stylus mounted on a robotic arm which is able to move and guide the hand of pupils in three dimensions. The device was already tested by Stephen Brewster from the University of Glasgow on eight visually impaired children which were partially sighted and five that were completely blind.

The McSig system uses a teaching technique that involves writing letters on a touch-sensitive computer screen, after which the letter is reproduced in motion with the help of the Phantom Omni device while in the hands of students, thus teaching them how the letter is written. Furthermore, the robotic pen provides acoustic input according to the vertical and horizontal movement of the stylus.

During writing practice, the students can feel the feedback of the stylus if the movement steers too much off course. After the teaching session is over, the pupils can exercise further by writing with pens of Dutch drawing paper - a special plastic film while leaving imprints that can be felt on touch after writing.

Brewster reveals that some students were able to write recognizable letters after only a few minutes of practice, even though they had no previous experience in writing. "Even though we don't write cheques any more, it is surprising how often you are asked to sign and date a form. Besides, there is something quite demeaning about having to ask someone to sign something on your behalf and thereby become a proxy for you. The nice thing about our tool is the teacher can create stencils so the kids can practice any time," said Sile O'Modhrain, Queen's University haptic expert who is herself visually impaired.

TAGS:

vsually impaired | blind | write | Phantom Omni

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