We propose a new approach for converting graphical and pictorial information into tactile patterns that can
be displayed in a static or dynamic tactile device. The key components of the proposed approach are (1) an
algorithm that segments a scene into perceptually uniform segments; (2) a procedure for generating perceptually
distinct tactile patterns; and (3) a mapping of the visual textures of the segments into tactile textures that
convey similar concepts. We used existing digital halftoning and other techniques to generate a wide variety of
tactile textures. We then conducted formal and informal subjective tests with sighted (but visually blocked) and
visually-impaired subjects to determine the ability of human tactile perception to perceive differences among
them. In addition to generating perceptually distinguishable tactile patterns, our goal is to identify significant
dimensions of tactile texture perception, which will make it possible to map different visual attributes into
independent tactile attributes. Our experimental results indicate that it is poosible to generate a number of
perceptually distinguishable tactile patterns, and that different dimensions of tactile texture perception can
indeed be identified.
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