IMPLEMENTATION OF CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSORS ON ARTWORKS FOR AUGUMENTATION OF USER EXPERIENCE OF BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED USERS

Abstract

This research presents the results of the study in which the artworks are exhibited to blind and visually impaired persons and an automatic verbal tour guide with capacitive sensors is implemented. The aim of the research is the development of a prototype for audio interpretation of 3D printed artworks for enhancement of the experience of blind and visually impaired persons. The proposed solution enable the blind and visually impaired persons to touch and hear information when accessing the 3D printed object, i.e. after the approatching of the 3D object and the user’s touch there is a programmed synchronised turn on of the voice explanining the set of information about the object. For each touched form (shape) of the artwork the blind and visually impaired person has a complete insight in relation with other shapes in the vicinity, and consequently the user is able to experience the whole artwork, to comprehend what it is all about, which artistic movements or age it belongs to, the handwriting of artist, and in the context of experiencing the exhibition place, the concept of the exhibition, etc. In front of each artwork there is a plate in Braille alphabet with the name of the artist, year of its creation, used technique, and the name of the gallery. Further, in the results the technology of the sensors is presented, their composition and the implementation in 3D printed objects is explained and based on a usability testing advantages and disadvantages of the presented application of capacitive sensors are critically discussed.