Audio-enabled graphical user interface for the blind or visually impaired

Author

McKiel, Frank, Jr.

fYear

1992

fDate

1-5 Feb 1992

Firstpage

185

Lastpage

187

Abstract

An audible feedback scheme successfully allows a blind computer user to fully comprehend and utilize a windowed graphical user interface (GUl) in the same manner as a sighted user. The user controls a pointer on the display using a mouse or similar input device. As the pointer passes over windows, controls, and other graphical features, stereo sounds are generated by special software to convey the identity of the features. The sounds, which may combine musical tones, filtered noise, recorded sound effects, and synthesized speech, allow the user to probe and mentally map the graphical environment in a manner similar to using tactile feedback in the physical environment

Keywords

acoustic generators; audio equipment; feedback; graphical user interfaces; handicapped aids; speech synthesis; audible feedback scheme; blind computer user; filtered noise; input device; mouse; musical tones; pointer; recorded sound effects; stereo sounds; synthesized speech; tactile feedback; visually impaired; windowed graphical user interface; Acoustic noise; Auditory displays; Computer displays; Computer interfaces; Feedback; Graphical user interfaces; Mice; Speech enhancement; Speech synthesis; Working environment noise;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Computing Applications to Assist Persons with Disabilities, 1992., Proceedings of the Johns Hopkins National Search for

Conference_Location

Laurel, MD

Print_ISBN

0-8186-2730-1

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/CAAPWD.1992.217372

Filename

217372