A proposal on a haptic learning-science simulator for visually impaired students

This paper proposes a Haptic Learning-Science Simulator (HALS) which provides a possible method of higher education in science and mathematics for visually impaired students. When we understand the physics of a phenomenon, we usually try to visualize a phenomenon with the help of our own mental image formed by visual experiences. Owing to the lack of such experiences, it is quite hard for them to have a mental image, and so they have serious difficulties in learning science. Taking advantage of the haptic device, HALS aims at supplying them with some haptic (virtual) experiences of three-dimensional objects and dynamical phenomena. We first give an idea how to build mathematical models in HALS focussing on visualization of graphs of multivariable functions. Further, we discuss a physical model to be put in HALS which helps visually impaired students to perceive a moving body and to understand its physics.