Production Method of Readable Tactile Map With Vocal Guidance Function for the Visually Impaired

Abstract

Braille/tactile maps are one of the most traditional tools that guarantee information accessibility for children and people with visual impairment. Silk screen printing method, which is employed as one of the traditional production methods of producing Braille/tactile maps, are becoming more and more popular. However, the printing quality requires further improvements. On the other hand, when using a tactile map, it is not easy for visually impaired persons to acquire spatial information based on only tactile sense. Therefore, a convenient technology that allows the acquisition of tactile map information with voice in addition to tactile sense is desired. Thus, in this chapter, an original production method of tactile maps for public facilities that has high readability and voice technology to guarantee information accessibility is introduced. And a production method for tactile maps of public facilities with vocal guidance function to improve the readability of Braille/tactile map is mentioned based on a trial example.