Automated Production of Tactile Maps for the Blind

We seek to provide innovative methods for producing tactile graphics for the visually impaired.We aim to develop an efficient computer-driven system, "MapUp", to make low-relief mold formoderate-volume reproduction jobs at centralize sits. End users (sighted or assisted) will use existinggraphics-producing software to create images for transmission to the center via floppy or modem. Theimages will be converted by MapUp's software component into command files for mold-makingmachinery. Phase I MapUp routines will: input an image in a popular bitmap format for on-screenviewing; convert it using image processing to a vectorized MapUp-format file; convert the MapUp fileto either PostScript for verification, or to milling machine CNC codes. Using theses routines, samplebitmaps will generate Phase I valuative single-level tactile molds. We will also begin novel multi-levelmodeling and additional Phase II routines. The project also features hardware advances in mold-product-ion media and equipment, involving adaptation of commercial or prototype machinery,, or assembly ofnew equipment from components. Porous materials as a media for thermoform molds will be explored,as will specific mold-making machinery: CNC machines or components, depositional printer emulators,and related rapid-prototypers.