Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing of Tactile Maps

This dissertation, "Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing of Tactile Maps" by Chi-fung, Chan, 陳智鋒, was obtained from The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong) and is being sold pursuant to Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License. The content of this dissertation has not been altered in any way. We have altered the formatting in order to facilitate the ease of printing and reading of the dissertation. All rights not granted by the above license are retained by the author. Abstract: Abstract of thesis entitled Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing of Tactile Maps submitted by Chan Chi Fung for the degree of Master of Philosophy at The University of Hong Kong in March 2007 Tactile maps are three-dimensional maps that consist of Braille and protruded symbolic patterns. They are used for conveying graphical and spatial information to the visually impaired through the sense of touch. Existing tactile map production methods are craft-skill dependent, expensive and laborious. Moreover, most methods produce paper-based tactile maps which are not ideal for use in outdoor and high temperature conditions. This research addresses these shortcomings and proposes a remedial solution. In this thesis, contemporary tactile map production methods were reviewed. The feasibility of using an embossing method for indenting tactile patterns progressively on copper sheet was studied and tested. The results of the feasibility study led to the proposal of using a progressive embossing approach for reducing the drawbacks of existing tactile map production methods. The proposed approach employs a computer-aided drafting (CAD) system for designing tactile maps and a computer-driven embossing system for indenting tactile patterns progressively on metal or plastic sheet. The designed tactile map CAD data is utilized to control the automatic embossing system to generate the corresponding tactile patterns. The working principle of the suggested approach is similar to that of the well-established CAD/CAM method for performing numerical control machining operations. A prototype of the proposed system was designed and built for concept-proofing. Some typical tactile patterns were produced on copper sheet by using modular embossing tools. The embossed results were compared with the CAD data for verifying the effectiveness of the developed system. Test results demonstrated that the proposed system is capable of producing metallic or plastic tactile maps with consistent quality. The produced metallic tactile maps will be sufficiently durable for repeated use and for higher temperature applications, such as thermoforming master and fire-exit maps. It is anticipated that the recommended method will bring forth significant productivity improvement in the making of tactile maps, thereby benefiting individuals with impaired eyesight. Part of the research work and achieved results has been reported in international conference proceedings. (Word counts of the Abstract = 322) DOI: 10.5353/th_b3789572 Subjects: Maps for the blind Maps for people with visual disabilities CAD/CAM systems