Medical Devices
Tactile Button Panel for Use with Touch Screens
WARF: P110167US01
Inventors: Gregg Vanderheiden, David Kelso, J. Bern Jordan
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing an EZ ACCESS touch screen system for people with disabilities.
Overview
Touch screen systems have many advantages, including simplification of the user's task and elimination of a separate keyboard. However, touch screen systems present an insurmountable barrier to many people with disabilities.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a touch screen system that attaches a simple button fixture over a portion of the screen. This is important because virtual ‘buttons’ may be difficult to see or manipulate.
The buttons have clear markings that can be felt by a user. When pressed, the buttons contact the touch screen and the task is performed as usual. The button panel may be mounted permanently or fastened.
The buttons have clear markings that can be felt by a user. When pressed, the buttons contact the touch screen and the task is performed as usual. The button panel may be mounted permanently or fastened.
Applications
- Cross-disability access to public information and transaction machines
Key Benefits
- Provides a touch screen that is usable by a larger segment of the population, including the vision impaired and individuals who have trouble reading the text messages
- Does not affect the layout and operation of the touch screen for users who are not disabled
- Assistance is provided such that individuals familiar with the general layout of the screen can move rapidly through the system.
- Can be used on any touch screen, including personal computers, ATMs, information kiosks, cell phones, copy machines and fax machines
Additional Information
Related Technologies
- WARF reference number P95077US provides a touch screen system with audio ridges for the vision impaired.
- WARF reference number P95259US provides additional information and an access screen that allows more general use by people with different disabilities.
- WARF reference number P00268US provides the control panel design for the touch screen system.
- EZ Access® is a trademark of the UW-Madison Trace Center. For more information on EZ Access, including examples of how the technology is used, visit the inventor's website.
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Emily Bauer at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9842