A method to provide printed and tactile surfaces with a programmable touch response facility for triggering responses

摘要

An image (4), such as a tactile map, is made interactive by placing the image on a touch sensor panel (5) such as a projected capacitance touch panel. The touch panel is connected to a control circuit such as a computer which is arranged so as to sense touches on the image and may trigger events as may be programmed into the computer. The system may be reprogrammed and updated, over network links where available, thus providing a rapid and cost effective way to manage changes. A typical use would be a tactile map of the locale, where the playback of audio files provides a visually impaired user with access to information such as local facilities, transport services etc. Where the computer is connected to a network, interactive services such as live transport information may also be provided. Inputs and outputs are provided so as to support the attachment of third party systems designed to support the visually impaired.