Sound-graphs: a numerical data analysis method for the blind

Conference · Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6115782

Mansur, D L; Blattner, M M; Joy, K I

A system for the creation of computer generated sound patterns of two dimensional line graphs is described. The objectives of the system are to provide the blind with a means of understanding line graphs in the holistic manner used by those with sight. A continuously-varying pitch is used to represent motion in the x-direction. To test the feasibility of using sound to represent graphs, a prototype system was developed and human factors experiments were performed. Fourteen subjects were used to compare the tactile-graph methods normally used by the blind, to these new sound-graphs. It was discovered that mathematical concepts such as symmetry, monotonicity and the slopes of lines could be determined quickly using sound. Even better performance may be expected with additional training. The flexibility, speed, cost effectiveness and greater measure of independence provided the blind or sight-impaired using these methods was demonstrated.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6115782
• Report Number(s): UCRL-91253; CONF-850131-2; ON: DE85003146
• Resource Relation: Conference: International conference on systems science, Honolulu, HI, USA, 1 Jan 1985; Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
GRAPHS
COMPUTER OUTPUT DEVICES
AUDITORY ORGANS
DATA PROCESSING
HANDICAPPED PEOPLE
SOUND WAVES
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
BODY
HUMAN POPULATIONS
MINORITY GROUPS
ORGANS
POPULATIONS
PROCESSING
SENSE ORGANS
990200* - Mathematics & Computers