With the Dot Canvas App, you can now experience images through the sense of touch, including hand-drawn sketches and written text. Dot Canvas is an application created to generate content that can display tactile sensations and Braille on the Dot Pad. The resulting content file includes data for both tactile images, which can be viewed in the Dot Pad's graphic area (300 cells), and Braille, which can be displayed in the text area (20 cells).
Dot Canvas is available in two versions for user accessibility. A mobile application has been designed for visually impaired users, while a PC version is available for helpers. Search for "Dot Canvas" in the App Store to download the mobile application. An Android version will also be released in the future.
Dot Canvas web version is configured to implement tactile graphics using various tools.
Dot Canvas Web is a web-based tool that allows for creating, storing, and sharing digital tactile graphics. It can convert image and text files into tactile graphics and distribute them simultaneously to multiple Dot Pads. Additionally, the Dot Pad can be linked to NVDA and VoiceOver screen readers for those who need screen reading services.
The mobile application was created with accessibility in mind, allowing visually impaired users to create tactile graphics independently. VoiceOver allows you to navigate menus, draw freehand, or use pre-made shapes for simplified drawing. Parents and teachers can create tactile graphics with various drawing tools through Dot Canvas Web for PC. Created content can be saved on the cloud and accessed through the Dot Canvas App.
Dot Canvas Web for PC also features tactile image conversion, transforming uploaded images into tactile graphics. The tool is expected to simplify the creation of tactile images. Users can share or use files shared by others. Once the cloud ecosystem for content sharing is launched, we anticipate having simpler access to more content.
Dot Pad can be connected to other devices through USB or Bluetooth, allowing teachers to connect to multiple devices in a classroom context.
We hope those visually impaired users can independently create and appreciate pictures without assistance in the near future. Our goal is to generate new content to expand the range of tactile graphics available for visually impaired individuals, allowing positive changes to their daily lives and career opportunities.