The Dot Pad, which displays tactile graphics digitally, can be used with Dot's software service called Dot Canvas. Through Dot Canvas, users can easily create, save, and share tactile graphics, enhancing the versatility of the Dot Pad. You can access the Dot Canvas site at this canvas.dotincorp.com through the Chrome browser on a Bluetooth-enabled laptop. You can also search for "Dot Canvas" in the Apple App Store to download and use the app version instead.
During the development stages of Dot Canvas, a significant focus and preparations were made to accommodate visually impaired users. VoiceOver accessibility in the Dot Canvas app and connecting the app with the Dot Pad, and displaying graphics on the Dot Pad.
Continuously improving accessibility while enhancing usability, we have developed features that contribute to both aspects and finally updated the new Dot Canvas app on the Apple App Store.
Shall we look at the notable features added to the new Dot Canvas?
1. Improved Output Speed
The Dot Pad uses 300 cells and 2,400 pins to display tactile graphics and braille. While the functioning of 2,400 pins enables precise graphic representation, there have been instances where users felt a certain delay in displaying the graphics.
In the new Dot Canvas, the app recognizes and outputs the areas where graphics are represented, significantly improving the overall speed of tactile graphic output.
2. Live Mode
What if the picture being drawn by visually impaired users in the Dot Canvas app is automatically displayed on the Dot Pad in real time? In the new Dot Canvas, users can touch and draw the current picture on the Dot Pad in real time.
3. PDF Upload
One advantage of the 300-cell Dot Pad is the ability to display multiple braille lines and tactile graphics on a single screen. With the newly implemented PDF upload feature in Dot Canvas, users can easily convert PDF files into multi-line braille format.
Starting with Dot Canvas, Dot continues to prepare various software services that can be used with the Dot Pad. By digitizing various tactile materials and providing new experiences and value to users, we will continue to great make efforts until visualized information in the digital environment becomes accessible through the Dot Pad.