To Table of Contents it do with it ? How do we communicate this information to the person who needs it ? ‘ We have created haptograms , for conveying messages to the users . A haptogram is basically a haptic pattern that carries a meaning , for example “ happy ” to the user . It does this by using vibro-tactile actuators , which are small electronic devices that vibrate . They can be placed on different parts of the body ,’ explained Olson .
Various prototypes have been developed that integrate the technology into clothing . ‘ This includes a range of vests , as well as a dress to show how the technology can be worn while looking fashionable ,’ said Olson .
There ’ s also a version called “ chairable ” that can be mounted onto the back of an office chair to convey messages to the person seated .
The possibility of smart wearables and soft interfaces that enable people with deafblindness to obtain information about the environment will facilitate independent living . The project even added a Covid-19 feature that allows facial recognition with masks .
New features include the ability to send the same haptic information to multiple people at the same time , whether closeby or across long distances .
‘ This was tested by our colleagues in the Netherlands by sending haptic messages to colleagues in Germany ,’ said Olson . But what ’ s truly unique about the project is its holistic approach that included extensive user and policy studies , network building , technological innovations and gamification for enriched user experience and learning possibilities .
While it ’ s likely to be some time before the benefits of this technological breakthrough are widely experienced , the future prospects are exciting . In the meantime , researchers continue to envision a future where sight can be restored .
Prototype SUITCEYES vest and tactile board © Affective & Cognitive Institute , Offenburg University
The research in this article was funded by the EU . This article was originally published in
Horizon , the EU Research and Innovation magazine . Read the
original article .