Tactile graphic-based interactive overlay assembly and computer system for the visually impaired

In a system a having a host computer and a pressure sensitive work pad operatively connected to the host computer and a tactile overlay in the form of a sheet for placement over an upper surface of the work pad, the computer having a data processor and a drive for running the interactive software applications, the work pad having X and Y pressure sensitive members disposed in a grid array for providing unique location output signals corresponding to each different location on the grid array, a method of identifying one overlay from another overlay comprising the steps of:

• storing in a memory of the host computer a unique identifying code for each overlay;
• providing an identification region on the overlay;
• forming a plurality of identification members within the identification region according to a unique pattern and at fixed locations on a surface of the overlay within the identification region, each identification member having associated X and Y coordinates on the grid array where the relative positions of the identification members uniquely identify the overlay;
• disposing the overlay over the upper surface of the work pad;
• applying force to each of the identification members causing output signals to be generated by the work pad, the output signals being communicated to a data processor of the host computer, the output signals defining the unique identifying code;
• and comparing the received unique identifying code to identifying codes stored in memory and if a match is achieved, the host computer indicating that the overlay has been identified.

A computer-based system permitting a visually impaired user to interact with tactile graphic-based interactive software applications, the system comprising:

• a host computer
• having a data processor and a drive for running the interactive software applications;
• a pressure sensitive work pad having X and Y pressure sensitive members disposed in a grid array for providing unique location output signals corresponding to each different location on the grid array, the work pad being operatively connected to the host computer, and an overlay comprising a sheet for placement over an upper surface of the work pad, the overlay having a work space which bears tactile indicia which corresponds to a selected one of the interactive software applications, the overlay including a tactile graphical user interface (TGUI) formed thereon, the TGUI having a plurality of tactile control members, each tactile control member having associated X and Y coordinates on the grid array, the application of force to the respective tactile control member causing a corresponding location output signal to be generated and communicated to the host computer which processes the corresponding location output signal as a control signal which directs the performance of an operation, wherein the work space and TGUI occupy different regions of the overlay, wherein the overlay has a tactile identification region that is a section of the overlay, with a plurality of tactile identification members being fixed on a surface of the overlay within the identification region at select X and Y coordinates, the relative position of the tactile identification members within the identification region providing an identification pattern that uniquely identifies the overlay, wherein the identification members are located outside of a work space that contains raised indicia formed on the overlay surface that is unique to a specific overlay.

A computer-based system permitting a visually impaired user to interact with tactile graphic-based interactive software applications, the system comprising:

• a host computer having a data processor and a drive for running the interactive software applications;
• a pressure sensitive work pad having X and Y pressure sensitive members disposed in a grid array for providing unique location output signals corresponding to each different location on the grid array, the work pad being operatively connected to the host computer, and an overlay comprising a sheet for placement over an upper surface of the work pad, the overlay having a work space which bears tactile indicia which corresponds to a selected one of the interactive software applications, the overlay including a tactile graphical user interface (TGUI) formed thereon, the TGUI having a plurality of tactile control members, each tactile control member having associated X and Y coordinates on the grid array, the application of force to the respective tactile control member causing a corresponding location output signal to be generated and communicated to the host computer which processes the corresponding location output signal as a control signal which directs the performance of an operation, wherein the work space and TGUI occupy different regions of the overlay, wherein the overlay has a tactile identification region that is a section of the overlay, with a plurality of tactile identification members being formed on a surface of the overlay within the identification region at select X and Y coordinates, wherein the distances between the tactile identification members within the identification region vary for each individual overlay, with the relative positions of the identification members defining an identification code which is fixed and unique for the each overlay and serves to identify each individual overlay to the host computer once the members are pressed successively according to a prescribed order.