WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Touch screen systems have many advantages, including simplification of the user's task and elimination of a separate keyboard. However, touch screen systems present an insurmountable barrier to many people with disabilities.

UW–Madison researchers have developed a touch screen system that attaches a simple button fixture over a portion of the screen. This is important because virtual ‘buttons’ may be difficult to see or manipulate.

The buttons have clear markings that can be felt by a user. When pressed, the buttons contact the touch screen and the task is performed as usual. The button panel may be mounted permanently or fastened.

• Cross-disability access to public information and transaction machines

• Provides a touch screen that is usable by a larger segment of the population, including the vision impaired and individuals who have trouble reading the text messages
• Does not affect the layout and operation of the touch screen for users who are not disabled
• Assistance is provided such that individuals familiar with the general layout of the screen can move rapidly through the system.
• Can be used on any touch screen, including personal computers, ATMs, information kiosks, cell phones, copy machines and fax machines

Related Technologies

• WARF reference number P95077US provides a touch screen system with audio ridges for the vision impaired.
• WARF reference number P95259US provides additional information and an access screen that allows more general use by people with different disabilities.
• WARF reference number P00268US provides the control panel design for the touch screen system.
• EZ Access® is a trademark of the UW-Madison Trace Center. For more information on EZ Access, including examples of how the technology is used, visit the inventor's website.

Tech Fields

• Information Technology : Computing methods, software & machine learning
• Medical Devices : Accessibility