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DiGVis: A system for comprehension and creation of directed graphs for the visually challenged

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Abstract

One of the major barriers for the social inclusion of blind persons is the limited access to graphics-based learning resources which are highly vision oriented. This paper presents a cost-effective tool which facilitates comprehension and creation of virtual directed graphs, such as flowcharts, using alternate modalities of audio and touch. It provides a physically accessible virtual spatial workspace and multimodal interface to non-visually represent directed graphs in interactive manner. The concept of spatial query is used to aid exploration and mental visualization through audio and tactile feedback. A unique aspect of the tool, named DiGVis, offers compatible representations of directed graphs for the sighted and non-sighted persons. A study with 28 visually challenged subjects indicates that the tool facilitates comprehension of layout and directional connectivity of elements in a virtual diagram. Further, in a pilot study, blind persons could independently comprehend a virtual flowchart layout and its logical steps. They were also able to create the flowchart data without sighted assistance using DiGVis. A comparison with sighted subjects using DiGVis for similar task demonstrates the effectiveness of the technique for inclusive education.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support extended to them for facilitating the conduct of studies by the officials of the Institute for Blind, Chandigarh, and the Asha Kiran Vocational Training Centre for Differently Abled, Chandigarh, India. The authors are extremely thankful to all the participants who participated in this research study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rural Development, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh, India

    Poonam Syal

  2. Electrical Engineering Department, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chandigarh, India

    Shantanu Chatterji

  3. CSIR - Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh, India

    Harish Kumar Sardana

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  1. Poonam Syal
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  2. Shantanu Chatterji
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  3. Harish Kumar Sardana
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Correspondence to Poonam Syal.

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Syal, P., Chatterji, S. & Sardana, H.K. DiGVis: A system for comprehension and creation of directed graphs for the visually challenged. Univ Access Inf Soc 15, 199–217 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-014-0387-7

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