TeDUB: A System for Presenting and Exploring Technical Drawings for Blind People

Abstract

Blind people can access and use textual information effectively in a variety of ways - through Braille, audiotape or computer-based systems. Access and use of graphic information is much more problematic, with tactile versions both time-consuming and difficult to make and textual descriptions failing to provide independent access to the material. The TeDUB Project is developing a system which will automatically generate descriptions of certain classes of graphics (electronic circuit diagrams, UML diagrams and architectural plans) and allow blind people to explore them independently. This system has great potential in work, education and leisure domains to open up independent access to graphic materials for blind people.