scholarly journals Stories, journeys and smart maps: an approach to universal access

Author(s):  
Xi Wang ◽  
Danny Crookes ◽  
Sue-Ann Harding ◽  
David Johnston

AbstractThis paper proposes a new approach to universal access based on the premise that humans have the universal capacity to engage emotionally with a story, whatever their ability. Our approach is to present the “story” of museum resources and knowledge as a journey, and then represent this journey physically as a smart map. The key research question is to assess the extent to which our “story” to journey to smart map’ (SJSM) approach provides emotional engagement as part of the museum experience. This approach is applied through the creation of a smart map for blind and partially sighted (BPS) visitors. Made in partnership with Titanic Belfast, a world-leading tourist attraction, the interactive map tells the story of Titanic’s maiden voyage. The smart map uses low-cost technologies such as laser-cut map features and software-controlled multi-function buttons for the audio description (AD). The AD is enhanced with background effects, dramatized personal stories and the ship’s last messages. The results of a reception study show that the approach enabled BPS participants to experience significant emotional engagement with museum resources. The smart model also gave BPS users a level of control over the AD which gave them a greater sense of empowerment and independence, which is particularly important for BPS visitors with varying sight conditions. We conclude that our SJSM approach has considerable potential as an approach to universal access, and to increase emotional engagement with museum collections. We also propose several developments which could further extend the approach and its implementation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (25) ◽  
pp. 1745001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiudong Guo ◽  
Peng Zhang ◽  
Lin Bo ◽  
Guibin Zeng ◽  
Dengqian Li ◽  
...  

With the rapid development of manufacturing technology of high temperature superconductive YB[Formula: see text]Cu3O[Formula: see text] YBCO materials and decreasing in cost of production, YBCO is marching into industrial areas with its good performances as source of high-magnetic field and rather low cost in reaching superconductivity. Based on analysis of the performance of high temperature superconductors YBCO and development of technology in superconductive magnetic separation both home and abroad, we propose a new approach of taking YBCO tape to make a solenoid as the source of a high magnetic field of magnetic separatior of ores. The paper also looks into the future of the YBCO high temperature superconductive magnetic separation from the perspective of technology and cost, as well as its applications in other industries.


Author(s):  
Sabine Braun

The topic of this paper is Audio Description (AD) for blind and partially sighted people. I will outline a discourse-based approach to AD focussing on the role of mental modelling, local and global coherence, and different types of inferences (explicatures and implicatures). Applying these concepts to AD, I will discuss initial insights and outline questions for empirical research. My main aim is to show that a discourse-based approach to AD can provide an informed framework for research, training and practice.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingru Wang ◽  
Yuehe Ge ◽  
Zhizhang (David) Chen ◽  
Zhimeng Xu ◽  
Hai Zhang

Abstract Optical metasurfaces are researched more and more intensively for the possible realization of lightweight and compact optical devices with novel functionalities. In this paper, a new beam-steering system based on double metasurface lenses (metalenses) is proposed and developed. The proposed system is lightweight, small volume, low cost, and easy to integrate. The exact forward and inverse solutions are derived respectively using the generalized Snell’s law of refraction. Given the orientations of the double metalenses, the pointing position can be accurately determined. If the desired pointing position is given, the required metalenses’ orientations can be obtained by applied global optimization algorithms to solve nonlinear equations related to the inverse problem. The relationships of the scan region and blind zone with the system parameters are derived. The method to eliminate the blind zone is given. Comparison with double Risley-prism systems is also conducted. This work provides a new approach to control light beams.


Author(s):  
M. Ballarin ◽  
C. Balletti ◽  
P. Vernier

3D printing has seen a recent massive diffusion for several applications, not least the field of Cultural Heritage. Being used for different purposes, such as study, analysis, conservation or access in museum exhibitions, 3D printed replicas need to undergo a process of validation also in terms of metrical precision and accuracy.<br> The Laboratory of Photogrammetry of Iuav University of Venice has started several collaborations with Italian museum institutions firstly for the digital acquisition and then for the physical reproduction of objects of historical and artistic interest. The aim of the research is to analyse the metric characteristics of the printed model in relation to the original data, and to optimize the process that from the survey leads to the physical representation of an object. In fact, this could be acquired through different methodologies that have different precisions (multi-image photogrammetry, TOF laser scanner, triangulation based laser scanner), and it always involves a long processing phase. It should not be forgotten that the digital data have to undergo a series of simplifications, which, on one hand, eliminate the noise introduced by the acquisition process, but on the other one, they can lead to discrepancies between the physical copy and the original geometry. In this paper we will show the results obtained on a small archaeological find that was acquired and reproduced for a museum exhibition intended for blind and partially sighted people.


Leonardo ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Verzola

The author provides examples of low-cost information and communications technologies (ICTs) and suggests five major strategies for their low-cost deployment in developing countries: (1) appropriate technology, (2) free/open software, (3) compulsory licensing, (4) pay-per-use public stations and (5) community/public ownership of ICT infrastructure. Aside from the problems of affordability and universal access, the author identifies the Internet's built-in biases for (1) English, (2) subsidizing globalization, (3) automation and (4) the technofix, and explores the implications of these biases. The challenge is not only to design affordable and accessible technologies or to redesign technologies to be consistent with our deeply held values, but also to make ourselves less technology dependent.


Author(s):  
Louise Fryer

Audio description (AD) is one of the younger modes of translation. It shares many similarities with interpreting, although AD users have specific needs because they are blind or partially sighted. As quality is of concern in both fields, this chapter explores the overlaps to see what can be learned for AD from research already carried out in interpreting. Macro and micro criteria suggested for each discipline are compared, and describer competencies are discussed in the context of AdlabPRO, a European research project that seeks to define the professional profile of an audio describer and develop training materials and courses. The chapter concludes that assessment protocols and rating scales developed for interpreting might be adopted for AD, after appropriate adaptation to accommodate areas where the fit is incomplete. These include synchrony and the need for the AD to be considered, not in isolation, but in relation to the existing audio elements of the source text (ST).


2020 ◽  
pp. 1423-1439
Author(s):  
Zhiming Wu ◽  
Tao Lin ◽  
Ningjiu Tang

Mental workload is considered one of the most important factors in interaction design and how to detect a user's mental workload during tasks is still an open research question. Psychological evidence has already attributed a certain amount of variability and “drift” in an individual's handwriting pattern to mental stress, but this phenomenon has not been explored adequately. The intention of this paper is to explore the possibility of evaluating mental workload with handwriting information by machine learning techniques. Machine learning techniques such as decision trees, support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network were used to predict mental workload levels in the authors' research. Results showed that it was possible to make prediction of mental workload levels automatically based on handwriting patterns with relatively high accuracy, especially on patterns of children. In addition, the proposed approach is attractive because it requires no additional hardware, is unobtrusive, is adaptable to individual users, and is of very low cost.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (1) ◽  
pp. 000718-000723
Author(s):  
Jared Pettit ◽  
Alman Law ◽  
Alex Brewer ◽  
John Moore

As the 3DIC market matures, more is understood about the technical and cost challenges [1]. At the 2013 Semicon-West gathering, a panel of global experts identified these technical challenges to represent some of the most significant barriers to the industry's efforts to maintain progress with Moore's Law [2]. Searching and achieving high value manufacturing of 3DIC devices requires wrestling with several technologies and processes, all which may assert a different value for the manufacturer [3]. Current technologies for thin wafer support use a wide range of adhesives applied to the device wafer, bonded to a carrier, backside processed, and de-bonded by an array of methods. Daetec has been investigating temporary bonding for nearly 15yrs, is producing a range of products for semiconductor (e.g. WaferBondTM (Brewer-Science, Inc.)) [4], and for the display market using a low-cost tunable adhesion-force material that is peeled by simple means [5]. Daetec has developed a new technology, DaeBond 3DTM, allowing de-bonding to occur in a batch process while thinned wafers are affixed to film frames. This new approach provides a shift in conventional practice. Our paper presents several temporary bonding options with DaeBond 3DTM in an effort to define value-added approaches for thin wafer handling.


2019 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 04019008 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. D. Lichti ◽  
C. L. Glennie ◽  
A. Jahraus ◽  
P. Hartzell
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  

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