Have you ever struggled with using a touch screen at a self-service kiosk or ATM?
Imagine how hard it could be for someone with visual impairments or hand tremors.
Well, there’s good news! A new invention called BrushLens is making these screens a lot easier for everyone to use.
What is BrushLens?
BrushLens is like a special phone case, created by smart folks at the University of Michigan. It’s designed to help people who find it hard to see or touch the screen precisely.
This clever gadget helps by reading what’s on the screen and even pressing buttons for you.
People can use BrushLens by holding their smartphone, with the BrushLens case on, against a touch screen, like at a restaurant’s ordering kiosk.
The phone’s camera looks at the screen, and the phone reads out what it sees. This way, users know what their options are without needing to see the screen clearly.
When a user picks what they want, BrushLens figures out where to press on the screen. It divides the screen into a grid and tells the user where to move their phone.
Once in the right spot, BrushLens has little clickers on the back of the case that touch the screen for you. This feature is super helpful for people who might accidentally press the wrong thing because of tremors or spasms.
Making Life Easier
Sam Rau, one of the people who tested BrushLens, said it was a big help. At first, it was a bit tricky to use, but soon he was excited about ordering food by himself at places like Panera Bread.
For another user with cerebral palsy, BrushLens made it 74% easier to press the right things on the screen.
Chen Liang, a doctoral student, and his team, including professors Anhong Guo and Alanson Sample, are the brains behind BrushLens. They’ve even applied for a patent and are planning to sell it as an affordable accessory for phones.
The best part? It’s not expensive! Each little clicker in the case costs only $1, and the whole setup could be less than $50.
The team also wants to make it smaller and easier to carry around, like a TV remote. They’re thinking about letting people use voice commands with it, too.
BrushLens was tested with help from groups like the Disability Network and the University of Michigan Council for Disability Concerns.
This project is not just about technology; it’s about making everyday tasks simpler for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Looking Forward
Soon, with gadgets like BrushLens, using a touch screen could be easy for everyone, whether ordering a meal, getting cash from an ATM, or anything else.
This little device is set to open up a whole new world of independence and convenience for many people!
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