WO2011131764A1

WO2011131764A1 - Method for producing a printed product with a representation of a graphic object that is perceptible to the blind or partially sighted by touch, and printed product produced by this method

Info

Publication number: WO2011131764A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/056445
Authority: WO
Inventors: Astrid Schwarz
Original assignee: Astrid Schwarz
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-21
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: DE102010018025A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a product, preferably a printed product, comprising at least one representation of a multicoloured, graphic object that is perceptible to the blind or partially sighted by touch. Said method consists of the following steps: capturing a multicoloured graphic object, identifying colours contained in the graphic object and the regions respectively occupied by the colours, assigning a texture pattern to each region according to the colour of the region, said texture pattern being a texture pattern from a plurality of predefined texture patterns that correspond to a plurality of colours or said texture pattern being generated on the basis of said predefined patterns, and applying to the product, a texture for each region of a colour according to the assigned texture pattern.

Description

A method for producing a printed product with a visible to the blind or visually impaired by feeling representation of a graphic object, as well as produced by this method printed product

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method for producing a printed product with a visible to the blind or visually impaired by feeling representation of a graphic object, and a printed product produced by this method.

Background of the invention

Blind and visually impaired people are not or only to a very limited extent able to perceive their environment visually. For example, it is not possible for the blind and visually impaired to read books or newspapers intended for normal-sighted people. To remedy this problem, there are known books or newspapers for the blind and visually impaired, in which the text is printed in Braille, consisting of raised dots emerging from the material and thus tangible.

There are also books for the blind and visually impaired in which pictures are displayed in a perceptible manner. An example of such a picture book is "The Black Book of Colors" by author Menena Cottin, in which a page describes a color in a descriptive sentence in braille, for example, yellow becomes as soft as the fluff of chicks loading wrote. On the opposite side of a relief-like impression of the things or objects described is printed, which can be felt with the fingertips. For the blind and visually impaired, it is possible to perceive the shape of the objects or objects imaged by feeling the relief-like impression and to make a color idea with the aid of the additional description. However, it is not possible for a blind or visually impaired reader of such a book to obtain a direct perception of the pictured thing or of the pictured object by feeling the relief-like illustrations alone. In particular, it is also not possible for the blind or visually impaired to make a comparison between two different relief-like images only by way of perceived perception, to what extent they are the same or different in color.

From the patent DE 10 2007 062 822 B3 a method for the three-dimensional reproduction of a relief or Bildoriginals, as well as a corresponding reproduction object is further known. The aim of this method is to reproduce, as faithfully reproduced as possible, reproductions of works of art, such as pictures or reliefs, which reproduce the three-dimensionality of an original work of art. In particular, oil paintings have a surface that is designed in relief by different levels of color and in which the artist has a special surface texture that is specific to the respective "brushstroke". The pictorial representation is applied by means of a screen printing or offset printing process.

It is therefore possible for an acquirer of such a reproduction to gain an impression of the three-dimensionality of the original by means of such a reproduction object, also through sensory perception. For the blind and visually impaired, however, it is only possible by feeling one To give an idea of the plasticity of the original, but not to make an idea about the original work of art as a picture in its color design. It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a product having a blind or visually impaired sensible representation of a multi-colored graphic object, as well as a method and a film set for use in the manufacture of such a product. It is a further object of the invention to propose a device that captures a blind or visually impaired visual perception of a multicolor graphic object on a product and generates a digital image that can be output to a screen, such as one for the blind or visually impaired people can be perceived by perceived representation also by seeing fellow human beings.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a product, preferably a printed product, comprising at least one visual or visual impaired perceptible representation of a multicolor graphic object, comprising: detecting a multicolor graphical object, detecting the object contained in the graphical object Colors and the areas occupied by the colors respectively, assigning a texture pattern for each area according to the color of the area, wherein the texture pattern is one of a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to or based on a plurality of colors, and Applying on the product of a texture for each area of a color according to the associated texture pattern. Preferably, the product is a printed product, in particular a book, a calendar or a sheet, wherein the perceivable by feeling on a page of the sheet or a sheet of the book or calendar is applied.

Preferably, the plurality of predefined texture patterns each have a texture pattern for the colors red, yellow, blue, orange, green, brown, and purple.

The texture elements are preferably in the form of reliefs and preferably each have at least one of continuous or discontinuous straight lines, serpentine lines, triangular lines, points, circles, ellipses, squares, rectangles and / or triangles.

Preferably, to display a mixed color between a first color and a second color, a texture pattern is generated which corresponds to a superposition and / or interpolation of the texture pattern associated with the first color and the texture pattern associated with the second color.

Preferably, to represent an intensity of a color, the spacing of the texture elements and / or the height of the texture elements of the texture pattern associated with the color is varied.

More preferably, a film is attached to the product, preferably glued, laminated or laminated; and textures are formed on the film, wherein the forming of the textures occurs before or after the application of the film to the product.

Alternatively, the method preferably further comprises: providing a plurality of foils, in particular plastic foils, wherein a texture is formed on each of the foils according to one of the texture patterns of the plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to or based on the plurality of colors; and wherein the applying on the product of a texture for each area of a color according to the associated texture pattern such takes place that in each case separated from the film of the corresponding texture, a section corresponding to the respective area and the respective section mounted on the product, preferably glued, laminated or laminated.

The film or films are preferably made of a transparent material, the product being printed in color with the multicolor graphic object and the film or sections of the films being applied to the area of the product printed in color with the graphic object.

The textures may also be formed by embossing, lasering, engraving, etching, lithograving or milling using a bulky or bulking ink.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a product, preferably a printed product, comprising at least one visual or visual impaired perceptible representation of a multicolored graphic object, the perceptible representation comprising a plurality of regions, each corresponding to a region assumes a color in the graphic object, wherein each of the areas has a texture corresponding to or derived from a texture pattern of a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to a plurality of colors, wherein areas corresponding to a same color include one have the same texture.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a film set, wherein the film set comprises a plurality of films, each film being provided with or based on a texture according to a texture pattern of a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to a plurality of colors is. Preferably, some or all of the plurality of films are summarized as film strips in a one-piece film sheet.

The films of the film set can be designed as self-adhesive films and / or colored in the color that corresponds to their texture.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a visual or visual impaired perceptible representation of a multi-colored graphic object displayed on a product and for creating a digital image corresponding to the perceptual representation, the apparatus comprising : Means for detecting the textures on the product, means for detecting, among the detected textures, areas each having the same texture pattern; Means for associating, for each detected area of a same texture pattern, a color corresponding to the texture pattern based on the predefined texture patterns for the plurality of colors; Means for creating a digital image, wherein for each detected region of a texture pattern in the digital image, a corresponding region of the same shape and in the color assigned by the means for associating with the region; and means for outputting the digital image to a screen, a color printer, a memory, or a computer network.

In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for displaying a multicolor graphic object as a visual or tactile sensed representation for the blind or partially sighted, comprising means for detecting a multicolor graphic object, means for detecting colors contained in the graphic object, and areas occupied by the colors; means for assigning a texture pattern for each area in accordance with the color of the area, the texture pattern being or based on a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to a plurality of colors; Notational means, send a plane in which a plurality of actuators are arranged, each actuator being arranged to generate an elevation above the plane in response to a drive signal, the device driving the actuators of the presentation means to be actuated by the actuators generated by the actuators Elevations form a texture for each area of a color according to the associated texture pattern.

Preferably, each actuator comprises a pin or needle which can be height-adjusted by means of a magnet such that, in response to the drive signal, the pin or needle rises above the plane.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an outline sketch of a flower;

2 shows a method for producing a printed product with at least one representation of a multicolored, graphic object perceptible to the blind or visually impaired by feeling;

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary texture pattern;

4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a relief-like texture,

Figs. 5A to 5H show further example texture patterns; 6 is a sketch of a perceptible representation of the flower of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 7A to 7C show a variation in height of texture elements according to a preferred embodiment; 8A to 8C show a variation of the width of texture elements according to a preferred embodiment,

9A to 9C show a variation of the pitch of texture elements according to a preferred embodiment,

10 shows a texture pattern for representing color gradients according to a first preferred embodiment,

11 shows a texture pattern for representing color gradients according to a second preferred embodiment,

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate overlaying and / or interpolating mixed-texture textures in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred methods for producing a product, in particular a printed product such as a book, a calendar or a sheet, with a perception of a multicolored, graphic object perceptible to the blind or visually impaired by feeling are described.

A multicolored graphic object can be a color image, a painting, a photograph or a colored computer graphic. For example, the multicolor graphic object may be a color image of a flower 10, as symbolized in FIG. 1 in the form of an outline sketch. In FIG. 1, the flower 10 has a flower 11, petals 12, a stem 13 and stem leaves 14. It is assumed here by way of example that the flower 11 is yellow, the petals 12 are blue and the stem 13 and the stem leaves 14 are green. Colored in the corresponding colors, the image of a flower 10 of Fig. 1 represents an example of a multi-colored graphic object.

With reference now to Figure 2, a preferred method of making a product having at least one of the blind or partially sighted by manufacture of a product is described. len perceptible representation of a multi-colored, graphic object described.

In a first step 102, the multicolored graphic object is detected. For example, if the multicolor graphic object is a photograph, drawing or image, capturing may be accomplished by means of a scanner which scans the photograph, drawing or image and converts it into digital data using a computer can be further processed. The multicolor graphic object may also already be in the form of digital data, for example as an image file in a computer-readable data format such as a JPEG image file. In this case, capturing the multicolor graphic object is similar to reading the file from a storage medium, or retrieving the file from a server or over a computer network.

In a step 104, the multicolor graphic object is subjected to processing to recognize colors contained in the graphic object as well as the areas occupied by the recognized colors. Thus, for example, in the multicolor image of a flower 10 outlined in FIG. 1, the area of the flower 1 1 becomes "yellow", the area of the flower petals 12 "blue", and the areas of the stem 13 and In the next step 106, each of the recognized colors, in this example the colors yellow, green and blue, are assigned a respective texture pattern from a multiplicity of pre-defined texturing patterns Property of a texture that will represent the corresponding color in the perceptible representation The predefined texture patterns may be stored in the form of digital data in a computer system, for example the computer from these more texture patterns by variation, overlay or interpolation to create, as described below will be. In step 108, textures corresponding to the associated texture patterns are applied to the product to be produced for the respective regions of a color of the graphic object. In this way, the product is provided with a representation of the original multicolor graphic object in which respective areas of a color are provided by corresponding areas of an associated texture. In this case, areas of the same color each have the same texture. The textures are designed so that the blind or visually impaired can perceive them by feeling by driving with their fingertips on the presentation.

It is provided that for each representation of a multicolored object in a product, and in particular for a large variety of different products, the same texture pattern for the same colors are used. In this way blind and visually impaired people are made to learn the meaning and assignment of a texture pattern to a color and to recognize the texture pattern corresponding to the colors in textures of other, previously unknown, perceptible representations of graphical objects. In this way, blind and partially sighted people are able to perceive a multicolored, graphic object in its color, by "seeing the colors" with their fingers as they drive over the representation.

It is possible that the textures can be formed by using a different material with different texture properties for each texture to be produced on the product. For example, for a texture, a granular, sand-like material may be used which is applied to the surface of one side of the product, for example by means of an adhesive. If such materials with different grain sizes are used, textures for different colors can be produced by assigning a different grain size to different colors becomes. If blind or visually impaired people pass over such textures with their fingers, they will perceive these as rough surfaces, the roughness differs depending on the grain size used. It is also possible to use for the textures materials having different surface textures, such as a rubbery material, or textile fabrics.

In addition, it is also possible to use support materials such as films made of plastics, non-woven materials or paper-like materials which are coated to form different textures with different materials, or in which different materials for forming different textures are introduced. For example, sand grains, wood, metal or plastic shavings, small cubes, spheres or other geometric bodies made of wood, metal, plastic, glass or ceramic can be embedded in a film, a fleece or a paper-like carrier material. The inclusion can be complete or partially. Upon complete confinement, the materials such as grains of shavings or geometric bodies as such are inaccessible to sensory perception itself, but can only be perceived as deformations on the surface of the substrate. In the case of only partial confinement, the materials such as grains of chips or geometric bodies as such can even be perceived on the surface by feel, so that both the surface deformations caused by the materials on the surface of the support material and the different appearance of the surface Materials such as glass, metal, wood, in comparison to each other and compared to the support material, such as plastic, non-woven, paper-like material, are perceived by feeling.

However, it is preferred that the textures are each formed as relief-like textures with elevations and / or depressions. An example of such a relief-like texture pattern is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a texture pattern 20 consisting of a plurality of repeating texture elements 22. In the case of the exemplary texture pattern 20 of FIG. 3, the tex- pattern of texture elements 22, which are formed of straight, continuous line elements.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a relief-like texture that corresponds to the texture pattern of FIG. 3. The texture is applied to a texture-receiving material 30. The texture elements 22 are designed as elevations, wherein 22 recesses remain free between the texture elements. The material 30 may be one side of the printed product. Alternatively, the material 30 may also be a foil, such as a metal foil or a plastic foil, into which the texture is introduced by embossing, cutting or milling. The film may itself be a product or may be applied to one side of a product, such as a book. The application of the film to a page can be done in a manner known to those skilled in the art of letterpress printing, such as by gluing or laminating.

Figs. 5A to 5H show further exemplary embodiments of texture patterns useful in the present invention. In Fig. 5A, the texture pattern consists of texture elements formed of broken, straight lines. Fig. 5B shows a texture pattern formed of texture elements in the form of serrated lines. Fig. 5C shows a texture pattern using serpentine winding lines as texture elements, in which Fig. 5C, the serpentine lines are parallel to each other. FIG. 5D shows a texture pattern which also uses texture elements in the form of serpentine lines, in which case the serpentine lines run counter to one another in each case in opposite directions. Figs. 5E and 5F show texture patterns using rectangles or circles as texture elements. Fig. 5G shows a texture pattern using ovals as texture elements, in which example the inside of the ovals each remain free. Fig. 5H shows a texture pattern similar to that of Fig. 5F, but here the texture elements are each formed by intermittent serpentine lines. It is possible here to create the relief-like textures with a voluminous, three-dimensional ink, which is applied by printing on the product. For example, for a printed product such as a book or a calendar, one side of a sheet of the printed product can be printed with the voluminous, three-dimensional ink. Corresponding three-dimensional inks and printing methods are known, for example, from the document DE 695 00 965 T2. Preferably, the three-dimensional ink is transparent. This makes it possible to first print the product with the multicolored graphic object itself and then apply the relief-like textures of the tactile representation by means of the transparent, three-dimensional ink. In this way, the product is suitable for the visually impaired, the visually impaired and the blind.

Alternatively, bulking inks or paints can be used, which swell punctually exactly where they are hit by a laser beam. Corresponding methods are known, for example, from the document DE 10 2008 001 712 AI.

In another embodiment, the relief-like textures can be attached to the product by embossing the relief-like textures directly into a sheet of printed matter, such as a book or a calendar. Preferably, however, the side of the product is first provided with a film and the relief-like textures are embossed in the film. In order to carry out the embossing, an embossing punch or embossing roll is first of all made, into which the motif of the relief-like textures to be embossed for the respective areas of the associated colors corresponding to the multicolored graphic object is incorporated. Corresponding methods with which surface structures can be embossed are known, for example, from DE 10 2005 046 229 A1 or DE 199 44 099 A1. Alternatively, the relief-like textures can also be formed by lasering or milling the film. In this case, the surface of the film is processed by means of a laser or by means of a milling tool and lo- kal material removed to form the relief-like textures in the film. It is also possible to form the relief-like textures by engraving, etching or lithogravying the film. In this way, the various textures of all regions which form the perceptible representation of the graphic object are formed on a film. This can be done after the film has already been attached to the product. However, this is preferably done before the film is attached to the product.

It has been described above how the different textures of all areas of the perceptible representation of the graphic object are formed on a single sheet. In an alternative embodiment, however, it is provided that initially a set of a plurality of films is provided. Each film is provided with a texture corresponding to a texture pattern. For example, foils are provided with textures corresponding to texture patterns for the colors red, yellow, blue, orange, green, brown and violet. In order to produce a perceptible representation of a multicolored, graphic object, such as the color image of a flower 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in the form of an outline sketch, first of all a first film is selected from the set of the plurality of films a texture corresponding to the texture pattern for the color yellow is provided in order to separate from this film a portion which corresponds in shape to the area of the flower 11. This severed portion is attached to the appropriate location on the product, for example by gluing. Then, a second film is selected, which is provided with a texture corresponding to the texture pattern for the color blue to separate from this film sections corresponding in shape to the areas of the petals 12, and the separated sections in the appropriate places the product. Finally, a third film is selected, which is provided with a texture corresponding to the texture pattern for the color green, to separate from this film sections corresponding in shape to the areas of stem 13 and stem leaves 14, and the separated sections of the corresponding the points on the product. In order to simplify the attachment of the film sections, the films are preferably realized as self-adhesive films. The set of films is preferably supplied in a feeding device of a manufacturing plant, which supplies the individual films of the film set of a separating device. The separating device separates the individual sections according to the required areas. The separating device can be designed as a cutting or stamping device, which is provided with appropriately shaped cutting or punching tools. Alternatively, the separating device may be embodied as a laser or water jet cutting device which, under the control of a computer, separates the individual sections in the form of the required areas for producing the perceptible representation of the multicolored graphic object from the respective films provided with corresponding textures. Another device, such as a pick-and-place device, picks up the individual severed sections and attaches them to the appropriate areas on the product.

Alternatively, for the production of small and very small runs of products, for example, only a single book or calendar, the separation of individual sections from the respective films and attachment to the product can also be done manually.

In the case of a film set as described above, it is particularly preferred that the individual films are optically colored in accordance with their assigned color also in this color. This has the advantage that a perceptible by feeling representation of a multi-colored graphic object, which is made of such optically colored films simultaneously represents a visually perceptible people visually perceptible colored representation of the underlying multi-colored graphic object. In this way, the product is suitable for the sighted as well as for the visually impaired and the blind. Since the production Such a product or the monitoring, equipping and operation of the machines and systems used for production, most likely be performed by seeing people as a worker, the use of such a colored foil set has the advantage that confusion individual slides of the sentence, and resulting mismatches and misallocations, can be easily avoided. It should also be considered that sighted people usually have a less sensitive sense of touch than visually impaired or blind people and therefore can distinguish between different textures worse. In addition, this allows quality control of the finished product based on visual or optical control, such as by sighted employees or using camera-based optical quality assurance systems, such as are commonly used in industrial manufacturing. FIG. 6 is a sketch of a tactile representation corresponding to the flower 10 sketched in FIG. 1. The areas of the flower 11, the petals 12, as well as the style 13 and the style sheets 14 are each provided with relief-like textures. In this case, the area of the flower 12 has zigzag-shaped texture elements, the areas of the flower petals 11 each have circular-shaped texture elements, and the areas of the stem 13 and the stem leaves 14 each have texture elements in the form of straight lines. A blind or visually impaired person can now perceive the form and the details of the represented object by feeling from this representation as well as recognize the assigned colors by feeling the different textures. It is preferred, as shown in FIG. 6, that the individual regions are each marked by elevations in the form of the regions of enclosing lines. This helps to better understand the boundaries of the areas and distinguish different areas. In one embodiment, it is possible to provide a separate texture pattern for each color, for each mixed color and each hue. So can for about "Red", "orange", "yellow" as well as for "yellow-orange" and "red-orange" each have their own, different texture patterns are provided.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide different texture patterns only for a limited number of colors. For example, different texture patterns may be provided for the colors red, yellow, blue, orange, green, brown, and purple. This reduces the multitude of different texture patterns which blind or visually impaired people need to identify and recognize in their color assignment. It is possible for a multicolored graphic object to be imaged in a tangible representation only on the basis of this limited plurality of texture patterns. At this time, for colors recognized in the multicolor graphic object, the texture patterns of the plurality of texture patterns corresponding to the closest color may be respectively assigned.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that, based on a limited number of predefined texture patterns for a corresponding limited number of predefined colors, different colors which differ in the brightness of the color or for colors representing mixed colors of the predefined colors In each case further texture patterns are created, which are derived by varying, interpolating and / or superimposing the corresponding predefined texture patterns.

Creating such additional texture patterns can be done by a computer. In this case, the color of the multicolored graphic object recognized for a region is compared with the predefined colors and a decision is made as to whether the recognized color corresponds to a predefined color and differs from it solely in the brightness, or if the recognized color is a mixture of several, preferably two, predefined colors represent. According to the result of this decision, the computer generates a new texture pattern by varying the texture pattern according to a predefined color. or by overlaying and / or interpolating the texture patterns of several, preferably two, predefined colors, as will be described below. Figs. 7A to 7C show how a texture pattern can be varied in height. In this case, FIG. 7A shows a texture of a predefined texture pattern associated with a predefined color, for example blue. The height of the texture element may be varied to represent a color "light blue" that differs only in brightness from the color blue Advantageously, for lighter colors, the texture element height is reduced, as shown in Fig. 7B For example, in dark blue, the texture element height may be increased as shown in Fig. 7C.

Alternatively, instead of varying the texture element height as shown in Figs. 7A to 7C, the texture element width may be varied. Thus, starting from a texture corresponding to the predefined color as shown in Fig. 7A, for darker colors, the texture element width can be increased as shown in Figs. 7B and 7C, respectively. The spacing of the texture elements from each other preferably remains unchanged.

As an alternative, it is also possible, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, to vary the spacing of the individual texture elements from one another. Thus, starting from a texture element pitch according to the texture element pattern of a predefined color, for lighter colors the texture element pitch may be increased, as shown in Figure 9B, or for darker colors, the texture element pitch may be decreased, as shown in Figure 9C.

This makes it possible to represent brightness gradients in a simple manner. For example, FIG. 10 shows a graph in which the brightness of a color decreases from bright on the left side to too dark on the right side, and as described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the texture element width decreases as the heat sinks. increases. In Fig. 11, a graph is shown by way of example in which the brightness of a color decreases from bright on the left side to dark on the right side, and as described with reference to Figs. 9A to 9C, the texture element pitch decreases with decreasing brightness ,

More preferably, it is provided that based on a given plurality of texture patterns corresponding to a plurality of colors additionally mixed colors of these colors can be displayed. For example, if the plurality of predefined texture patterns contain texture patterns for the colors red, orange, and yellow, blending colors and / or interpolating two or more texture patterns may be used. This will now be described with reference to Figs. 12A to 12D. Fig. 12A shows a first predefined texture pattern which, for example, corresponds to the color red and consists of serpentine texture elements which are parallel to one another. FIG. 12C shows a second predefined texture pattern which, for example, corresponds to the color red and also consists of serpentine texture elements, but here the serpentine texture elements run in opposite directions. For this purpose, FIG. 12B shows a texture pattern which corresponds to a mixed color, for example red-orange, and which represents an interpolation between the first texture pattern of FIG. 12A and the second texture pattern 12C. As seen in Fig. 12B, the serpentine texture elements do not run parallel and not completely opposite to each other but occupy a position therebetween. The displacement of the texture elements toward each other is not zero, as in FIG. 12A, and not completely opposite, as in FIG. 12C, but assumes a value lying therebetween. The shift away from the first color and towards the second color can be greater or smaller, depending on the proportion of the first or second color, in the example red or orange, in the resulting mixed color, in the example red-orange. Such interpolation of texture patterns is not limited to shifts of texture elements. For example, it is also possible to have a texture pattern as the interpolation of the texture pattern of Fig. 12A and the texture pattern having straight lines 3, by decreasing the width of the wavy lines of the texture pattern of FIG. 12A until, at zero width, a straight line corresponding to the texture pattern of FIG. 3 results. It is also possible to overlay texture patterns. For example, FIG. 12D shows a texture pattern that overlays the texture pattern of FIG. 12C with the texture pattern of FIG. 5F. In this way, by overlaying and / or interpolating predefined texture patterns for predefined colors, it is possible to display a plurality of mixed colors of the predefined colors. Thus, it is possible in an advantageous manner, also represent photographs or paintings with a variety of colors largely realistic.

In one embodiment of the invention, arbitrarily selected texture patterns can also be used for the colors white and black. It is preferred to provide a texture pattern without texture elements for the color white, so that a smooth surface results for white areas in the tactile representation. Preferably, for the color black, a texture pattern corresponding to a rough surface is used, for example, as a texture pattern having a plurality of small dots. The points can be arranged regularly or irregularly. In this way, different shades of gray can be represented as a mixture of the colors black and white by the above-described methods of interpolation and / or superimposition of texture patterns. For example, shades of gray can be represented by increasing the distances of the points as texture elements, starting from the texture associated with the color black, so that a gray tone results in a texture having a smaller number of points per surface unit than a texture for black.

The product is preferably a printed matter such as a book, a calendar or a sheet, the tactile perception being applied to one side of the sheet or a sheet of the book or calendar. The product may also be printed on paper, cardboard or plastic material and used to produce packaging for products. In particular, the method can be used to attach to food packaging or drug packages for the visually impaired and the blind by sensing perceptible representations of graphical objects. This can be used to advantage, for example, to affix a company logo or a figurative mark or word / figurative mark of a company, which is usually mounted on such packaging in a perceivable even for the visually impaired and the blind form on the packaging, so the visually impaired and the blind can perceive the manufacturer and / or the brand on the basis of such a representation.

The present invention is not limited to the exemplified texture patterns. Also, as texture elements, at least one may each comprise solid or discontinuous straight lines, serpentine lines, triangular lines, points, circles, ellipses, squares, rectangles, and / or triangles.

In this case, it is also possible to subject the multicolored graphic object, which is recorded as digital data, to preprocessing on a computer system in order, for example, to reduce the spatial resolution and / or the color resolution. For example, if the multicolor graphic object is a photograph, there will often be areas that are essentially one color, but in that area the color will be in different hues or color highlights.

It is also a pre-processing possible in which small and smallest areas of a color, with a diameter of 4 mm or smaller, preferably 2 mm or smaller, are removed and the corresponding areas are filled with the color of the surrounding area. In this way it is avoided that there is a multiplicity of small and smallest areas in the perceptible representation of the multicolored graphic object, which for blind and Visually impaired persons are relatively difficult to perceive in their texture, and can lead to the fact that the object as a whole becomes less perceptible.

In the foregoing, a product such as a book, a calendar or a sheet having a perceptible representation of a multicolor graphic object such as an image, and a method of manufacturing the same has been described.

In the production of printed products, there is a general requirement that printed products produced are checked and assessed for quality assurance. For example, it checks to see if a color print in the right colors has been printed in the right place. This check can be done by machine, for example by visual pressure monitoring systems, or manually by an operator.

In order to enable a corresponding possibility for checking also in the case of products with a representation of a multicolored graphic object perceptible to the blind or visually impaired by feel, a device can be used which detects such a representation and produces a digital image which the captured representation corresponds.

For this purpose, the device is set up to detect the perceptible representation by feeling. The surface geometry of the image is captured by an optical system, such as a stereoscopic camera or a 3D laser scanner system, and converted into digital data. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a mechanical scanning system, such as those used for example as 3-D measuring systems equipped with touch probes for measuring workpieces in mechanical engineering. The apparatus further comprises means, such as a processor of a computer controlled by a corresponding program, for, based on the detected Digital surface geometry data to capture the textures that are present in the representation. Based on the detected textures, areas are determined which are taken up by the same texture. For example, when the device detects the tactile perception of a flower as shown in sketch 6 in FIG. 6, the device will recognize the relief-like textures present in the areas of the flower 11, petals 12, style 13, and style sheets 14 6 are arranged. In this case, the device recognizes, by means of the processor controlled by the program, that different textures are present in the representation. Now, for each detected texture, the regions which have the same texture pattern are determined and detected. For example, the area of the style 13 and the style sheets 14 shown as symbolized in Fig. 6 are recognized and detected as an area having the same texture pattern. Correspondingly, the regions of the flower 11 and the petals 12 illustrated in FIG. 6 are recognized as respective regions, each having the same texture pattern.

For each of these regions thus detected and detected, the device, by means of the processor controlled by the program, assigns a color to each region, the color being determined as the color corresponding to the texture pattern. Reference is made to the predefined texture patterns corresponding to the plurality of colors as described above with respect to the manufacture of a product having a perceptible representation.

Under the control of the program, the processor of the device generates a digital image file, wherein for each captured region of the image, an area is created in the image file corresponding in shape to the detected region and created with the color corresponding to that region of the image Device has been assigned. In this way, the device creates a digital image that the sensed by the device, for the blind or visually impaired perceptible Representation of a multi-colored, graphic object corresponds. For example, this image may be displayed on a screen or printed on a color printer. The digital image can also be output to a memory or a computer network.

In this way, the device allows a sighted fellow, such as an operator of a printing press, to view a blind or visually impaired, perceptible representation of a multicolor graphic object again as a multicolored graphic object, for example on the screen or as a color printout can.

In another embodiment, a display device is a visual representation of a multi-colored graphic object perceptible to the blind or visually impaired by feel.

The device may comprise a processor controlled by a corresponding program. The apparatus detects a multicolor graphic object, recognizes colors contained in the graphic object and the areas occupied by the colors respectively, and associates a texture pattern for each area according to the color of the area, the texture pattern being a texture pattern of a plurality of predefined texture patterns that are corresponding to or generated based on a plurality of colors, as described with reference to steps 102 through 106 of FIG. 2. The apparatus further comprises presentation means having a plane in which a plurality of actuators are arranged. Each of the actuators is set up in such a way that it generates an elevation over the plane in response to a drive signal. The actuators may, for example, each comprise a pin or a needle, which is adjusted by means of a magnet in height. Such actuators are known, for example, from Braille display, which are connected to a computer and display a text as a display in Braille. Alternatively you can the actuators may also be designed as piezo-mechanical actuators, which are arranged under a cover layer of the plane, and which bend or deform in response to the drive signal, so that the cover layer is deformed and raised at the location of an actuator.

The device controls the actuators of the presentation means in such a way that a texture is formed for each area of a color corresponding to the associated texture pattern by the elevations generated by the actuators.

For example, the device may be arranged to be connected to a computer, much like a Braille text display, for example, to display multicolored graphic objects displayed on a web browser on the device's display means as tactile or visual impaired visuals so that the blind or visually impaired can perceive them by crossing the plane.

Claims

claims

A method of producing a product, preferably a printed product, comprising at least one visual or visual impaired visual perception of a multi-colored graphic object, comprising:

Capturing a multicolored graphic object,

Recognizing colors contained in the graphic object and the areas occupied by the colors,

Assigning a texture pattern for each region according to the color of the region, wherein the texture pattern is one of a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to or being based on a plurality of colors, and

Applying on the product of a texture for each area of a color according to the associated texture pattern.

The method of claim 1, wherein the product is a printed product, in particular a book, a calendar or a sheet, and wherein the perceptible representation is applied to one side of the sheet or a sheet of the book or calendar.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of predefined texture patterns each having a texture pattern for the colors red, yellow, blue, orange, green, brown and purple. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the texture patterns are formed in relief and as texture elements each having at least one of solid or broken straight lines, serpentine lines, triangular lines, points, circles, ellipses, squares, rectangles and / or triangles.

A method according to claim 4, wherein to display a mixed color between a first color and a second color, a texture pattern corresponding to a superimposition and / or interpolation of the texture pattern associated with the first color and the texture pattern associated with the second color is generated.

A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein to represent an intensity of a color, the spacing of the texture elements and / or the height of the texture elements of the texture pattern associated with the color are varied.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein a film is attached to the product, preferably glued, laminated or laminated; and

the textures are formed on the slide,

wherein the forming of the textures occurs before or after the application of the film to the product.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method further comprises

Providing a plurality of foils, in particular plastic foils, wherein on each of the foils a texture is formed according to one of the texture patterns of the plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to or based on the plurality of colors, and wherein the application on the product of a texture for each area of a color according to the associated texture pattern is such that in each case separated from the film of the corresponding texture a portion corresponding to the respective area and the respective section mounted on the product, preferably glued, laminated or laminated ,

Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the film or the films are made of a transparent material, the product is printed in color with the multi-colored graphic object, and the film or the portions of the films on the color printed area with the graphic object of the product.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textures are formed using a bulky or bulking ink, by embossing, lasering, engraving, etching, lithograving or milling. ,

Product, preferably printed product, having at least one of the blind or visually impaired perceptible by feeling

Representation of a multicolored, graphic object,

wherein the sensible representation comprises a plurality of regions each corresponding to a region occupied by a color in the graphic object,

where each of the regions has a texture that is one

Texture pattern from a variety of predefined

Texture patterns corresponding to a variety of colors, and

wherein areas corresponding to a same color have the same texture. A product according to claim 11, wherein the product is a printed product, in particular a book, a calendar or a sheet, and wherein the perceptible representation is applied to one side of the sheet or a sheet of the book or calendar.

A film set for use in a method according to claim 8,

wherein the film set comprises a plurality of films, wherein each film is provided with a texture according to a texture pattern of a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to or based on a plurality of colors.

A film set according to claim 13, wherein at least two, preferably all of the plurality of films are summarized as film strips in a one-piece film sheet.

Apparatus for detecting a visual or visual impairment of a perceptible representation of a multi-colored graphic object on a product according to any one of

Claims 1 1 and 12, and for creating a digital image corresponding to the perceptible representation, the device comprising:

Means for detecting the textures on the product,

Means for detecting, among the detected textures, areas each having the same texture pattern;

Means for associating, for each detected area of a same texture pattern, a color corresponding to the texture pattern based on the predefined texture patterns for the plurality of colors;

Means for creating a digital image, wherein for each detected region of a texture pattern in the digital image corresponding area of the same shape and in the color assigned by the means for allocating the area; and

Means for outputting the digital image to a screen, a color printer, a memory or a computer network.

Apparatus for displaying a multicolor graphic object as a visual or tactile sensed representation for the blind or partially sighted, comprising:

Means for detecting a multicolor graphic object, means for detecting colors contained in the graphic object and the areas occupied by the colors, means for assigning a texture pattern for each area according to the color of the area, the texture pattern being a texture pattern of a plurality of predefined texture patterns corresponding to or created based on a plurality of colors, and

Notational means comprising a plane in which a plurality of actuators are arranged, each actuator being arranged to generate an elevation above the plane in response to a drive signal,

wherein the device controls the actuators of the presentation means such that a texture for each region of a color corresponding to the associated texture pattern is formed by the elevations generated by the actuators.

The device of claim 16, wherein each actuator comprises a pin or needle that can be height-adjusted by a magnet such that, in response to the drive signal, the pin or needle rises above the plane.