TangibleCircuits Makes Circuit Tutorials Accessible to Everyone
Researchers have developed a tool that enables users to interact with a 3D-printed model of a circuit via audio and haptic feedback.
When learning about electronics, most rely heavily on visual diagrams. While text is generally available to explain how circuits work, for those who are blind or otherwise visually impaired, these diagrams are largely useless. Researchers across several universities, however, are attempting to change this with a novel assistive device called “TangibleCircuits."
The system extracts circuit representations from Fritzing EDA software, using this information to generate a touchscreen audio feedback interface for a smartphone. It also creates a 3D-printed model that slides over the phone as a tangible representation of the components and wires. This physical model is constructed using a multi-material printer, with components made out of a conductive filament, while the breadboard base of the representation is itself non-conductive.
As the user touches different components and wires, the smartphone provides audio tutorial directions, noting the name of the component, the position, and other details about its usage and connection method. Results so far have been overwhelmingly positive, with participants being able to identify components and circuit errors in the new system at a much higher rate versus web-only tutorials.