Though there are numerous software and hardware products to allow computing to the disabled, the Siafu PC for the visually challenged can be said as a true boon to provide perhaps the most authentic and genuine computing experience to our less fortunate brothers. Initially, Siafu looks like just a flat surface. It lays on a table like a writing pad but allows full interaction to the user by means of mere touch. The remarkability of Siafu lies in the fact that it’s ‘screen’ actually morphs itself by rising upwards to the shape of any image(even 3D) or web page according to their contents!
Surface morphs itself to braille when text is being displayed. The technology behind Siafu – Magneclay, is an oil based synthetic agent that possesses countless morphing capabilities. It has a loose molecular structure but can be arranged in infinite shapes when acted upon by external electrical and magnetic charges. As long as the charges acting upon it remain constant, the magneclay will hold its structural rigidity, allowing it to be touched and groped without deformation.
Saifu has 9 key braill keyboard. As the text is being inserted the screen morphs itself to braill layouts, allowing users to immediately conform what they have written. Saifu has a built-in microphone as a substitute to typing. Voice recognition software allows the user to speak in mic and the morphed braill text is automatically generated on the screen.
The web pages are morphed, and all the active text is converted into braille relief. Siafu uses 2-D to 3-D image conversion technology to process on-screen images. It then generates a 3-D digital wire frame which is then processed through electrical currents into the magneclay. The end result is very highly accurate 3-Dimensional representation of the image.
Designer: Jonathan Lucas
Source: Yankodesign