Three-dimensional tactile map system
Various embodiments of a three-dimensional (3D) tactile map system and methods of implementing the system are described. In one example, the tactile map system includes a map base having a substantially planar substrate defining an x-y plane. The map base includes a top base surface and a bottom base surface, where the top base surface includes a ground surface texture. The tactile map system also includes a 3D scaled representation of a structure attached to the top surface of the map base. The 3D scaled representation can be configured with dimensions that are in proportion to the structure and extend in a z-direction from the base. The z-direction being orthogonal to the x-y plane. The 3D scaled representation includes a plurality of identified surfaces, each of the plurality of identified surfaces having a surface type of a plurality of surface types, each surface type corresponding to a selected surface texture.
1 . A tactile map system comprising:
a map base having a substantially planar substrate defining an x-y plane, the base comprising a top base surface and a bottom base surface, the top base surface comprising a ground surface texture; and
a three dimensional (3D) scaled representation of an actual physical layout of a plurality of physical structures, wherein the 3D scaled representation includes play surfaces, ramps, slides, or ground surfaces of the plurality of physical structures that are accessible by a user, wherein the 3D scaled representation omits surfaces that are not accessible by the user, the 3D scaled representation attached to the top surface of the map base, wherein a representation of an actual physical structure in the 3D scaled representation is configured with dimensions that are in proportion to the actual physical structure and extends in a z-direction from the base, the z-direction being orthogonal to the x-y plane, the 3D scaled representation comprising a plurality of identified surfaces of the plurality of physical structures, each of the plurality of identified surfaces having a surface type of a plurality of surface types, each surface type corresponding to a surface texture having a distinguishing tactile feature, wherein the plurality of identified surfaces comprise a plurality of play surfaces, ramps, slides, or ground surfaces.
2 . The tactile map system of claim 1 , wherein each surface type comprises a selected color.
3 . The tactile map system of claim 1 , further comprising a tactile indicator of a feature located on an individual physical structure.
4 . The tactile map system of claim 1 , further comprising an audio system configured to play a voice recorded description of at least one feature.
5 . A tactile map system of claim 1 , further comprising a tactile indicator or a button to activate a voice recorded description of at least one feature of the plurality of physical structures.
6 . A tactile map system of claim 1 , wherein the map base is inclined at an angle such that a front side of the map base is lower than a rear side of the map base.
7 . A tactile map system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing to enclose the 3D scaled representation attached to the map base.
8 . A tactile map, comprising:
a map base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a first texture; and
a playground model comprising a three-dimensional (3D) scaled representation of an actual physical layout of a plurality of playground structures, wherein the 3D scaled representation includes play surfaces, ramps, slides, or ground surfaces of the plurality of playground structures that are accessible by a user, wherein the 3D scaled representation omits surfaces that are not accessible by the user, the 3D scaled representation having a plurality of identified surfaces of the plurality of playground structures, each identified surface corresponding to a surface texture having a distinguishing tactile feature, the plurality of identified surfaces comprising at least one play surface and at least one slide surface, the at least one play surface having a second texture, the at least one slide surface having a third texture, the playground model attached to the top surface of the map base, wherein the plurality of identified surfaces comprise a plurality of play surfaces, ramps, slides, or ground surfaces.
9 . The tactile map of claim 8 , wherein:
the top surface of the map base comprises a first color;
the at least one play surface comprises a second color; and
the at least one slide surface comprises a third color.
10 . A method for implementing a three-dimensional (3D) tactile map system, the method comprising:
identifying a plurality of surfaces of within an actual physical layout of a plurality of physical structures to be mapped, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprise one or more surfaces, ramps, slides, or ground surfaces of the plurality of physical structures that are accessible by a user, wherein the plurality of physical structures omit surfaces that are not accessible by the user,
obtaining measurements of the actual physical layout of the plurality of physical structures, the measurements comprising measurements of each of the plurality of identified surfaces of the plurality of physical structures and spatial measurements to position the plurality of identified surfaces relative to a plane of a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system;
assigning a surface type for each of the plurality of identified surfaces of the plurality of physical structures, wherein the plurality of identified surfaces comprise a plurality of play surfaces, ramps, slides, or ground surfaces;
selecting a surface texture to correspond with each surface type, each surface texture having a distinguishing tactile feature;
fabricating a three-dimensional (3D) model based on a scaled ratio of the measurements obtained and the selected surface texture corresponding to the surface type for each of the plurality of identified surfaces of the actual physical layout of the plurality of physical structures; and
mounting the 3D model to a map base, the map base having a substantially planar substrate and comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the 3D model positioned on the top surface.
11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising assigning a surface type to the top surface of the map base.
12 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising selecting a surface color to correspond with each assigned surface type.
13 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
identifying a feature of an individual physical structure;
identifying at least one of: a location of the feature on the individual physical structure and a relative location with respect to an identified surface of the plurality of identified surfaces; and
recording a description of the feature comprising characteristics of the feature.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the feature is one of a plurality of features of the plurality of physical structures, wherein the plurality of physical structures comprise the individual structure, and a description of each of the plurality of features of the plurality of physical structures is recorded.
15 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising installing a tactile indicator of the feature on at least one of: the 3D model and the map base.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the tactile indicator of the feature comprises a means to play a voice recorded description of the feature.
17 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the map base is oriented with the bottom surface parallel to a horizontal plane or positioned at an angle with respect to a horizonal plane.
18 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising constructing a support structure to the 3D model mounted on the map base.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of vertical surfaces configured extend downward from a perimeter of the map base, one surface of the plurality of vertical surfaces configured to be a front surface corresponding to a front orientation of the 3D model mounted on the map base.
20 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising constructing a housing configured to enclose the 3D model mounted on the map base and to accommodate an audio system comprising a controller and speakers, the audio system configured to play a voice recorded description of at least one feature of one of the plurality of physical structures.