Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing tactile feedback for visually impaired persons with arrangements of tactile tiles. An elongated tactile tile includes multiple rows of elongated blisters with alternating rows offset. The longitudinal axis of the elongated blisters is parallel to the direction of travel indicated by the tile. The offset rows prevent the alignment of adjacent blisters that could be confused with the rows indicating the direction of travel. In various embodiments, the tactile tile is bounded on one side by a guide way tile and on the opposite side by a hazard rib tile, both of which are aligned with the direction of travel. A plurality of tactile tiles are positioned adjacent a pedestrian walkway crossing a street. Where multiple walkways cross an intersection, a plurality of tactile tiles n the sidewalk corner indicate the direction for each walkway.

Abstract: An apparatus for a tactile surface in a pedestrian walkway aiding navigation of the walkway by visually impaired persons. The apparatus includes a tactile tile segment with a base and a pair of parallel, raised ribs. In one embodiment, the tile segment is a resilient material. Between the parallel ribs is a flat area or guideway configured to receive a tip of a cane for guiding a cane user in a direction parallel to the ribs. The tile segments are configured to butt together at their distal ends to form an extended surface. In one embodiment, a clamping strip is positioned with a portion over a longitudinal edge of the tile segment to prevent the lifting of the edge of the strip from vehicular traffic. The clamping strip is configured to attach to a roadway and is made of a durable, rigid material.

Abstract: A monitoring and corrective action system for computer users. The system monitors the real-time interactions of a user with a computer workstation's keyboard, mouse, and video display unit to determine the strain induced in the user. The induced strain value also is based upon setting entered by the user indicating the users discomfort level, recovery level, and typing proficiency. The system provides feedback to the user to allow the user to modify behavior in order to reduce the induced strain. The feedback includes, in various embodiments, displaying safe-tips, displaying exercises, displaying real-time strain graphs, and forced breaks. The system also includes provisions for reporting induced strain levels and behavior patterns to others through electronic messages such as e-mail.