An Israeli hi-tech company has produced a computer mouse that acts as the eyes of the blind and partially-sighted by helping them view computer graphics through touch.
Growing dependence on graphics and "mice" to navigate screens in increasingly computer-based societies have limited the ability of the partially-sighted to use new technology.
Manufacturers tout the VirTouch system (VTS), which lets the blind "see" the delicate strokes of a sketch by the artist Pablo Picasso or the outline of countries on a map, as a "quantum leap" toward their integration into the world of the sighted.
"It breaks with the past by adding graphics to the universe of the blind person," said Mr Art Braunstein, corporate relations director at VirTouch Ltd.
The company has integrated existing computer products for the blind and partially-sighted that are based on text-to-speech software and the Braille alphabet, with a device that acts both as a mouse and a tactile display.
VTS allows the blind to recognize graphic shapes, pictures, play tactile computer games and read text in normal letters or Braille by placing fingers on three pads that respond when a cursor on the computer screen touches a graphic or letter.
"The system is not only based on touch, but the user can listen to the representation with an audio device and see the image if they have sight. It's really the first multi-sensual device for the blind," said company founder mr Roman Gouzman.