Kanji writing training with haptic interface for the visually impaired

We are developing a system for a visually impaired person to learn kanji writing using a haptic interface. Use of kanjis by the visually impaired is rare, yet crusial when he signs for a credit card. Inspired from the direct applicability of the dual-stylus mode of haptic devices to mimic teacher-student hold-of-hand practice method of writing, we describe in this paper our basic system design and give preliminary implementations. We assist user´s stylus control by supplying haptic forces on his stylus. Guiding method of stylus using template kanji character is given. The system aims at repeated self-learning of kanji writing without help of other people. We have made the following trainings of kanji writing available for the visually impaired: 1. hold-of-hand practice by the teacher method, and 2. self-learning under several haptic control modes.