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.