# FluxMarker: Enhancing Tactile Graphics with Dynamic Tactile Markers

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1708.03783 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1708.03783/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 12 Aug 2017.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [A Step towards Automated and Generalizable Tactile Map Generation using Generative Adversarial Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.07191/) (2024)
- [Three Modalities, Two Design Probes, One Prototype, and No Vision: Experience-Based Co-Design of a Multi-modal 3D Data Visualization Tool](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.09426/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

For people with visual impairments, tactile graphics are an important means to learn and explore information. However, raised line tactile graphics created with traditional materials such as embossing are static. While available refreshable displays can dynamically change the content, they are still too expensive for many users, and are limited in size. These factors limit wide-spread adoption and the representation of large graphics or data sets. In this paper, we present FluxMaker, an inexpensive scalable system that renders dynamic information on top of static tactile graphics with movable tactile markers. These dynamic tactile markers can be easily reconfigured and used to annotate static raised line tactile graphics, including maps, graphs, and diagrams. We developed a hardware prototype that actuates magnetic tactile markers driven by low-cost and scalable electromagnetic coil arrays, which can be fabricated with standard printed circuit board manufacturing. We evaluate our prototype with six participants with visual impairments and found positive results across four application areas: location finding or navigating on tactile maps, data analysis, and physicalization, feature identification for tactile graphics, and drawing support. The user study confirms advantages in application domains such as education and data exploration.