Answers about IMAGE, browser support, haptic hardware, privacy, partners, and how to get involved. All questions are collapsed by default: use the buttons 'Expand all' or 'Collapse all'.
About IMAGE
What is IMAGE?
IMAGE is a project by researchers in McGill University’s Shared Reality Lab,
in collaboration with Gateway Navigation and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB),
to build tools that let you experience graphics on the web using audio and touch.
Beyond simple descriptions, IMAGE conveys where things are in a graphic using stereo audio
that can feel like sounds are coming from different directions and distances.
We’re also working to enable IMAGE experiences on the APH/Humanware Monarch
Braille pin array tablet.
What browsers does IMAGE support?
Our extension targets desktop Google Chrome and compatible browsers (e.g., Chromium-based, including
Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera).
Firefox is not yet supported.
Mobile browsers on tablets and phones including iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, aren’t supported yet.
Will IMAGE work on my iPhone/Android phone/tablet?
We’re currently focused on desktop and laptop browsers. Apple has signalled broader web-extension
compatibility across macOS, iPadOS, and iOS.
We have an
alpha version running on iPhone,
but due to Apple Appstore restrictions, we cannot yet release it.
If there’s enough demand, we may also explore Android.
Hardware & Haptics
I don’t have any haptic devices like the Monarch. Can I still use IMAGE?
Yes. Stereo headphones are enough to use IMAGE’s audio spatialization.
Once IMAGE support is publicly release for touch experiences, you’ll need hardware.
Will the haptic devices be covered by insurance / government programs?
We don’t represent the companies selling haptic hardware,
but please let them know if coverage would help you:
Will IMAGE work with my own photographs stored on my computer, like JAWS Picture Smart does?
IMAGE works with graphics you access through your web browser.
Once the IMAGE browser extension is installed, you can type Alt+I in
your browser to select photos and graphics that are on your computer.
Will IMAGE guide me while I’m walking in real-time?
No. For real-time, on-the-go awareness, see our earlier project Autour (http://autour.mcgill.ca).
IMAGE focuses on rich accessibility for graphics on the web. It will render graphical map
content more richly than a simple “this is a map” label. Since the IMAGE server is open source,
others can extend the rendering architecture to mobility scenarios.
Is braille supported? Can low-vision users use magnification or high contrast with IMAGE?
IMAGE does not replace your current tools (braille devices, screen magnifiers, screen readers).
As a browser extension, it should work alongside and complement those tools.
We are happy to lok at bug reports if anything conflicts.
Participate & Community
How can I participate in the design and testing of the tools?
Watch http://image.a11y.mcgill.ca for beta releases and opportunities to participate.
We love getting feedback from IMAGE users, so if you have any comments or suggestions,
don’t hesitate to contact us!
If you’re a software developer, we’d love to talk,
especially if you are interested in extending IMAGE for new graphics and renderings!
Why are there no blind students / faculty working on the project?
We’re partnered with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB),
connecting us with many blind, deaf-blind, and low-vision collaborators. We would welcome a blind
student to join the project; currently there are no blind McGill students or faculty working on IMAGE.
In a past project (Autour), our lab hosted a blind student from another institution for design and
evaluation as part of their degree. If you know candidates for design, engineering, or other roles,
please point them our way.
Funding & Cost
How is the IMAGE project funded?
IMAGE is funded by by research and corporate grants.
A full list can be found on the home page.
How much dpes IMAGE cost?
The IMAGE browser extension is free to install and use. McGill runs a server that
generates rich renderings of web graphics, and our software is open-sourced so others can
run their own servers. In the future, some deployments may use commercial ML services (e.g., Microsoft or Google)
that incur costs; any fees would be set by the organizations operating those additional servers.
Who are your partners and how are they involved?
We’re partnered with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
We’re open to collaborating with any organization that shares IMAGE’s goals—contact us if you’d like to join.
Privacy & Data
What happens to the data and graphics that I send to IMAGE?
Our full policy is at here (that page takes precedence).
In brief, when you activate IMAGE, the graphic, relevant settings, and some page context
are sent to our server for analysis (potentially including calls to external services such as Microsoft Azure).
The graphic and derived data are kept briefly (typically less than two hours) and then deleted,
unless you choose to send feedback or request support via the pop-up link—only then, and only with your
explicit permission, do we retrieve the items to assist you.
With your permission, a team member may view these items,
please avoid sending personal information in graphics.
Opportunities in the Lab (Grad & Post-doc)
I’m interested in your research area and would like to become one of your graduate students or post-docs. What should I do?
We welcome inquiries at any time. Please explore current SRL projects and apply to McGill ECE
(Electrical and Computer Engineering), indicating interest in HCI or Computer Vision within
the Intelligent Systems group. Email us with:
A brief cover letter (fit, motivation, how you can contribute)
Your CV
References
Any relevant publications or manuscripts (PDFs) Due to volume, we generally respond to promising candidates. If you’re a scholarship student
(e.g., NSERC) and near Montreal, contact us to arrange a lab visit.
What qualifications do I need to become a graduate student in your group?
Strong fundamentals in CS/EE/HCI, solid programming, and genuine interest in accessibility,
audio-haptics, or interactive systems. Prior research experience and publications are a plus.