1990 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
A Study of Japanese Processing Systems for the Blind
| Project/Area Number |
01580035
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
Informatics
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| Research Institution | Kanazawa Institute of Technology |
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Principal Investigator |
MIZUNO Shun Kanazawa Inst. of Tech., Department of Tech., Professor, 工学部, 教授 (90064443)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1989 – 1990
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| Keywords | Japanese Processing / Natural Language Processing / Braille / Braille Translation / Helping Handicapped Persons |
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| Research Abstract |
The best known and developed written communication medium for visually impaired people is braille, a system of tactile dots. Equipment that facilitates manual and mechanical production of braille makes it possible for blind people and braille transcribers to produce all manner of texts. In the Japanese language there have been developed different systems which allow for representing frequently occurring Kana characters or merely character groups by one or two braille cells. Japanese braille texts using these conventions are said to be in Kana braille.
For the past two years, we have studied the following subjects.
1. We adapted the model of syntax-directed translation into Kana braille for Japanese. We have been implemented into a system of programs using the programming language C. Therefore, it was not difficult to have this system available on microcomputers. This system is used at different institutions for the blind.
2. We have converted teletext data to the signals to output with a voice synthesizer or a braille printer. Japanese teletext service uses the code transmission system, which can transmit a variety of information simultaneously with TV programs. Though this service was intended to provide information to the deaf and the blind, this is used only by the deaf now. So we made it possible for the blind to utilize the teletext service by using a personal computer.
3. We have developed a braille library systems that provide blind people can proof papers, search and lend books and cassette tapes, and can conduct like a nonblind operator.
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