| Research Abstract |
In this research, there are two aims. At first, we introduce a new braille code which is proposed in English spoken area called Unified Braille Code (UBC), and modified it to Japanese standard version. Second, we offer support softwares. However the presentation of detail UBC report is after 2000 year, evaluation kits of UBC will be distributed for relative countries. To introduce the UBC to Japan, 1) a "Kana" descrived part is not modified (use a current Japanese braille rule), 2) all English parts which are appeared in Japanese are replaced UBC rule, 3) scientific parts, these are mathematics and chemical, are also represented by UBC. Current status of English spoken area, 80% agreed to this new braille code. A complete definition will be defined in this summer, and its new rule start is planed in 2003.
This research was two years plan. At first year, we evaluated a adjustment and problems between Japanese braille and UBC. Some anxieties about educational problems, burdens of user and confusion are investigated by hearing the blind who use a UBC text. First and second year, we proposed support softwares, especially automatic braille translation system which converts Japanese text (that contains Chinese characters called Kanji and English) to braille which works on Windows PC is completed. We called this software "EXTRA for Windows".
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