Computer assisted braille production in Austria

Journal of Microcomputer Applications (1990) 13, 115-l 21

Computer

assisted braille

production

in Austria

H. C. Flickschuh, M. Busboom, W. L. Zagler Technical University, Institute of Electronics, Gusshausstrasse, 27/359/1B, A-1040 Vienna, Austria

In today’s world, a lack of education can be both culturally and socially disadvantageous. Yet for blind people, it is not always easy to reach the same level of academic scholarship as their sighted counterparts. One of the main obstacles that blind people must often face is an inaccessibility to printed material. In this paper, the use of modem methods of producing braille in Austria are discussed and the efforts of ‘FORTec’, (a research group at the Technical University of Vienna. Austria) to assist the blind are highlighted

1.

Introduction

1.1

Communication needs

In many vocational fields, access to written material is essential. Successful educational, vocational and cultural interaction are predictated on the ability of the individual not only to read and write, but also to gain rapid access to already existing printed information. 1.2

Visual impairment and blindness

If sickness or accident precipitate a loss of vision to the extent that the utilization of magnification equipment for reading written or printed material is no longer possible, it becomes necessary to resort to alternative forms of communication.

1.3 Braille The best known and most developed written communication medium impaired people is braille, a system of tactile dots. Equipment that facilitates mechanical production of braille makes it possible for blind people transcribers to produce all manner of texts.

1.4

for visually manual and and braille

FORTec

The ‘Working Group on Rehabilitation Engineering’ (FORTec), part of the Institut fiir Allgemeine Elektrotechnik und Elektronik, Technical University of Vienna, was established in 1986 to consolidate efforts directly related to the ongoing development of technical aids for the disabled. This work was, however, started prior to the establishment of the working group and has its origins in a project to develop a reading machine for the blind. The expertise amassed by its ten members has made it possible for the group to diversify and meet a wide variety of educational, vocational and sensory needs of the blind. 115 0745-7 138/90/020115 + 07 $03.00/O

0 1990 Academic Press Limited

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2.

Braille

2.1

Procedure

production

methods

The prerequisite for the production of a braille book is a source text in either ink print (a) or a compositor tape of the text (b)-the letters in parentheses refer to Fig. 1. In the production of a braille book, the following steps are necessary: Text Analysis and Adaptation 2.1 .l In this phase, varying degrees of effort are required, depending on the complexity of the text layout. Continuous text, e.g. novels and much nonfiction literature, requires little adaptation. On the other hand, topicspecific books, e.g. scientific textbooks and reports, require much more effort to adapt to braille conventions. If the material is to be produced by blind transcribers, it must first be recorded on audio cassettes (c). 2.1.2 Text entry Both the traditional embossing plate (d) and magnetically stored materials (e.g. diskettes or magnetic tape) (e), can be used in the next phase of the production process. Depending on the process used, the contracted braille text can be entered onto zinc, aluminium or plastic plates with an embosser (f), either by sighted or blind transcribers. Alternatively, text is sometimes automatically entered into a computer by sighted transcribers (g) or via OCR scanners (h). If this approach is taken, the text must then be output to special programs where it undergoes translation into contracted braille (i). Proofreading With a braille printer (k) or plate embosser (1), a rough draft of 2.1.3 the text is produced for a blind proofreader who checks the text for brailling errors. Corrections are made by mechanically altering the zinc plate or by performing alterations on the data on a computer, using a braille keyboard. Duplication In this phase, the electronic data can also be embossed onto zinc 2.1.4 plates by using a computer-controlled embosser (m). If only a small number of copies is to be produced, a braille paper embosser will suffice. A braille press must be used for I, r

(o )

InkprInt-Text

,

Recording audio

on

Manual SIghted

Cassette

(c)

Text entry Transcrlptlon

Input “IO Scanner-OCR System (h

is)

I Tronscrlblng by spec~ol~sts

,I1 I

I Into

brollle

I

(f I

Compositor

Translation

Storage

medium

Plastic

Control I

unto contracted

Brallle/EDV-Program

( I i I

Electromagnetic storage cassettes, diskettes

Storage medium embossIng Plate zmc/plostic

sheets

I

Program to filter out print commands

)

I.

PaPer

(b

I

I

I

tapes

Braille

id

(e )

)

medium.

11

Single sheet plastic r,ng binder

Paperless braille, exchange of storage medium L

Figure 1. Overview of various methods for transcribing printed material into braille. (After: ‘Stand der Drucktechnologien’ in Jiirgen Hertlein: Die neuen Druckiechniken: Was k6nnen dir hlindm Nurrcw erwarfen-heute und ktinfrig: 5th International Workshop on Computerised Braille Production. Winterthur. 1985)

Computer assisted braille production larger production notebooks. 2.2

runs. After embossing,

the material

is bound

11’7

or placed in special spiral

Current state of braille production in Austria

For a variety of reasons, the facilities for the production of braille books are, regrettably, obsolete. Since the printing house at the Federal School for the Blind (BundesBlindenerziehungsinstitut) makes absolutely no use of computer technology, production speed is cut and flexibility is sacrificed. In an attempt to meet the ever-increasing demand for braille material-primarily textbooks-a variety of alternative methods for the production of braille material has evolved. These range from a single PC which is interfaced to a low-cost braille printer to meet one person’s private needs. At the other end of the spectrum is a complete braille production facility at a minimum security prison in Vienna to meet the demand for textbooks for schoolchildren being mainstreamed.

3.

Advanced

methods

of braille

production

In Austria, a three-pronged approach is currently being used to produce braille: the use of compositor tapes, data entry (keyboard and OCR) and the use of volunteer transcribers. Although the demand for braille is increasing, production costs have remained high. FORTec has been investigating ways to circumvent the need for braille transcribers and more fully automate the braille production process. 3.1

Methods

3.1.1 Compositor tapes. This invaluable method basically involves adapting a text which has been supplied by the publisher on a magnetic storage medium. This medium is normally used to control the typesetter. A special program must be written to strip this text of all unwanted control characters and convert other control codes into braille formatting conventions. Once such a program has been written, it is a rather simple matter to produce as many books from the same publisher as needed, thereby providing potential long-term cost savings. The initial process is rather costly, however, because new software must be written for each publisher’s materials. The text must still be adapted and proofread. 3.1.2 Reading machines for data entry. FORTec closely follows developments in the field of automated data entry via OCR scanners. In some cases, an OCR scanner can be used to input text into a computer where it can then undergo adaptation for a blind reader. As the amount of material that can be processed in this way increases, the percharacter-cost decreases. Nevertheless, this method has only limited application since a considerable amount of material cannot be scanned because of complexities stemming from its layout and/or character fonts. 3.1.3 Manual data entry. In many cases, complex text layout and difficulties in reproducing diagrams make it necessary for materials to be entered manually. FORTec utilized the services of volunteer transcribers who were linked together through this country’s primary electronic mail system. TELEBOX, operated by Radio Austria. This

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eliminated the need for terminal and diskette format compatibility, since the end product was an ASCII text which was transmitted to a central computer. The texts from the various transcribers were then retrieved from the TELEBOX, were merged, formatted for braille output and then sent to a braille embosser. 3.2

Advantages

of modern braille production

methods

Only through the utilization of computer technology was it possible to keep up with the rapidly increasing, enormous demand for braille texts. Furthermore, if suitable braille terminals are available, the process of proofreading and correcting texts before they are produced in hardcopy braille is greatly simplified. Finally, if a production run does not eexceed 5&100 copies, a braille printer, rather than a large braille presss, is quite adequate. This presupposes that the overall volume of material is not too great. 3.3

Potential pitfalls in modern braille production

methods

With the ready availability of computer technology, there is a strong temptation to underestimate the complexities involved in the production of braille material. If capable blind proofreaders are not involved, a drastic degradation in the quality of braille will often result. This can lead to frustration, confusion and anger on the part of the braille reader. In some cases, the resulting braille material can be so poorly formatted that it is virtually unintelligible to the reader.

4.

Areas of Application

4.1

Schoolbooks

Braille is the preferred medium of many congenitally blind people. In order to meet the demand for braille schoolbooks, FORTec has intensified its efforts to promote production of materials in this medium. The working group is responsible for developing special programs which aid in the production of literary braille, the kind of braille used in textbooks. To date, textbooks have been produced for nine of the 15 students who have been mainstreamed. The remaining six students have enough residual vision to make use of large-print materials. In the future, FORTec will cooperate more closely with the teaching aids center (Lehrmittelzentrale), the self-help parent organization (Elternselbsthilfe) and a local prison which annually produces dozens of braille books. 4.2

UN materials

The group has also provided consulting services to the United Nations on matters relating to computerized braille production. As part of the working relationship with this agency, FORTec provided braille conference materials for the ‘Global Meeting of Experts’, a conference which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 1987. The purpose of this conference was to evaluate the International Decade of Disabled Persons. Producing this documentation was not a straightforward task because all documentation had to appear in English, French and Spanish. This marked the first time in the history of the United Nations that blind participants were able to fully participate in a UN-sponsored conference. FORTec has been approached about the possibility of producing a much larger volume of braille materials for the UN in several languages, but negotiations are still in progress.

Computer assisted braille production 4.3

119

Legal texts

FORTec is currently involved in the production of legal materials in braille for a blind employee of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance. This is significant because this person will be able to realistically strive for upward professional mobility. Furthermore, these texts can be later used by other blind students interested in pursuing a degree in law. These materials can be made available to students in either hardcopy braille or on special electronic braille devices such as the VersaBraille. Some of the legal documentation was entered manually, while other material was scanned into a computer. Still other material was made available in machine readable form by a very cooperative publisher that utilizes modern computer technology in its print production process when publishing one of the most important Austrian juristical book series. This company makes every effort to provide material that can be more easily converted into braille. 4.4

Contemporary literature

For more than a year, an organization called Progrea has been publishing a literary magazine called Zenit in which contemporary literature and interviews appear. Since this magazine is written on a PC and FORTec wished to make it available to the blind, it was decided to produce it in braille. In the spring of this year, the magazine was officially made available to the blind in braille at a special public presentation. It is reasonable to expect that the number of braille subscribers will be sufficient to make it possible to other Zenit in braille at the same price that a print subscriber pays. 4.5

Bhfo

For the past two years, FORTec has produced Blinfo, a publication in braille which keeps blind people abreast of developments of interest to them, both within Austria and abroad. Blinfo is available in a variety of media: print, large print, braille, electronic mail, BTX (e.g. Minitel, Prestel etc.), VersaBraille and via voice telephone. Some 220 Readers are regularly informed about events of special interest, technical aids, publications, etc. In addition, portions of Blinfo have been adapted and translated into English and made available to subscribers of CompuServe, a widely used American databank. The English version was well received and was subsequently published in VersaNews. an American periodical devoted primarily to following trends in the field of electronic braille.

5.

Diversif ication

5.1

Vocational worksites

With an eye towards offering greater educational and vocational flexibility to the visually impaired, several members of the working group have participated in seminars and have taught the use of braille and electronic braille equipment to both the newlyblind and recently-integrated students. The working group continues to offer consulting services to agencies, individuals, schools, firms and governmental agencies. As a result of our efforts visually impaired private individuals, students and employees now have the means through which they can realistically aspire to an elevated standard of living and a heightened degree of personal integrity.

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5.2

Support

in the school

To date, FORTec has been both directly and indirectly responsible for the integration and support of 15 blind school pupils. These pupils and their teachers can obtain support from a teaching aids center (Lehrmittelzentrale) which relies heavily on the working group’s expertise. The Federal Ministry of Education (Unterrichtsministerium) commissioned the group to lay the groundwork and establish the technical and organizational infrastructure for this organization, the first of its kind in Austria.

6.

Conclusion

Much has been accomplished in the field of computerized braille production in Austria. Our experience has clearly demonstrated that the work carried out by FORTec in this field must be intensified. There is also a great need for commercial braille production facilities in this country to modernize their techniques and make use of today’s computer technology. From a social perspective, FORTec, along with other interested parties, must also make the needs of the blind known to society at large. To encourage government agencies to increase their levels of funding, the braille reader must also assume a more active role. Today, it is a much easier task to produce braille than to martial public support and generate funding. It is in this area that FORTec’s task remains formidable.

References 1. M Busboom 1982. Neue Wege der Kommunikation fiir Sehbehinderte durch Mikroeiektronik. Erweiterter zugr# xr Literatur. Projektbericht an das Bundesministerium fiir Wissenschaft und Forschung. Wien. 2 C. Briisamle. Studie iiber Realisierung des Computereinsatzes im Blindenbuchdruck. Privention. und Forschungsbereich Forschungszentrum fiir Rehabilitation Rehabilitationstechnologie. Heidelberg. Projekt BMFT. 3. H. Werner 1984. Zwei Jahrzehnte automatische Herstellung deutscher Blindenschrtft. Marburger Schriftenreihe zur Rehabilitation Blinder. 4. J. Ebersold, T. Schwyter & W. Slaby (Eds.) 1985. Computerised Braille Production. Proceedings of the 5th International Workshop, Winterthur. November. brute 5. J. Hertlein 1985. Die neuen Drucktechniken: was kiinnen die blinden Benutzer erwarten und kiinftig. Deutsche Blindenstudienanstalt, Marburg. 6. J. Engelen 1985. Use of Editors, Media for Producing Braille. University of Leuven. Belgium. I. M. Busboom, H. Flickschuh & M. Rohlfing 1986. Centerfor Information and Technical Aids for Blind Pupils, Workshop on Aids and Adaptationsfor the Visually Impaired, Wien, pp. 36-40. 8. W. Zagler et al. 1987. Working Group on Rehabilitation Engineering. Handbook on the Work qf ARTec. 9. H. Flickshuh. No specific date, BLINFO is a periodically issued information service! BLINFO -Information Service for the Blind and Partially Sighted, Periodical Newsbulletin. Produced in inkprint, large print, braille, electronic media and as recorded telephone service. 10. H. Flickshuh 1987. Conceptfor the Organisation and Establishment of a Teaching Aids Center for Blind Pupils-Analysis and Report to the Federal Ministry of Education, Art and Sports. BMUKS, Vienna. 11. H. Flickshuh 1987. Conceptfor the Modernization of the Printing House of the Federal Institute of Education for the Blind. Report to the Federal Ministry of Education, Art and Sports. BMUKS, Vienna.

Computer assisted braille production Michael Busboom B.A., blind from birth, has been a consultant on adaptive technology blind since 1981. His primary areas of research have been in the fields of computerized production of textbooks, telecommunications, and speech output applications. Among Mr. Busboom has provided consulting services to the United Nations, the Austrian public system, IBM carp. and Radio Austria.

12 1

for the braille others, school

Heinz C. Flickschuh was born in 1959 in Oberwart, Austria, received his Master’s degree in electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna. He subseqently joined the University’s group on Rehabilitation Engineering and specialized in the field of scanner and OCR systems. He has also provided consulting services to various Austrian government agencies in the area of adaptive technology for the blind. Woygang L. Zagler graduated from the Technical University of Vienna with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and on doing so made long-term plans to create an electronic OCR reading aid for the blind. In order to gain experience in pattern recognition and to finance his research, Dr. Zagler designed an automatic welding seam tracking system. Currently, Dr. Zagler is the head of a research group involved in the field of communication aids and systems for the visually impaired.