Raspbraille: Conversion to Braille Alphabet with Optical Character Recognition and Voice Recognition Algorithm

Abstract

It is quite difficult for visually impaired individuals to read a physically printed material. It is a necessity to provide information flow and communication between visually impaired individuals and other individuals. For this purpose, an alphabet has been developed for visually impaired individuals. With this alphabet, which is called the Braille alphabet, it is possible for visually impaired individuals to access written culture. There are special letters in the alphabet designed for the visually impaired. With the development of technology, studies in the field of Braille alphabet have increased. Optical character recognition technology can convert the letters on files such as pdf, pictures, photos into understandable data by selecting and separating them. Speech recognition algorithm, computer, tablet, mobile phone, voice recorder devices, etc. It is the process of detecting and recognizing the human voice through a microphone with technological products. Within the scope of the study, a device has been developed for Braille alphabet by using optical character recognition technology and speech recognition algorithm. First, the images of each page of the books that were requested to be translated into Braille alphabet were taken. Then, a transformation was performed using a specific character set with the optical character recognition algorithm. Audiobooks, on the other hand, were first converted into text and then into Braille alphabet using speech recognition algorithm. With these converted characters, a physical hardware device has been developed to display Braille letters that visually impaired individuals can read faster.