Braille Alphabet Research Articles

Electrostatic Smart Textiles for Braille-To-Speech Translation.

A wearable Braille-to-speech translation system is of great importance for providing auditory feedback in assisting blind people and people with speech impairment. However, previous reported Braille-to-speech translation systems still need to be improved in terms of comfortability or integration. Here, a Braille-to-speech translation system that uses dual-functional electrostatic transducers which are made of fabric-based materials and can be integrated into textiles is reported. Based on electrostatic induction, the electrostatic transducer can either serve as a tactile sensor or a loudspeaker with the same design. The proposed electrostatic transducers have excellent output performances, mechanical robustness, and working stability. By combining the devices with machine learning algorithms, it is possible to translate the Braille alphabet and 40 commonly used words (extensible) into speech with an accuracy of 99.09% and 97.08%, respectively. This work demonstrates a new approach for further developments of advanced assistive technology toward improving the lives of disabled people.

Orthogonal luminescence lifetime encoding by intermetallic energy transfer in heterometallic rare-earth MOFs

Lifetime-encoded materials are particularly attractive as optical tags, however examples are rare and hindered in practical application by complex interrogation methods. Here, we demonstrate a design strategy towards multiplexed, lifetime-encoded tags via engineering intermetallic energy transfer in a family of heterometallic rare-earth metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOFs are derived from a combination of a high-energy donor (Eu), a low-energy acceptor (Yb) and an optically inactive ion (Gd) with the 1,2,4,5 tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) benzene (TCPB) organic linker. Precise manipulation of the luminescence decay dynamics over a wide microsecond regime is achieved via control over metal distribution in these systems. Demonstration of this platform’s relevance as a tag is attained via a dynamic double encoding method that uses the braille alphabet, and by incorporation into photocurable inks patterned on glass and interrogated via digital high-speed imaging. This study reveals true orthogonality in encoding using independently variable lifetime and composition, and highlights the utility of this design strategy, combining facile synthesis and interrogation with complex optical properties.

Pengembangan Produk Mainan Huruf Arab Braille Dengan Menggunakan Metode Quality Function Deployment

Increasing the ability of blind children can be done through by reading skills. A total blind person is in desperate need of braille to be able to read and get important information. Not only the letters of the Braille alphabet, the blind are also expected to be able to understand the Arabic braille letters, one of which is to facilitate reading Braille Quran. The purpose of the study are identify customer needs, technical characteristics, product specifications and product design, find out the material used, and estimate the total cost to make one product. Products are designed using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and product visualization using CATIA. Customer needs for arabic letter braille toys are interesting, not boring, the material used is non-toxic, the material is not easily broken, not easily damaged, toys are easily stored, not too big, not heavy, easy to use, not harmful when used, and multifunctional toys. The product technical characteristics are shape, material type, weight, length, width, and height. The specifications of product are box shape design, the material used is Dutch teak, product size is 27 x 19.5 x 15 cm, product weight is 979gr. The estimated total cost for braille Arabic toy is Rp.131,936.

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

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.

Jeraldine Approach on Braille Reading Skills of Visually Imparied Pupils

Inclusive education, more than mainstreaming the learners with special needs, is also concerned with identifying and overcoming all barriers for effective, continuous and quality participation of all in education (Ramchand and Dummugudem, 2014). This research was conducted to test the effect of using Jeraldine Approach in reading braille alphabet in increasing the reading performance of pupils with visual impairment. Specifically, the study determined the mean score of the respondents before and after the implementation of Jeraldine Approach as intervention and how it helped them in a convenient way. The study was conducted to two purposively selected learners with visual impairment. It used the Explanatory Sequential Research Design which showed that all of them had poor understanding in language development particularly in braille reading before the intervention, however, the respondents showed a satisfactory result after the intervention. Utilizing the weighted mean and standard deviation in getting the mean score revealed that their mean percentage score has increased. This implies that the participants have improved their reading performance after the implementation of the Jeraldine Approach. Moreover, the pretest and posttest mean scores of the participants indicated of a very high significant difference, therefore the intervention has contributed large effect on the reading performance of the learners. The result, likewise, indicated the themes easy to understand, easy to use and easy to manipulate.

ПОРІВНЯЛЬНИЙ АНАЛІЗ СУЧАСНИХ ПІДРУЧНИКІВ, ВИДАНИХ В УКРАЇНІ, ДЛЯ ЗДОБУВАЧІВ ОСВІТИ МОЛОДШОГО, СЕРЕДНЬОГО ТА СТАРШОГО ШКІЛЬНОГО ВІКУ ІЗ ПОРУШЕННЯМИ ЗОРУ

At the preliminary stage of the research, the qualitative analysis of educational editions (textbooks) for visually impaired (blind) junior pupils has been completed. The qualitative analysis of textbooks for secondary and senior pupils receiving school education has given us the opportunity (in this article) to complete the general comparative analysis of educational editions (textbooks) for visually impaired persons receiving general secondary education, who study under the programs of special or mass comprehensive school. The qualitative analysis of educational editions has been completed on the basis of the inquiry among the pedagogues of special comprehensive schools (specialist teachers for the blind and subject teachers) (75% of interviewed) and pedagogues of mass comprehensive schools, that ensure education for visually impaired schoolchildren under the inclusive form of study (25% of interviewed). The geography of the performed inquiry covered most of Ukraine. The modern educational editions (textbooks) for visually impaired persons receiving education, prepared and published within the time period from 2017 to 2021 have been directly analyzed. The analysis covers the textbooks for primary school, printed in the Braille alphabet (for blind pupils) and the enlarged largeprint font (for visually impaired schoolchildren). For secondary and senior classes – only the tetbooks printed in the Braille alphabet. Cross-section data of the inquiry among the pedagogues was followed by own analysis of all editions, mentioned by pedagogues during the inquiry, that being over 100 textbooks for various classes almost in all educational subjects (mathematics, informatics, Ukrainian language and reading, English language, I explore the world – primary school), (Ukrainian language, Ukrainian literature, English language, history of Ukraine, universal history, algebra, geometry, informatics, chemistry, physics, geography, biology – secondary and senior school). The special attention is paid to the main trends, which include preparation, adaptation and edition of educational literature (textbooks) for visually impaired persons receiving general secondary education in Ukraine. The obtained results of the research may change the situation with edition of textbooks for the said category of schoolchildren for the better. Key words: Textbook, the Braille alphabet, enlarged font, persons receiving education, visual impairment, blind schoolchildren, visually impaired pupils.

An Interview with Radu Oreian

An Interview with Radu Oreian David Riddle Watson Radu Oreian is an emerging artist from Romania who currently works in Marseilles, France. Finding inspiration from Renaissance masters, medieval manuscripts, and philosophical figures, his works create connections across time and space by folding the history of art and ideas into his pieces. His works use a variety of mediums and consistently challenge the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and drawing. Using the Braille alphabet in recent pieces, he has added another dimension to his work, addressing the physicality of communication. Most importantly, his work is communal—it is a radical attempt to bring disparate pieces together in harmony in a time when that is greatly needed. Radu Oreian's work has consistently grown in popularity as it has been shown in major art shows across the globe. Over this last year his work has been featured in prominent exhibitions such as Untitled in Miami, Art Paris, the Dallas Art Fair, and Zona Maco in Mexico City. His most recent show was a month-long residency at 1969 Gallery in New York City, which ran from 6 September until 22 October 2022. david riddle watson: Can you talk a little about how and when you started drawing and painting? When did you decide to do art professionally? radu oreian: I started drawing after I suffered a bad injury in a soccer game and I was stuck in bed for a couple of weeks with my knee in a cast. At that time I was playing at a professional level, and I had no intention of becoming an artist, but somehow one drawing led to another and slowly the idea of changing my life crept in. I guess it's the cliché of the bad accident that became the best thing that happened to me, from a professional perspective. [End Page 160] drw: Where did you study? Can you speak a little to the experience at the Cluj School—I know there is some history there. ro: I studied two years at the University of Arts and Design from Cluj, in Transylvania, and I spent another two years studying at the National Academy of Art from Bucharest. The term "Cluj School" describes a generation of artists that reached international success, but it's not defined by a specific style or artistic direction, rather by a group of very talented artists that put Romania on the map of contemporary art. I ended up working as an assistant years later to some of these artists when I was living in Berlin. drw: What artists have been influential to you as you were finding your style? ro: The artists I worked with from the Cluj School were fundamental for my development. Leaving aside their practice, I was mostly struck by their professionalism and their stamina of producing amazing works no matter the pressure they had on their shoulders. History-wise there are so many artists that left an imprint on my practice. For example, I remember visiting an etching exhibition of James Ensor, my favorite draftsman, in Arles, that touched me to the core. drw: I'm always curious about process. What does a typical day at the studio look like? Is there any general rule about how long a painting typically takes you from beginning to completion? ro: A good day at the studio begins before entering the studio. On the road to my atelier I pass Marseille's old port fish market, then some streets with small cafés and restaurants, so when I start working I am already charged with a visual imprint. This walk is a preparatory process. Rather than overthinking my working day, I prefer to put myself in a clear mind-set, and that always leads to good results. My works are amalgamations of details. I often refer to them as tornadoes of matter, and they have their own way of completing themselves. drw: How do you choose your subjects? I notice lots of mythological and religious images. What is it about these figures that inspires you? [End Page 161] ro: I like to zap through art history. The archives of images are immense and of such amazing quality. There are...

The Lived Experiences of Teachers with Visual Impairments in the Inclusion of Students with Visual Impairments: A Phenomenological Study

This study aims to reveal the lived experiences of teachers with visual impairments (VI) in the inclusion of students with VI. In this phenomenological study, data were collected from 8 teachers with VI through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis using a qualitative software program named MAXQDA20. The six themes identified from the content analysis were underlying issues in inclusion, personal guidance of teachers on students with VI, critical evaluation of inclusion, from diagnosis to the IEP implementation, the appropriate model of education for students with VI, and teachers' sense of inclusion. The findings revealed that teachers with VI contributed to the inclusion of students with VI. Furthermore, they emphasized system-related issues preventing inclusive practices and made critical evaluations concerning practices in inclusive settings. Based on the findings, inclusive classrooms and resource rooms should be equipped with educational tools (i.e., the braille alphabet, assistive technologies, tactile graphs and maps), teaching staff and their training should be enhanced, and school buildings should be designed as physically accessible and supervised by special education teachers who have expertise in VI or experience in working with students with VI.

History and current state of books in Braille in Ukraine and abroad

The article raises the issue of perception of information by visually impaired people. The history of the search for ways of writing and reading for the blind in a broad chronological section — from the IV century to the period of the invention of L. Braille.
 It is noted that by the XIX century blind people did not have much choice of profession, were distant from the world of books and mostly made brushes or baskets. For a long time, mankind has experimented with many methods that would help people with special needs to read and write, but many of them proved unviable because they were only a relief version of printed letters. In contrast, the Braille system has become effective, because it is based on a rational sequence of signs intended for the fingertips, not the eyes.
 It is emphasized that using the Braille alphabet, visually impaired people have access to a wide range of materials for reading and early education, which is vital for knowledge, literacy and employment. Thanks to this system, people can work, pursue hobbies and develop in every way.

Neuromorphic metamaterial structures

Computerized structural optimization methods are often used to design the shape of structures to achieve a desired function, such as a specific compliance. In the simplest case of a structure built from a material with small deformations obeying Cauchy elasticity, the compliance is constant and the relationship between the forces applied on the structure and its deformation is linear. This linearity severely limits the types of functions which can be achieved by such materials. Here we study mechanical metamaterials made of repeating unit cells, each with specific dimensional parameters and with one-sided contact non-linearities. We show that the force and displacement equilibrium configurations of these metamaterials are mathematically equivalent to the fixed points of a recurrent artificial neural network. By exploiting this equivalence, we demonstrate mechanical metamaterials that can be designed (trained) to implement complex non-linear functions, using a gradient descent algorithm as in artificial neural networks. One of our metamaterial structures has a higher compliance when it is pressed against a pattern of raised bumps corresponding to the vowels in the Braille alphabet, than when it is pressed against patterns for six consonants. As artificial neural networks are known to be efficient models for numerous problems in machine learning, our results reveal that beneficial features of neural networks can be transferred to physical objects (mechanical structures). These features include the design of systems with complex input–output relationships by using generic methods that only rely on the repetitive processing of pairs of inputs and desired outputs, as well as remarkable generalization capabilities. We anticipate our methodology to be a starting point for the transfer of some of the breakthroughs in the rapidly advancing field of machine learning to highly functional physical devices in applications that are constrained by energy, volume, data processing or response time.

Refreshable Braille Module Using Cam Actuated Mechanism

Less than 3% of 145 million blind people in developing countries at present are literate [1]. At present, in most of the cases, speech output has been the medium for blind people to access materials. For content which require deep understanding such as technical texts etc., it is not an appropriate modality, moreover blind people are more accustomed to braille transcripts and adaptability issues to all audio resources is difficult. And thus, arises the need for a cheap, easily adaptable, less complex solution to the problem. Braille points are varied arrangements of raised dots representing characters which are identified by touch by visually impaired people. Here we discuss in detail, development of a dynamic/refresh-able Braille display which presents Braille points by the up-and-down movement of pins using a completely new, first of its kind, Cam actuated mechanism with just two actuation points instead of a standard 6 used by every single refresh-able braille board in the world at present. Two nested shafts having 8 arrays of precisely calculated and placed cam, each were responsible for keeping the pins in up and down state. The shafts were actuated using two micro-servo motors placed next to each other. X degree rotation of servo after transmission through gear and subsequently shaft resulted in a particular configuration. Henceforth calibration was done so that all braille alphabet could be produced with specific servo rotations.

Görme Yetersizliği Olan Kadınların Üreme Sağlığı Sorunları ve Çözüm Yolları

Görme yetersizliği olan kadınlar, üreme sağlığına yönelik, menstrual siklus, cinsel sağlık, gebelik, doğum şekli, emzirme ve çocuk sahibi olma, aile planlaması, jinekolojik muayene ve yıllık düzenli kontrole gitme sorunlarının yanı sıra sağlık hizmetine erişim, eğitim alma ve bakıma yönelik sorunlar yaşamaktadır. Bu sorunlar ve çözüm yollarına yönelik eğitim ve danışmanlık verilirken optimal düzeyde yarar sağlayabilmek için dokunsal, işitsel materyallerden yararlanılması gerekmektedir. Görme eylemi, bilgi edinmeden sorumludur ve bu organdaki herhangi bir değişiklik, bireyin kapasitesinin azalmasına neden olmaktadır. Sağlık profesyonellerinin görme yetersizliğinin nedenlerini, bireylerin öğrenmelerine olan etkisini bilmeleri, üreme sağlığına yönelik düzenlenecek eğitim planlarının oluşturulmasında yarar sağlayacaktır. Kadınları bilgilendirmek için hazırlanan üreme sağlığına yönelik broşür ve kitapçıkların Braille alfabesi ile yazılması ya da seslendirilmesi görme yetersizliği olan kadınların bilgiye ulaşmalarını kolaylaştırmaktadır. Hemşirelerin görme yetersizliği olan bireylere yaklaşım, eğitim ve danışmanlık verme konularında eğitim alması sağlanmalıdır. Bu derlemenin amacı, bireylerin eğitim/danışmanlık alma şeklini etkileyen görme yetersizliğinin tanımlarına ve nedenlerine dikkat çekerek, kadınların üreme sağlığına yönelik yaşadıkları sorunlar ve çözüm yollarına ilişkin hemşirelerin farkındalığını artırmaktır.

Технічні задачі інформаційної технології формування сторінок книжкових видань українською абеткою Брайля

Технічні задачі інформаційної технології формування сторінок книжкових видань українською абеткою Брайля

Görme Engelli Seçmenler İçin Tasarlanmış Seçim Gereçlerinin İncelenmesi

Görme engelli bireye, yaşamın her alanında fırsat eşitliğinin verilmesi ve yeterli olanakların sunulması; bağımsız ve özgürce yaşayabilmesinin temel koşuludur. Görme engelli birey, uygun koşullar ve olanaklar sağlandığı takdirde günlük yaşamının yanı sıra iş hayatını da görebilen insanlar gibi sürdürebilmekte, özgürce seyahat edebilmektedir. Braille alfabesi ile okuyabilmekte, dokunsal grafik tasarım ürünlerini kullanarak eğitim alabilmektedir. Anayasal hakkı gereği bir seçmen olarak, bağımsız oy kullanabilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın temel amacı görme engelli ve seçim materyallerinin, sosyal sorumluluk kavramı çerçevesinde incelenmesidir. Tarama modeli kapsamında yapılan inceleme sonucunda Türkiye’de görme engelli seçmenlerin bağımsız oy kullanabilmeleri için yeterli düzenlemenin, tasarımın ya da uygulamanın yapılmadığı belirlenmiştir. Tasarımda sosyal sorumluluk kavramı çerçevesinde, tasarımla ilgili tüm kamu kurumlarında ve özel sektörde seçim materyaline yönelik tasarım önerileri geliştirilebilir.

Guia áudio tátil em resina de poliéster: uma proposta de modelo de material didático voltado à educação de cegos

Este artigo é a descrição do desenvolvimento de uma metodologia, que se aproxima de um tutorial, para reprodução de materiais que podem ser utilizados como recurso didático em disciplinas cujo o enfoque seja morfologia macroscópica, como Paleontologia ou Anatomia Animal ou Vegetal e Geologia. O processo utiliza borracha de silicone e resina de poliéster para reprodução de peças, e uma interface, via QR-Code, que remete o usuário a uma narração dos conteúdos postada na plataforma digital YouTube. O objetivo foi criar uma abordagem que permita duplicar peças de valor didático, que normalmente não poderiam ser disponibilizadas para manipulação dos estudantes, com maior enfoque na educação para cegos, em que o “tocar significa ver” e que a manipulação é essencial, sendo que a metodologia permite adicionar marcas na textura da peça, como o Alfabeto em Braille. Para tornar o material definitivamente inclusivo, foi propsoto ligar o objeto de interesse a uma plataforma digital, e neste caso, o YouTube via QR-code, em que é postado uma narrativa em áudio. Assim é possível o seu uso em estudos domiciliares ou em metodologias de ensino presencial em que o aluno é o protagonista. Como resultado foi obtido uma cópia de qualidade de um material, normalmente muito caro ou por outros motivos inacessível, cujo os insumos são de baixo custo e adquiridos facilmente, além de poder ser confeccionado nas instalações de um laboratório escolar.

Comparison of apparatus and methods for tactile marking of polymeric films with Braille alphabet

This article analyzes contact and non-contact methods for local heat treatment of heat shrink films in tactile marking devices. The characteristics of polymeric film heating processes under heat transfer from metal stamps and laser emitters were investigated. The article contains diagrams obtained by differential scanning calorimetry of polymeric heat shrink film exposed to thermal effect of different tactile marking devices. The article also describes stereometry of Braille elements obtained by using a metal stamp and a laser emitter.

МОДЕЛІ СПІВРОБІТНИЦТВА ФАХІВЦІВ У ХОДІ ІНКЛЮЗИВНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ІНОЗЕМНОЇ МОВИ: СВІТОВИЙ ДОСВІД

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the current state of educational inclusion in Ukraine and the challenges that are to be met in the process of scientific researches. These challenges primarily refer to the lack of teachers' skills and confidence in teaching children with special educational needs and their lack of awareness of the existing native and foreign experience of effective pedagogical collaboration in the process of inclusive instruction. Exemplified by secondary education systems of Italy, Austria, Belgium and the USA, the possibilities of collaboration of mainstream and special education teachers are considered in the context of teaching all 4 categories of children with special educational needs. The latter, according to Salamanca statement and framework for action on special needs education, can be observed as referred to persons with: disability, gift, language difficulties and disadvantaged social environment. The research done resulted in singling out a number of collaboration correspondent models. In Italian mainstream classes all pupils can be taught Braille alphabet or sign language (traditional for special education) on condition that a learner with disability in this class needs some of them. In Austrian inclusive classes a special education teacher can collaborate with a mainstream one on a regular or temporary basis to help children with disability. In Belgium the latter have to attend a part of lessons in a mainstream school and to work additionally with special education teachers or a remedial one. Teaching learners with other 3 remaining groups of special educational needs is thoroughly studied in the USA. The traditional “Push-In Pull-Out” (PIPO) model of teaching learners, whose native language is not English, is gradually replaced by co-teaching models, and namely by: leader – support, team teaching, parallel teaching, station teaching, enrichment teaching, circuit teaching, teaching – observation, alternative teaching, etc. These models are used in teaching learners with disability and gifted children. As for the learners from disadvantaged social environments, they additionally work with remedial teachers.

Classification System for the Interpretation of the Braille Alphabet through Image Processing

Classification System for the Interpretation of the Braille Alphabet through Image Processing

Od Braja do prvog srpskog bukvara za slepe

INTRODUCTION. Blindness is a multiple problem of a psychological-economic-social nature, viewed from different points through the centuries. Louis Braille is the creator of the letter that enabled blind people around the world to become literate and educated. THE LIFE and WORK of Louis BRAILLE. Blind from the age of three after an eye injury with an awl, Louis Braille (1809-1852) had the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of educating blind people early on. However, his talent, recognized in time and a desire to acquire new knowledge, will enable him to attend the "Royal Institute for Blind Youth" in Paris, where young Braille continues his education, creation, living, and later became a lecturer. A PRECURSOR to BRAILLE. Until the creation of the Braille script, a relief linear script was used to educate the blind. THE ORIGIN of BRAILLE. The meeting with the French captain Charles Barbie (1821), the introduction to the communication system for the needs of soldiers "night writing", was the starting point for the future Braille (1825), a dotted alphabet method for the blind, which the author adapted later for writing music and mathematical symbols (1837). The Braille alphabet was chosen as the official method of reading and writing intended for blind people only in 1878 at the World Congress in Paris, and later on adapted to more than two hundred languages and dialects. IN 1917, BRAILLE "SPOKE" IN CYRILLIC. The beginnings of the education of the blind in Serbia are related to 1917 and Bizerte, where, as part of the rehabilitation of the blind Serb soldiers with disabilities, for the first time in the "Printing House of Serbian Disabled People", the Braille "spoke" in Cyrillic. "my first joy" is the name of the first Serbian spelling book by Veljko Ramadanović (1874-1943), who at that time was the only one who knew pedagogical work with the blind, and was also their first teacher and future school principal. CONCLUSION. Louis Braille is one of the most inventive personalities in history, the creator of the letter that enabled blind people around the world to become literate and educated, as well as our brave Serbian army during the First World War.

Electronic Braille Alphabet Reader for Multilanguage

Braille is a material arrangement system used by an outwardly debilitated and the apparently upset. It is a customary formed with constrained paper. They can make Braille with the initial slate and stylus or type it on a Braille essayist. In this undertaking we are working up another methodology using a Braille framework to scrutinize for understudies. Electronic Braille Readers are becoming popular worldwide day by day among the visually disabled people. Our project Electronic Braille Alphabet Reader for learners is developed to support Multilanguage. With this project we have chosen to give them the learning unit and undeniable gadget which can diminish their work and implants excitation to learn essential letters in Braille to completely fledged use for outwardly impeded.