JP2003316254A - Braille processing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium storing processing program for controlling operation of the braille processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a braille processing device and a braille processing device capable of easily allowing a user to grasp the configuration of menus related to various functions, the state of document input and document editing, and supporting efficient operation. To provide a computer-readable recording medium on which a processing program for controlling the operation of the apparatus is recorded. SOLUTION: A sound output unit (7) sounds a first warning sound (for example, sounds a buzzer "P") when a selection operation is performed to a higher level than a menu item of the highest hierarchy in a virtual menu (FIG. 4). The CPU (4) outputs a sound control signal so as to output a warning sound such as. Further, when a selection operation is performed further below the menu item of the lowest hierarchy in the virtual menu, the sound output unit (7) outputs a second warning sound different from the first warning sound (for example, a buzzer called “Po”). CPU so that a warning sound such as a sound is output
(4) outputs a sound control signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a Braille processing device with improved operability and a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is well known, Braille is widely used as tactile characters for visually impaired persons (that is, characters read by touching with a finger). As a device for inputting braille, a braille processing device such as a braille typewriter is known.

For example, the Braille processing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9863/1993 is equipped with a plurality of Braille input keys for creating Braille, and the Braille data input by these Braille input keys is It is converted into a voice signal and output as voice through a speaker or headphones.
According to this braille processing device, the user can confirm by voice whether or not the braille data is correctly input during the braille input or after the braille input. Further, the user can receive the voice explanation about the function and the usage of the braille processing device. As a result, it enables accurate braille document input.

On the other hand, the Braille processing device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-109370 has a plurality of Braille input keys functionally arranged for creating Braille, and is input using the Braille input keys. Braille data, and a Braille display unit (that is, a Braille display device) for displaying Braille data received from an external Braille processing device in Braille.

[0005]

The visually impaired and people involved with the visually impaired learn Braille as a means of communicating. However, the Braille acquisition rate for the visually impaired is low, especially for middle-aged and elderly people who have acquired the visually impaired due to illness or injury, and it is very difficult to learn Braille, and the visual ability is not normal. It is very difficult to read Braille at the speed of reading the characters when they were there.

The Braille processing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9863/1993 is excellent in that the user can operate while listening to the voice and can hear the input Braille data by voice.
However, in the braille processing device, although various functions and usage of the device can be received by voice by a predetermined key operation, the name of the selected menu item is read aloud every time a menu item related to each function is selected. Since no consideration is given, it is difficult for a user who relies on voice to know whether or not the desired item is correctly selected.

The braille processing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-109370 transmits the input braille data to the user by displaying the braille data in braille on the braille display unit. Is acceptable, but is not suitable for users who are not familiar with reading Braille. The selection of menu items related to various functions in the Braille processing device is also displayed in Braille in the Braille display unit to inform the user, and it is difficult for the user to know whether the desired menu item is correctly selected. ..

CRT (that is, Cathode-Ra)
y Tube) or LCD (that is, Liquid Cry)
Software for visually impaired persons is now on the market, which makes it possible to read aloud the characters displayed on the display of a personal computer such as a stall display) by using this software, and various functions displayed on the display. Although it is possible to read aloud the menu related to, it is difficult for the visually impaired to identify what is being explained because all the information is explained by voice. Also, when searching for menu items up and down, the menus that automatically cyclically switch from the last menu item to the first menu item and vice versa If the names of the menu item and the last menu item are not known, it is difficult for the visually impaired to know the position of each menu item.

[0009] In the case of a sighted person, the position of each menu item can be easily grasped because the entire menu is actually seen rather than looking at a certain point of the menu related to various functions displayed on the display. it can. However, for visually impaired persons, the whole menu must be grasped with a little information by only voice, and in the cyclic switching of menu items as described above, the absolute position of the menu items (that is, the reference Since there is no (position), it becomes impossible to know which menu item is actually located in the menu, making it difficult to grasp the entire menu.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to allow a user to easily grasp the configuration of a menu relating to various functions and the state of document input and document editing, and An object of the present invention is to provide a Braille processing device capable of supporting efficient operation and a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the braille processing device of the present invention, as described in claim 1, indicates the names of various functions in the virtual menu and starts from the highest hierarchy. An input unit that allows a selection operation of a plurality of menu items arranged in the lowest hierarchy, an operation support unit that outputs a sound control signal according to the selection operation to the input unit, and a sound is output according to the sound control signal. Sound output means for controlling the sound so that the operation support means outputs the first warning sound when the selection operation is performed to a higher level than the menu item of the highest hierarchy. The operation is performed such that a second warning sound different from the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when a signal is output and a selection operation is performed further lower than the menu item of the lowest hierarchy. support Stage is characterized by outputting a sound control signal.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when a selection operation is performed to a higher order than the topmost menu item in the virtual menu. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal,
The operation support means controls the sound so that the sound output means outputs the second warning sound different from the first warning sound when the selection operation is performed further below the lowest-order menu item in the virtual menu. Since the signal is output, it is possible for the user to grasp the maximum menu area of the virtual menu from the menu items of the highest hierarchy and the menu items of the lowest hierarchy, and also to grasp the overall configuration of the virtual menu.

Further, the Braille processing device of the present invention is defined in claim 2.
As described in, when there is no further menu item when a menu item selection operation is performed in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, the first warning is given. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that a sound and a warning sound different from the second warning sound are output from the sound output means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, further menu items are selected when a menu item selection operation is performed in a direction intersecting with a direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy. If there is not, the operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that the sound output means outputs a warning sound different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound, so that the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction. Can be grasped by the user. Also, by a combination of a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction and a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, It is possible to let the user understand the maximum menu area above, below, left and right of the virtual menu.

Since the user has to use his / her imagination to grasp the position of each menu item in the virtual menu, it is possible to support the imagination of the user by issuing the warning sound as described above, and also to increase the efficiency. It is possible to provide a specific usage environment. That is, the present invention allows the user to efficiently grasp the menu structure and to think of the display screen of the menu in his head, under the condition that the menu is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually selecting a menu item on the display screen.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the braille processing device of the present invention is, as described in claim 3, a virtual cursor in a plurality of lines arranged from the top to the bottom of a virtual document. The uppermost row is provided with an input unit that allows a moving operation, an operation supporting unit that outputs a sound control signal according to the moving operation of the virtual cursor, and a sound output unit that outputs a sound according to the sound control signal. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the operation of moving the virtual cursor to a higher level is performed. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that the sound output means outputs a second warning sound different from the first warning sound when the operation of moving the virtual cursor to a lower level is performed. Special It is set to.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the virtual cursor is moved to a position higher than the uppermost line in the virtual document. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal, and when the virtual cursor is moved further below the lowest line in the virtual document, the sound output means outputs a second warning different from the first warning sound. Since the operation support means outputs the sound control signal so that the sound is output, it is possible to let the user grasp the highest line and the lowest line of the virtual document and the entire configuration of the virtual document.

Further, the Braille processing device of the present invention is defined in claim 4.
As described in, the first warning sound and the second warning sound when the movement operation of the virtual cursor beyond the beginning or end of a sentence in any one of the plurality of lines is performed The operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that a different warning sound is output from the sound output means.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the first warning sound is generated when the virtual cursor is moved beyond the beginning or end of a sentence in any one of a plurality of lines in the virtual document. Also, since the operation support means outputs the sound control signal so that the sound output means outputs a warning sound different from the second warning sound, the user can grasp the beginning and end of each line. Further, by combining the warning sound indicating the beginning and end of each line and the warning sound indicating the top line and the bottom line of the document, the user can grasp the upper, lower, left, and right ranges of the document. .

Since the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of the cursor in the document, it is possible to support the user's imagination by issuing the warning sound as described above, and to use it efficiently. Can provide the environment. That is, according to the present invention, the user can efficiently grasp the document and have the user think of the display screen of the document in his / her head under the condition that the document is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually inputting or editing a document on the display screen.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, as described in claim 5, a plurality of functions indicating names of various functions in a virtual menu and arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy are provided. An input unit that allows a selection operation of the menu item, an operation support unit that outputs a sound control signal according to the selection operation to the input unit, and a sound output unit that outputs a sound according to the sound control signal. In a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for controlling the operation of a braille processing device,
A process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means so that the sound output means outputs the first warning sound when a selection operation is performed to a higher order than the menu item of the highest hierarchy; A sound control signal is output to the operation support means so that the sound output means outputs a second warning sound different from the first warning sound when a selection operation is performed further below the menu items of the hierarchy. There is proposed a computer-readable recording medium in which a processing program for executing the processing including the processing and the processing including the processing is recorded.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the selection operation is performed to a higher level than the topmost menu item in the virtual menu. A process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means, and a second warning sound different from the first warning sound from the sound output means when a selection operation is performed to a position lower than the menu item of the lowest hierarchy in the virtual menu. A computer-readable recording medium that records a processing program for causing a Braille processing device to perform a process of causing a sound control signal to be output to the operation support unit so that From the menu items at the lowest level, the user can be informed of the maximum menu area of the virtual menu and the entire configuration of the virtual menu.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 6, a menu item selecting operation is further performed in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy. When there is no further menu item when performing the above, a process of causing the operation support means to output a sound control signal so that a warning sound different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound is output from the sound output means. A computer-readable recording medium in which a processing program for executing the processing including is recorded is proposed.

According to the invention of claim 6, when a menu item selection operation is performed in a direction intersecting with a direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy in the virtual menu. If there is no such menu item, the braille processing device is caused to perform a process including a process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means such that a warning sound different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound is output from the sound output means. The computer-readable recording medium recording the processing program for causing the user to recognize the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction. Also, by a combination of a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction and a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, It is possible to let the user understand the maximum menu area above, below, left and right of the virtual menu.

Since the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of each menu item in the virtual menu, the imagination of the user is provided by providing the processing program for outputting the warning sound to the Braille processing device as described above. Can be supported and an efficient usage environment can be provided. That is, the present invention allows the user to efficiently grasp the menu structure and to think of the display screen of the menu in his head, under the condition that the menu is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually selecting a menu item on the display screen.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, as described in claim 7, a virtual cursor moving operation in a plurality of lines arranged from the top to the bottom of a virtual document is allowed. For controlling the operation of the Braille processing device, which comprises input means for outputting, a sound assisting means for outputting a sound control signal according to the moving operation of the virtual cursor, and a sound outputting means for outputting a sound according to the sound control signal. In a computer-readable recording medium in which the processing program is recorded, a first warning sound is output from the sound output unit when the virtual cursor is moved to a position higher than the uppermost line. A process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means, and the sound output means from the sound output means when the virtual cursor is moved to a position lower than the lowest row. A computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for executing a process including a process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means so that a second alarm sound different from the first alarm sound is output. is suggesting.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the operation of moving the virtual cursor is performed to a position higher than the uppermost line in the virtual document. To output a sound control signal to the operation support means, and a second warning sound different from the first warning sound from the sound output means when the virtual cursor is moved to a position lower than the lowest line in the virtual document. By a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for causing a braille processing device to perform a process including a process of causing a sound control signal to be output to the operation support unit so that a warning sound is output,
It is possible to let the user understand the top line and the bottom line of the virtual document and also the entire configuration of the virtual document.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 8, when a moving operation of the virtual cursor beyond the beginning or the end of the sentence in any one of the plurality of lines is performed, And a processing program for causing the operation support means to output a sound control signal so that a sound different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound is output from the sound output means. A computer-readable recording medium in which is recorded is proposed.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the first warning sound is generated when the virtual cursor is moved beyond the beginning or end of a sentence in any one of a plurality of lines in the virtual document. And a computer read recording a processing program for causing the Braille processing device to execute a process including a process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support unit so that an alarm sound different from the second alarm sound is output from the sound output unit. The possible recording medium allows the user to know the beginning and end of each line. In addition, by combining the warning sound indicating the beginning and end of each line and the warning sound indicating the top line and the bottom line of the document,
The user can be made aware of the upper, lower, left, and right ranges of the document.

Since the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of the cursor in the document, the imagination of the user is supported by providing a processing program for outputting a warning sound to the Braille processing device as described above. It is possible to provide an efficient usage environment. That is, according to the present invention, the user can efficiently grasp the document and have the user think of the display screen of the document in his / her head under the condition that the document is invisible. Therefore,
It is possible to give the user a feeling of actually inputting or editing a document on the display screen.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the embodiments of the invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the Braille processing device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a hardware block diagram showing a system configuration of a preferred embodiment of a braille processing device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a braille processing device showing an example of a keyboard, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation, FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating another example of allocation of Braille input keys, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual menu of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the Braille processing device 1
Is a keyboard 2 as an input means and a CPU (that is, C as a control means for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device 1 as a whole).
entral processing unit) 4
And a PC as an interface means for communication with an external device.
(That is, a Personal Computer) communication interface 11 and a data storage memory 8 as data storage means capable of storing data,
Each component can transmit / receive required information to / from each other via the bus 90.

The keyboard 2 is a Braille input key, which will be described later.
It has a group of operation switches such as function keys, and each operation of the Braille processing device 1 including Braille input is performed on the keyboard 2. The keyboard connection interface 3 is an interface for fetching the operation state of the operation switch group of the keyboard 2 into the CPU 4.
The keyboard 2 is connected to the bus 90 via the keyboard connection interface 3. Then, the operation information signal generated by the keyboard 2 is C through the bus 90.
It is transmitted to PU4.

The CPU 4 serves as a recording medium in which all processing programs for controlling the operation of the entire Braille processing device 1 such as basic software (that is, operating system) and application software are recorded as R recording medium.
OM (that is, Read Only Memory) 4a
And a RAM (that is, Random Access) as a recording medium having a work area of a processing program.
ss Memory) 4b, a mobile phone communication interface 4c as a communication interface means for further communication with an external device, and a sound synthesis LSI interface 4d.

That is, in this embodiment, the ROM 4a, RA
A one-chip microcomputer in which the M4b, the mobile phone communication interface 4c, and the sound synthesis LSI interface 4d are all built in the CPU 4 is used.
However, the ROM 4a, the RAM 4b, the mobile phone communication interface 4c, and the sound synthesis LSI interface 4d may all be provided separately from the CPU 4, and if they are provided separately, they can transmit and receive required information to and from each other. In this way, it is connected to the communication line such as the bus 90. Even in this case, the CPU 4 still functions as a control means for controlling the entire Braille processing device 1.

The ROM 4a is not limited to one, and for example,
Basic software (ie operating system)
And a second ROM in which a processing program for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device 1 is recorded, and a second ROM in which a processing program such as application software for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device 1 is recorded. As described above, a plurality of functions may be provided separately. In particular,
The second ROM as described above may be provided integrally with the braille processing device 1, but may be provided separately from the braille processing device 1 by providing the braille processing device 1 with an appropriate interface.

The ROM 4a is not limited to a semiconductor recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, but may be a DVD (that is, Digi
tal Versatile Disk) -ROM, C
An optical recording medium such as a D (that is, Compact Disc) -ROM or the like can be used. Of course, depending on the recording medium used, a reading device corresponding to the recording medium may be provided as appropriate. Further, instead of the ROM 4a, a recording medium whose recorded contents can be rewritten at any time may be provided.
Semiconductor recording media such as non-volatile RAM, DVD-RAM,
An optical recording medium such as a CD-RW (that is, Rewritable), a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk and a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and an MO (that is, Magneto).
A magneto-optical recording medium such as an optical disk may be used instead of the ROM 4a (the same recording medium can be used as an example of the RAM 4b). Also in this case, a recording / reading device corresponding to the recording medium may be provided as appropriate according to the recording medium used.

The CPU 4 operates according to the operating system recorded in the storage area of the ROM 4a, develops a processing program such as application software in the RAM 4b, and executes the processing program. At that time, the CPU 4 appropriately determines the Braille processing device 1
The control signal is transmitted to each component related to the processing program, and the component performs an operation based on the control signal received. Further, the CPU 4 receives the operation information signal of the operation switch group from the keyboard 2 via the bus 90, and appropriately performs the operation control according to the received operation information signal. Thus, a series of control operations in the Braille processing device 1 are performed. The CPU 4 not only controls the operation of the Braille processing apparatus 1 as a whole, but also controls and monitors the operation of external devices described later, and also as a control means for activating and executing application programs related to various functions of the Braille processing apparatus 1. work.

In the ROM 4a of the CPU 4, application software for converting Braille data to general character data and general character data to Braille data is recorded. When the operation information signal from the keyboard 2 received via the bus 90 includes Braille data, the CPU 4 discriminates the Braille, converts the Braille data into general character data, and further writes a document to the sound synthesis unit 5 described later. A sound control signal including (character) data is transmitted. The general character data is, for example, an ISO code, an ASCII code, which is used in a personal computer or a communication device.
It is character data based on a general character standard code such as JIS code.

The Braille processing device 1 is also connected to the sound synthesizing section 5, the amplifying section 6 electrically connected to the sound synthesizing section 5, and the amplifying section 6 as sound output means. And a sound output unit 7. The sound synthesizing unit 5 is a sound synthesizing LSI (i.e., Large Scale Interactive).
n) 5a and D (that is, Dynamic) -RAM 5b
And a dictionary and phoneme ROMs 5c and 5d. The sound synthesis LSI 5a receives a sound control signal including document (character) data composed of general character data from the sound synthesis LSI interface 4d of the CPU 4, and stores the dictionary and the phoneme data recorded in the dictionary and the phoneme ROM 5c or 5d. The data is expanded in the D-RAM 5b, necessary data is extracted, and it is converted into an audio signal.
In the present embodiment, the sound synthesizing LSI 5a and the CPU 4 are connected via a serial communication line. Instead, however, the sound synthesizing LSI 5a and the CPU 4 are connected via the bus 90 so that necessary information can be transmitted and received to and from each other. May be.

The audio signal output from the sound synthesis LSI 5a is amplified by the amplification unit 6 and output from the sound output unit 7 as a confirmation voice. The amplifier 6 includes a low-pass filter 6a that removes unnecessary high-frequency components in the audio signal output from the digital / analog converter of the sound synthesis LSI 5a, and an amplifier that functions as an audio amplifier that amplifies the audio signal output from the low-pass filter 6a. 6b
And are equipped with. The low-pass filter 6a may be provided in the amplification unit 6 as needed. Examples of the sound output unit 7 include a speaker, an earphone, a headphone, and the like, but any device that converts the audio signal supplied from the amplification unit 6 into an audible sound may be used.

In the braille processing device 1, a speaker is used as an example of the sound output section 7 as shown in FIG. 1, but the speaker may be provided integrally with the braille processing device 1 or may be provided in the braille. The processing device 1 may be provided with an appropriate audio output terminal, and an external speaker may be connected to the audio output terminal. The braille processing device 1 is provided with an earphone jack 12 that functions not only as a connector to which an earphone can be connected but also as a switch that switches the sound output unit 7 from the speaker to the earphone when the earphone is connected. In addition, the Braille processing device 1 is provided with a sound volume adjusting unit 13 that changes the signal amplification factor of the amplifier 6b, and the sound volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 7 is adjusted using the sound volume adjusting unit 13. You can

The braille processing device 1 is provided with the sound output means as described above, and since all the information can be output by the sound output means, an expensive braille display portion is not required and the price of the entire device is reduced. The cost can be reduced and the entire device can be downsized.

As described above, the document (character) data output from the CPU 4 is converted into a voice signal by the sound synthesizing unit 5, and finally the sound output unit 7 outputs the confirmation voice. Therefore, when Braille is input by operating the keyboard 2, a corresponding voice is output from the sound output unit 7,
Input mistakes can be prevented, and Braille can be entered easily and reliably. Further, when various functions of the Braille processing device 1 are selected or executed by operating the keyboard 2, the document (character) data corresponding to the name of the corresponding function and guidance on how to proceed is output from the CPU 4 and corresponds. Voice output section 7
Since the processing program is recorded in the ROM 4a so as to be output from, the function of the Braille processing device 1 can be easily grasped and can be used smoothly. The audio output means is C
According to the sound control signal of PU4, the sound output unit 7 outputs sounds other than voice.
Can be output from.

The mobile phone communication interface 4c works as an interface means for communication with an external wireless communication device such as a mobile phone, for example, makes the mobile phone and the Braille processing device 1 connectable, and transfers data between them. It is possible to send and receive. The braille processing device 1 includes a mobile phone connector 10 electrically connected to the mobile phone communication interface 4c, and a mobile phone, for example, is connected to the connector 10 via a cable.

The PC communication interface 11 functions as an interface means for communication with an external device such as a personal computer, and for example, a personal computer,
The braille processing device 1 can be connected and data can be transmitted and received between them. The Braille processing device 1 is a P that is electrically connected to the PC communication interface 11.
A C connector 14 is provided, and a personal computer, for example, is connected to the connector 14 via a cable.

As described above, the Braille processing device 1 is provided with two communication interface means such as the mobile phone communication interface 4c and the PC communication interface 11. However, if at least one of them is provided, an external device can be used. Since communication becomes possible, it may be possible to adopt a mode in which one of the mobile phone communication interface 4c and the PC communication interface 11 is provided.

The document (character) data transmitted and received between the Braille processor 1 and the external device is not limited to general character data,
Braille data may be used. For example, when document (character) data including braille data is input to the braille processing device 1 through the PC communication interface 11, the data is the same as the braille data generated by the keyboard 2 in the CP.
Converted to general character data by U4. in this way,
The braille processing device 1 is configured to convert the input braille data into general character data and handle this general character data in the device. However, for example, it is also possible to connect the braille processing device 1 and an external braille printer via the PC communication interface 11, and in this case,
The CPU 4 converts the general character data into Braille data, transmits the document (character) data including the Braille data to the Braille printer, and causes the Braille printer to output (that is, print) the Braille.

Examples of the mobile phone communication interface 4c and the PC communication interface 11 include a serial interface, a parallel interface, a USB (that is, Universal Serial Bus) interface, an IEEE 1394 interface, and an optical communication interface. That is, any of these communication interface means enables transmission / reception of electronic information signals (that is, data) such as document (character) data and various processing programs between the Braille processing device 1 and an external device. .

Furthermore, a mobile phone communication interface 4c
And the PC communication interface 11 are both CPU 4
It is also possible to transmit a control signal from the external device to an external device and receive a response signal from the external device. Therefore, the communication interface means receives, for example, the above-mentioned electronic information signal or a signal indicating the state of the external device from the Braille processing device 1 (that is, the CPU).
From 4), it is possible to automatically transmit a command signal to the external device in response to an operation of the keyboard 2 or to receive a response signal from the external device in response to the command signal.

The sound synthesizer 5, the amplifier 6, the sound output unit 7,
The sound output means such as the above may not be provided in the Braille processing device 1, but the sound output means may be provided in an external device such as a mobile phone or a personal computer. For example, when the mobile phone is provided with a sound output means, document (character) data created by the braille processing device 1 or document data such as an electronic mail read into the braille processing device 1 from an external device is transferred to the mobile phone communication interface 4c. It can be transmitted to a mobile phone via the mobile phone and read by the mobile phone. As described above, by constructing a voice output system by combining the braille processing device 1 that does not include the sound output means and the external device that includes the sound output means, the braille processing is performed because the braille processing device 1 does not have the sound output means. The size of the device 1 can be reduced,
The cost of the braille processing device 1 itself can be reduced.

The data storage memory 8 serving as data storage means stores document (character) data composed of general character data output from the CPU 4 and various data received from an external device connected to the braille processing device 1 ( That is, recording and holding) is possible. The braille processing device 1 is provided with a recording / reading unit 15 for recording and reading data in the data storing memory 8, and the data storing memory 8 is detachably attached to the recording / reading unit 15. ing. The recording / reading unit 15 is connected to the bus 90, and has a data storage memory 8 and a CP.
Required information can be transmitted / received to / from U4 and the like.

By providing the data storage memory 8, it becomes easy to share data between the external device and the Braille processing device 1. For example, document (character) data,
It is also possible to record telephone directory data and the like in the data storage memory 8 in an external device and then attach the data storage memory 8 to the recording / reading unit 15 of the braille processing device 1. In the data storage memory 8, information related to the operation state of the braille processing device 1, information related to the operation state of an external device connected to the braille processing device 1, such as information related to the operation of the braille processing device 1. Can also be recorded.
Further, a processing program for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device 1 such as basic software (that is, operating system) and application software is stored in the ROM.
It may be recorded in the data storage memory 8 instead of 4a.

As an example of the data storage memory 8, that is, the data storage means, a semiconductor recording medium such as a non-volatile memory can be cited. Instead of the other data storage memory 8, a DVD-RAM, a CD- An optical recording medium such as RW, a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk or a floppy disk, a magneto-optical recording medium such as MO, or the like may be used as the data storage means. Of course, the recording / reading unit 15 needs to be adapted to the adopted data storage means.

The data storage means may be provided integrally with the braille processing device 1 (in other words, the braille processing device 1).
However, like the data storage memory 8, it is desirable to be detachable from the recording / reading unit 15 so that it can be formed separately from the Braille processing device 1.
For example, when a semiconductor memory card or a card type hard disk drive is used as the data storage means, a suitable recording / reading unit 15 is provided in the Braille processing device 1,
The data storage means is detachable from the recording / reading unit 15.

Further, the Braille processing device 1 is used as a storage area for temporary storage of document (character) data such as general documents and electronic mail documents, and application data.
(That is, Static) -RAM 16 is provided. The CPU 4 stores, for example, the document (character) data input or edited at the time of document input or document edit in the S-RAM 1.
6, and the document (character) data is transmitted from the S-RAM 16 to the data storage memory 8 when the document is stored. Further, the CPU 4, for example, reads the document (character) data read from the data storage memory 8 by SR.
It is temporarily stored in the AM 16 and the document (character) data is edited on the S-RAM 16.

Furthermore, the Braille processing device 1 has a reading speed of a document or a character by the sound output means, a method of determining input of various keys of the keyboard 2 (for example, recognition when a key is pressed or when a key is returned). ), Etc., all set values of the Braille processing device 1 itself are recorded, and the set value storage EEP (that is, E
electrically erasable and
A Programmable) -ROM 17 is provided. Furthermore, the braille processing device 1 includes the braille processing device 1
There is provided a clock LSI 18 for realizing the voice clock function.

Then, these S-RAM 16 and EEP
The ROM 17 and the clock LSI 18 are connected to the bus 90, respectively. The CPU 4 operates in the S-RAM 1 according to the operation of the keyboard 2 and the operating state of the Braille processing device 1.
6, necessary information is read from the EEP-ROM 17, and the clock LSI 18, the S-RAM 16 or the EE
Information is recorded in the P-ROM 17 to control the operation of the Braille processing device 1.

Further, in the Braille processing device 1, the battery section 9b,
A power supply unit 9 having a power supply circuit unit 9a electrically connected to the power supply switch 9c and the power supply jack 9d is provided, and power is supplied from this power supply unit 9 to each component in the Braille processing device 1. An external power cable (not shown) for supplying power to the Braille processing device 1 is detachably connected to the power jack 9d. The power switch 9c is a switch for switching the braille processing device 1 to an ON state or an OFF state. A primary battery or a rechargeable secondary battery is attached to the battery unit 9b to enhance the portability of the Braille processing device 1. A charging circuit for a secondary battery may be provided in the power supply circuit section 9a.

By the way, electronic braille translation software is widely used in blind schools and Braille libraries. A personal computer in which this electronic braille translation software is installed can convert general character (for example, Japanese character) data into a format that can be displayed (output) on a braille display or a braille printer. By using this electronic braille translation software, for example, Japanese mixed with kana and kanji can be directly input from a keyboard of a personal computer, and documents can be edited using functions such as copy and paste. Only the Kana and alphanumeric characters are recognized as official Japanese characters in the Braille character system. The software converts the kana character string data and inserts an appropriate space for easy reading.

The braille processing device 1 of the present invention is originally transmitted to a braille display or a braille printer and displayed (output) in braille.
The Braille data can be read and the Braille data can be output by voice. Document (character) data composed of braille data created by such electronic braille software is also provided on the Internet and the like, and the braille processing device 1 of the present invention carries the document (character) data composed of this braille data. It can be downloaded from an external device such as a telephone or a personal computer through the communication interface means and recorded in the data storage memory 8. In addition, since the data storage memory 8 is a data storage unit that is detachable from the Braille processing device 1 as described above,
After the document (character) data composed of Braille data is recorded in the data storage memory 8 by using an external device in a state where it is detached from the Braille processing device 1, the data storage memory 8 is stored.
May be attached to the recording / reading unit 15 of the Braille processing device 1 described above.

As described above, the Braille processing device 1 can receive general character data that is not Braille data from an external device and can send general character data that is not Braille data to an external device. If it can be connected to an external device that handles general character data, the range in which the visually impaired can communicate in social life will be expanded, thereby dramatically improving the social life of the visually impaired.

Since the Braille data generated by operating the keyboard 2 of the Braille processing device 1 is converted into general character data by the CPU 4, for example, for a mobile phone or a personal computer which does not have a function of accepting the Braille data. General character data can be transmitted. Further, by operating the keyboard 2, it is also possible to send a command signal from the CPU 4 to a mobile phone or a personal computer so that the document (character) data composed of the general character data is sent to another external device as e-mail, for example. Is.

Further, since the CPU 4 can directly process the document (character) data composed of the general character data which is not the Braille data transmitted from the mobile phone or the personal computer, the content of the document is output from the sound output section 7 as a voice. You can listen to the text and edit the text while listening to the voice using the text editing function of the braille processing device 1. For example, since the acquired visually impaired person can also read the phone book data of the mobile phone, which was created when his vision was normal, into the braille processing device 1 and edit it while listening as sound from the sound output unit 7, Very useful for people with disabilities. In addition, it is now possible to freely carry Braille books that were previously impossible to carry, eliminating the need to choose a reading location.

Next, an example of the keyboard 2 of the Braille processing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is also a diagram showing an example in which the Braille processing device 1 is housed in a housing 20 integrated with the keyboard 2. In this way, since the keyboard 2 and the housing 20 that houses the braille processing device 1 are integrally formed, it is superior in portability as compared with the case where the keyboard 2 and the housing 20 are provided separately. ing. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone connector 1 of the braille processing device 1
The mobile phone 100 and the personal computer 110 are electrically connected to the 0 and the PC connector 14 via cables, respectively. For example, if a USB interface or an IEEE 1394 interface generally used in a personal computer is used as the PC communication interface 11, the braille processing device 1 is used as a braille input keyboard for transmitting a key code to the personal computer 110. be able to.

As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard 2 has a Braille input key 2a, a space key 2b, and a space key 2b on its operation surface.
The operation switch group includes a backspace key 2c, an enter key 2d, a function key 2e, and a cursor movement key 2f. A speaker is provided as the sound output unit 7 on the operation surface of the keyboard 2.

The braille input key 2a is composed of six switch keys corresponding to each point of braille expressed by a combination of six points. Braille is formed by inputting using these six switch keys. This braille is called a 6-point braille, and although it is a system adopted in the conventional braille typewriter, etc., it is possible to learn braille input in a shorter period of time than other systems, and especially braille input. This method is suitable for users who are not familiar with. Two types of typical allocation examples of the six switch keys of the Braille input key 2a corresponding to each point of such a six-point Braille are shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B). The change of the switch key allocation is made by changing the set value of the software recorded in the set value storing EEP-ROM 17.
In the case of adopting the 8-point braille, the braille input key 2a may be constituted by eight switch keys corresponding to each point of the braille expressed by a combination of eight points.

The space key 2b is a key for inputting a space code when editing a document. The backspace key 2c is a key for deleting the Braille input just before the Braille input position. The enter key 2d is a key for making a decision when selecting a function and performing a line feed or the like when inputting a Braille document. The cursor movement key 2f is provided with an up key, a down key, a left key, and a right key as indicated by an arrow on the key top in FIG. The function key 2e is
The function associated with each key is defined. The function key 2e serves as a key for executing functions such as insertion and deletion during document editing. The function assignment to each key of the function key 2e is changed by changing the set value of the software recorded in the setting value storing EEP-ROM 17.

The cursor movement key 2f is used to move the cursor up / down / left / right to an arbitrary line or column position at the time of inputting or editing a document. Also, the cursor movement key 2f
Is used when moving and selecting (in other words, searching) menu items related to various functions in a virtual menu described later. Specifically, the cursor movement key 2f
Is used to select a menu item in the main menu or submenu with the up and down keys, and to move from each menu item in the main menu to each menu item in the submenu with the left and right keys, and vice versa. , Used to move from each menu item in the submenu to each menu item in the main menu.

Hereinafter, an operation example of the Braille processing device 1 will be described. (Operation support at the time of selecting a menu item) Operation support at the time of selecting a menu item indicating the names of various functions will be described. In the braille processing device 1, applications of various functions can be selected using a pull-down virtual menu. FIG. 4 shows an example of a virtual menu, and menu item selection by the Braille processing device 1 will be described with reference to this example. The virtual menu is an invisible menu that is peculiar to the Braille processing device. Figure 4
As shown in FIG. 3, the virtual menu indicates a main menu in which a plurality of menu items indicating names of various functions form a hierarchy from a higher level to a lower level, and detailed function names related to each menu item of the main menu. And a submenu in which a hierarchy from a higher order to a lower order or one hierarchy is formed by menu items. All the processing programs related to the virtual menu, including the data such as the name of each menu item, are recorded in the ROM 4a of the CPU 4.

The virtual menu mode is selected or terminated by the operation of the keyboard 2 (for example, the operation of the function key 2e, the cursor movement key 2f, etc.), or the menu item in the main menu or the menu item in the submenu in the virtual menu. Is searched, the CPU 4 sends a sound control signal including the corresponding menu item name and guidance document (character) data to the sound synthesizing LSI interface 4
The sound output section 7 outputs the sound from the sound output section 7.

For example, when the menu key of the function keys 2e is pressed, the sound output unit 7 outputs "Main menu" as a voice. When the down key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed, sound is output from the sound output unit 7 in the order of "environment setting", "document editing", "mobile application", "reading Braille data", and "accessory". . The user can select a desired function by relying on these voices. When, for example, an environment setting item having a submenu is selected, not only “environment setting” is output as voice, but “submenu is present” may be output as voice.

When the down key of the cursor movement key 2f is further pressed in the accessory item, a warning sound such as the sound of a buzzer "Poo" is output from the sound output unit 7, and the warning sound causes the accessory item to be in the lowest hierarchy. Tell the user that it is a menu item (ie it is the last menu item). On the other hand, press the upper key of the cursor movement key 2f, and further select the environment movement item to move the cursor movement key 2f.
When the up key is pressed, a warning sound such as a buzzing buzzer is output from the sound output section 7, and the warning sound indicates that the environment setting item is the top-level menu item (that is, the top menu item). Tell the user that it is a menu item.

Next, the submenu will be described. For example, when the user moves to the submenu by pressing the right key of the cursor movement key 2f from the document edit item, the "document edit submenu" and voice output from the sound output unit 7 are performed. Then, if you press the down key of the cursor movement key 2f,
"Create", "Read Document", and "Delete Document"
The sound is output from the sound output unit 7 in this order. The user can select a desired function by relying on these voices.

In the document deletion item, the cursor movement key 2f is further added.
When the down key is pressed, a warning sound such as a buzzer sounding "Poo" is output from the sound output unit 7, and the warning sound indicates that the document deletion item is the lowest menu item in the document editing submenu. Tell the user (ie, that it is the last menu item). On the other hand, when the upper key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed and the upper key of the cursor movement key 2f is further pressed in the newly created item, a warning sound such as a buzzer buzzing is output from the sound output unit 7, This warning sound notifies the user that the newly created item is the top-level menu item in the document edit submenu (that is, the top menu item).

It should be noted that the cursor movement key 2 can be selected from any of the newly created item, the document read item and the document deleted item.
By pressing the left key of f, it is possible to return to the document creation item of the main menu. At this time, the sound output section 7 outputs a voice message "End document editing and return to main menu". In addition, the submenus for environment setting items, mobile application items, Braille data reading items, and accessory items are the same as the submenus for the document editing items described above. . It should be noted that the display of the submenus for the environment setting items, Braille data reading items, and accessory items in FIG. Menu items are provided.

Further, similar to the description of the submenu of the document editing item, when the upper key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed in the first menu item in the submenu of the environment setting item, the buzzer "Peep" sounds. A warning sound like this is output from the sound output unit 7, while when the down key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed in the last menu item in the submenu of the accessory item, a warning sound such as the sound of a buzzer "Poo" is generated. Since the sound output unit 7 outputs the environment setting item, which is the highest hierarchy in the main menu, the menu item, which is the highest hierarchy in the submenu of the environment setting item, and the accessory item, which is the lowest hierarchy in the main menu. , The menu item at the lowest level in the submenu of the accessory item, Can be grasped-menu and submenus up menu area of the respective upper and lower user.

As will be understood from the above description, the virtual menu of the braille processing device 1 automatically searches from the last menu item to the first menu item by searching the menu items up and down. Conversely, it is not a menu that cyclically switches from the first menu item to the last menu item. The reason why it should not be a menu that cyclically switches is that the menu item that cyclically switches a menu item must have the name of the first menu item and the last menu item, and the position of each menu item and even the menu Because it is difficult to grasp the whole. Therefore, in the virtual menu of the braille processing device 1, in order to provide an absolute position (that is, a reference position) to the menu item, the main menu and the submenu are placed above the first menu item and below the last menu item, respectively. It is easy to understand the entire structure of the virtual menu without switching.

When the left key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed at each menu item in the main menu, or the right key is pressed at each menu item in the sub menu, a warning sound is output from the sound output unit 7. You don't have to output it,
It is preferable to provide a further warning sound so that the user can easily and clearly grasp the left and right maximum menu areas of the virtual menu. That is, when a menu item is selected by the left and right keys of the cursor movement key 2f in a direction intersecting with the direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, if there are no further menu items. The warning sound is output from the sound output unit 7. Specifically, when the left key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed at each menu item of the main menu, a warning sound such as a buzzer sounding "boo" is output from the sound output unit 7 and each sub menu item Cursor move key 2 at the menu item
When the right key of f is pressed, if the warning output such as the sound of a buzzer “Bee” is output from the sound output unit 7, the user can recognize the left and right maximum menu areas of the virtual menu. In addition, the combination of such a warning sound notifying the left and right maximum menu areas of the virtual menu and the above-described warning sound notifying the upper and lower maximum menu areas of the virtual menu allows the user to know the maximum menu area above and below and to the left and right of the virtual menu. Can be made.

The first to fourth warning sounds such as "Pe", "Poo", "Boo", and "Bee" have been described as an example, but the kinds of the warning sounds are arbitrary and are not limited to these. Not done. However, it is easier for the user to understand the upper, lower, left, and right maximum menu areas by making the first to fourth warning sounds different. When a plurality of types of warning sounds are generated, the frequencies of the sounds may be different, or the sounding patterns may be changed. Each warning sound may be a single note, a plurality of consecutive same notes, a plurality of different consecutive notes, a chord not limited to a single note, a plurality of consecutive same chords, and a plurality of consecutive different chords. . It should be noted that the addition of the operation support function by such a warning sound can be dealt with only by changing the software as long as the sound output means is provided, so that it is not necessary to add new hardware.

The braille processing device 1 has only sound information as a display (that is, transmission) means, and the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of each menu item in the virtual menu. Not only that, by issuing the warning sound as described above, it is possible to support the imagination of the user and provide an efficient use environment. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to make the user efficiently grasp the menu structure only by the sound and to think of the display screen of the menu in his head, under the condition that the menu is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually selecting a menu item on the display screen.

In the virtual menu shown in FIG. 4, submenus are provided for all menu items of the main menu, but it is not necessary to provide submenus for each menu item of the main menu. There may be menu items without submenus. Further, the virtual menu may be constructed only by the main menu without providing the sub menu. Further, in FIG. 4, the menu items of the main menu and the menu items of the sub menu are vertically arranged, but it goes without saying that they may be horizontally arranged. When the menu items are arranged side by side, the menu items in the highest hierarchy are arranged in the rightmost or left, and the menu items in the lowest hierarchy are arranged in the leftmost or right, depending on the position of the menu items in the highest hierarchy.

(Reading out auxiliary operation information) By pressing the help key on the function key 2e, the present state is explained by voice. At this time, EE for saving the set value
The current reading speed recorded in the P-ROM 17,
Settings such as key input judgment time are read aloud, and
Information on the application software which is expanded and executed in the RAM 4b or the S-RAM 16 and the expanded data file is explained. Although the method of selecting the desired function by handing over the menu from the upper hierarchy has been described above, the shortcut key is assigned to the function key 2e so that the user can directly move to the preset function in consideration of the user who is used to some extent. May be assigned.

(Operation Support in Creating New Document and Editing Document) Next, the operation support in creating a new document (that is, character input) and document editing will be described. Note that the document handled by the braille processing device 1 is an invisible document peculiar to the braille processing device, that is, a virtual document, like the virtual menu. Therefore, the cursor moved by operating the cursor movement key 2f is also an invisible cursor which is invisible, that is, a virtual cursor.

(Voice Generation of Input Character) Regarding the utterance of the input character, when the CPU 4 can confirm the braille input by operating the keyboard 2 (that is, when the braille is completed), the braille is uttered. That is, the CPU 4 converts the Braille data into general character data, stores the general character data in the S-RAM 16, and at the same time, causes the sound output means to speak. However, this function is O
N / OFF is possible, and the braille confirmation time at the time of key input is in accordance with the user's setting (that is, the setting recorded in the setting value storing EEP-ROM 17).

(Reading out a document) Document (character) data input from the keyboard 2 recorded in the data storage memory 8 of the Braille processing device 1 or the mobile phone 100,
Document (character) data acquired from an external device such as the personal computer 110 can be read aloud. The reading method of documents (characters) is roughly divided into full-text reading and 1
There are four types of page full text reading, one line reading, and one character reading. The four reading methods will be described below. The execution key for reading is function key 2
assigned to e.

(Full-text reading) In full-text reading, all document (character) data read by each application is read aloud. Full text reading is executed by pressing the full text reading key on any page. If the menu key or reading stop key is pressed while reading all text,
The reading is stopped, and the information about how far the reading is done is initialized. However, when the pause (pause) key is pressed, the read-aloud information is held in the S-RAM 16, and when the pause is released, the reading is restarted from the continuation according to the read-aloud information of the S-RAM 16.

(One-Page Full-Sentence Reading) In the one-page full-sentence reading, one page of the full-sentence is read out according to the page concept defined for each application. One-page full-text reading is executed by pressing the page reading key on any page. When the menu key or the reading stop key is pressed during the page reading, the reading is stopped and the information about how far the reading has been performed is initialized. However, when the pause (pause) key is pressed, the read-aloud information is held in the S-RAM 16,
When the pause is released, the reading is restarted from the continuation according to the read-out information of the S-RAM 16.

(One-line reading) One-line reading is validated as necessary when the document is edited. The line moved with the up and down keys is read from the beginning while reading one line. If you move to the upper or lower line during reading, the current reading is stopped immediately and the reading of a new line is executed.

(One-character reading) One-character reading is validated as necessary when editing a document. During execution of reading one character, the character data at a position moved by the left and right keys is read out in an arbitrary line. If the left and right keys are continuously pressed at a certain speed or more during the reading of one character, the reading is stopped until the movement is completed.

Next, the voice guide function at the time of creating a new document (that is, inputting characters) or editing a document will be described. Execution keys related to the new document input function and the document editing function are assigned to the function key 2e. The document creation mode is started or finished by pressing a predetermined key assigned to the function key 2e. All processing programs related to new document creation and document editing are executed by the CPU.
4 ROM 4a.

(Document Input) During text input, when the CPU 4 is able to determine the braille input by operating the keyboard 2 (that is, when the braille is completed), the braille of the input character is changed. Read aloud. That is,
The CPU 4 converts the Braille data into general character data, stores the document (character) data in the data storage memory 8, and at the same time causes the sound output means to speak. At the time of creating a new document, the first position of the document (the upper left corner of the document as an image) is set to coordinates (x, y) = (0, 0), and its line number is the first line. If there is data at the position where the x coordinate is 0, the number of characters in that line is 1 and is not counted as 0. Further, during character input, an EOF (that is, End Of File) code is input at the final position.

(Character Insertion) When inserting an arbitrary character in an arbitrary line, voice guidance is performed as in Example 1 below.
In this audio guide, two types of voice quality (for example, male voice,
(Female voice) is used so that reading by moving the cursor and function explanation can be distinguished. In the following description, normal reading such as cursor movement will be described as a male voice sound, and insertion time will be described as a female voice sound. In addition, as in the case of character input, the number of input characters in one line exceeds the set maximum value, or enter key 2
If d is pressed or "." is input, a line feed is performed.

(Example 1) In the case of inserting "Onsei Niyoru" between "Konosouchiha" and "Kanodes" in the sentence "Konosouchi Habunshohensuga Kanoudes",
Using the voice read by the document reading function, the cursor is moved to "B" with the cursor movement key 2f. And
When the insert key assigned to the function key 2e is pressed, "Insert mode" is uttered as a female voice, and then each character of "Onseignol" input from the keyboard 2 is also uttered as a female voice. By pressing the insert key assigned to the function key 2e again, this mode is released, and the cursor movement thereafter is uttered as a male voice. result,
The sentence "Konosouchiha Onsei Niyor Bunshohensuga Kanoudes" is completed.

(Deletion by Character) When deleting an arbitrary character from an arbitrary line, voice guidance is performed as in the following Example 2. In this voice guide, two types of voice qualities (for example, a male voice sound and a female voice sound) are used so that the reading by the cursor movement and the function explanation can be distinguished. In the explanation below,
The normal reading such as cursor movement is described as a male voice sound, and the time of deletion is described as a female voice sound.

(Example 2) "Konosouchihaonseiniyoru"
When deleting "Onsei Niyoru" from the document "Bunshohensuga Kanoudes", move the cursor to "o" with the cursor movement key 2f, depending on the voice read by the document reading function, and assign it to the function key 2e. When you press the character deletion key, the character voice is uttered as "character deletion is on", and the character moved to the left or right by the left and right keys of the cursor movement key 2f is uttered as a woman voice, moves to the last character you want to delete, and again. The delete function is executed by pressing the character delete key, that is, the right key is sequentially pressed from "o", and the delete function is executed by pressing the character delete key at "le" of "Onseignor". It
When the character-by-character delete mode is terminated, the cursor movement, etc. is uttered as a male voice sound. As a result, the sentence “Konosouchihabunshohensuga canoudes” is completed.

(Deletion in Line Units) When deleting lines in a specified range from an arbitrary document, voice guidance is performed as in Example 3 below. In this voice guide, two types of voice qualities (for example, a male voice sound and a female voice sound) are used so that the reading by the cursor movement and the function explanation can be distinguished. In the following description, normal reading such as cursor movement will be described as a male voice, and deletion will be described as a female voice.

(Example 3) The first line “Konosouchiha Onsei Niyuru Bunshohensuga Kanodes” The second line “Tenjino Kakutenni Taiusyuita keyboard de nryoku” The third line “Surukotoga dekimas” The 4th line “Teikakaku de Kogata Keiryo type nosouchides” When deleting the 2nd and 3rd lines from the document, the cursor movement key 2f
Use to move the cursor to any position on the line you want to delete. Then, when the line deletion key assigned to the function key 2e is pressed, "line deletion is ON" is uttered as a female voice, and the up and down keys of the cursor movement key 2f move the cursor to determine the line range to be deleted.

At this time, the first word (up to a space) of the line is uttered as a female voice in conjunction with the up and down keys. However, when moving to another line while uttering a word, the reading of the word being uttered is stopped and the reading of the word in the next line is executed. When the line-by-line deletion mode is terminated, the cursor movement, etc. is uttered as a male voice sound. As a result, the document on the 4th line after the 1st line is positioned.

Similar to the operation support when selecting a menu item, the operation support using a warning sound is performed also when creating a new document (that is, when inputting characters) or when editing a document. For example, the first line "Konosouchihaonsei Niyor Bunshohensuga Kanodes" the second line "Tenjinno Kakutenni TAIYOUSITA Keyboard Denu Ryoku" the third line "Surkotoga Dekimas" the 4th line "Teika Kakude Kogata Kairyo Typenosouchides" When the cursor movement key 2f is pressed while the cursor is on, a warning sound, such as a beeping buzzer, is output from the sound output unit 7, and this warning sound causes that line to be the top line. (That is, the first line) is reported to the user. On the other hand, while the cursor is on the 4th line of the document, the cursor movement key 2f
When the down key is pressed, a warning sound such as a buzzing buzzing sound is output from the sound output unit 7, and the warning sound indicates that the line is the lowest line (that is, in the 4th line. Something) to the user. This allows the user to know the top line and the bottom line of the document.

Further, it is preferable to provide a further warning sound so that the user can recognize the beginning of each line (that is, the beginning of the sentence) and the end of the line (that is, the end of the sentence). Specifically, the first line
When the left key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed at the beginning of any of the 4th lines, a warning sound such as a buzzer sounding "pee" is output from the sound output unit 7 and the 1st to 4th lines When the right key of the cursor movement key 2f is pressed at the end of any line of the eyes, a warning sound such as the sound of a buzzer "Poo" is output from the sound output unit 7, so that the start and end of each line Can be grasped by the user. Further, by combining the warning sound indicating the beginning and end of each line and the warning sound indicating the top line and the bottom line of the document, the user can grasp the upper, lower, left, and right ranges of the document. .

The first to fourth warning sounds such as "Peep", "Paw Paw", "Pie", and "Pow" have been described as an example, but similar to the explanation of the operation support at the time of selecting a menu item, The type of warning sound is arbitrary and is not limited to these. In addition, it is easier for the user to grasp the first to fourth warning sounds. When a plurality of types of warning sounds are generated, the frequencies of the sounds may be different, or the sounding patterns may be changed. Each warning sound may be a single note, a plurality of consecutive same notes, a plurality of different consecutive notes, a chord not limited to a single note, a plurality of consecutive same chords, and a plurality of consecutive different chords. . It should be noted that the addition of the operation support function using such a warning sound can be dealt with only by changing the software if there is a sound output means, as in the case of the operation support at the time of selecting a menu item. No additional hardware needed.

The braille processing device 1 has only sound information as a display (that is, transmission) means, and the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of the cursor in the document. By issuing the warning sound as described above, it is possible to support the imagination of the user and provide an efficient use environment. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to allow a user to efficiently grasp a document only by sound and to think of the display screen of the document in his / her head under the condition that the document is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually inputting or editing a document on the display screen.

As described above, the CPU 4 transmits a sound control signal to the sound output means in accordance with the processing program of the ROM 4a in the operation support at the time of selecting a menu item and the operation support at the time of creating a new document and editing a document. It also works as an operation support means for outputting a voice or a warning sound from the section 7.

In addition, examples of various applications of the Braille processing device 1 will be given below. (Various settings of Braille processor 1) EEP-R for saving set values
By changing the settings of the software recorded in the OM 17, it is possible to change the reading speed, the accent, the voice quality for each function (for example, male voice, female voice), and the like. (Document Editing) By operating the keyboard 2 as described above, it is possible to create and edit documents such as electronic mails and memos. (Sentence / Character Copy Function) A memory such as the S-RAM 16 can be used to copy lines, sentences or characters in a document when creating a new document or editing a document. (Paste Function) When the sentence / character copy function is used, the data temporarily held in the memory such as the S-RAM 16 can be pasted using the insert function. (Saving Function) The row data randomly stored in the S-RAM 16 is sorted (that is, the rows are rearranged in order according to the arrangement order of the row numbers in the row management table) and stored. As for the save function, it is activated automatically when the document edit mode ends, or a message is issued to let the user select whether to save. (Escape function) The function key 2e is provided with a key for the escape function. If the escape function is activated while the braille processing device 1 is performing a certain operation, it returns to the previous operating state. As a result, it is possible to easily stop and restart the erroneously determined operation. (Editing the phonebook of the mobile phone 100) The mobile phone 100 is connected with a cable, the memory dial data is captured, and after editing, is written again in the memory of the mobile phone 100 (email editing for the mobile phone 100 and reading of received e-mail). Edit the e-mail document using the document editing function, write it in the outbox of the mobile phone 100,
You can send e-mail. In addition, it is possible to read and read the e-mail data already received in the inbox of the mobile phone 100. (Voice Calculator Function) A voice calculator function that allows you to enter an expression in the Braille value input format. After entering the expression, you can read the calculation expression and the calculation result. (Voice clock function) The time LSI 18 can be used to read out the current time and set an alarm by voice. (Capture of electronic braille translation format data from personal computer 110 and reading aloud) Electronic braille translation format data can be downloaded from the personal computer 110 and read aloud.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the form, arrangement location, number, numerical value, etc. of each constituent element in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved. Further, the shape, the number, the location of the various operation keys and the like of the exemplified keyboard, the shape of the case of the braille processing device, the operation example of the braille processing device, and the like are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are limited. Not done.

An example in which the operation support function by the warning sound of the present invention is added to the function of the Braille processing device 1 has been described. It is also possible to apply to a braille processing device other than the cooperating braille processing device.

For example, a braille processing apparatus having a Braille display unit for displaying information in Braille may be provided with the operation support function by the warning sound of the present invention. In this case, in order to equip the braille processing device with an operation support function with a warning sound, the RO
A software, a CPU, and the like recorded in M are appropriately changed, and further, a warning sound signal generation unit that generates a warning sound signal according to a sound control signal of the CPU and a buzzer, a speaker, or an earphone that converts the warning sound signal into an audible sound. A sound output unit including a sound output unit such as the above may be provided. By providing the operation support function with the warning sound in the Braille processing device having only the Braille display unit as a means for transmitting information, it is possible to support the imagination of the user and provide an efficient use environment. That is, it is possible to allow the user to efficiently grasp the information through the Braille display and the warning sound, and make the user think of the display screen of the menu or the Braille document in his head. Therefore,
It is possible to give the user a feeling of actually selecting a menu, inputting a braille document, and editing a braille document on the display screen.

[0110]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when a selection operation is performed to a higher level than the top menu item in the virtual menu. As described above, the operation support means outputs the sound control signal, and when the selection operation is performed further below the menu item of the lowest hierarchy in the virtual menu, the sound output means outputs a sound different from the first warning sound. Since the operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that 2 warning sounds are output, the user can grasp the maximum menu area of the virtual menu from the menu items of the highest hierarchy and the menu items of the lowest hierarchy, and the virtual menu The entire structure can be grasped.

Further, according to the present invention, if there is no further menu item when the menu item selection operation is performed in the direction intersecting with the direction in which the plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy. Since the operation support means outputs the sound control signal so that the sound output means outputs the warning sound different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound, the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction is presented to the user. Can be grasped. Also, by a combination of a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction and a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, It is possible to let the user understand the maximum menu area above, below, left and right of the virtual menu.

Since the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of each menu item in the virtual menu, it is possible to assist the user's imagination by issuing the warning sound as described above. It is possible to provide a specific usage environment. That is, the present invention allows the user to efficiently grasp the menu structure and to think of the display screen of the menu in his head, under the condition that the menu is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually selecting a menu item on the display screen.

Further, according to the present invention, operation support is provided so that the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the operation of moving the virtual cursor is performed to a position higher than the uppermost line in the virtual document. Means outputs a sound control signal, and when the virtual cursor is moved to a position lower than the lowest line in the virtual document, the sound output means outputs a second warning sound different from the first warning sound. As described above, since the operation support means outputs the sound control signal, it is possible to let the user grasp the uppermost line and the lowermost line of the virtual document and also the overall configuration of the virtual document.

Further, according to the present invention, the first warning sound and the second warning sound are generated when the operation of moving the virtual cursor beyond the beginning or end of a sentence in any one of a plurality of lines in the virtual document is performed. Since the operation support means outputs the sound control signal so that the sound output means outputs the warning sound different from the warning sound, the user can recognize the beginning and end of each line. Further, by combining the warning sound indicating the beginning and end of each line and the warning sound indicating the top line and the bottom line of the document, the user can grasp the upper, lower, left, and right ranges of the document. .

Since the user has to use his / her imagination to grasp the position of the cursor in the document, it is possible to support the user's imagination by issuing the warning sound as described above, and to use the document efficiently. Can provide the environment. That is, according to the present invention, the user can efficiently grasp the document and have the user think of the display screen of the document in his / her head under the condition that the document is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually inputting or editing a document on the display screen.

Further, according to the present invention, the sound control signal is output so that the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the selection operation is performed to a higher level than the topmost menu item in the virtual menu. Is output to the operation support means, and a second warning sound different from the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when a selection operation is performed to a position lower than the menu item of the lowest hierarchy in the virtual menu. To output a sound control signal to the operation support means as described above, and a computer-readable recording medium that records a processing program for causing the Braille processing device to execute a process including the process including the menu item and the lowest order. It is possible to let the user grasp the maximum menu area of the virtual menu from the menu items of the hierarchy and also to grasp the entire configuration of the virtual menu.

According to the present invention, further menu items are selected when a menu item selection operation is performed in a direction intersecting with a direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy in the virtual menu. If there is no first
A processing program for causing the Braille processing device to execute processing including processing for outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means so that an alarm sound different from the alarm sound and the second alarm sound is output from the sound output means is recorded. The computer-readable recording medium allows the user to grasp the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction. Also, by a combination of a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the intersecting direction and a warning sound notifying the maximum menu area of the virtual menu in the direction in which a plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, It is possible to let the user understand the maximum menu area above, below, left and right of the virtual menu.

Since the user must use his imagination to grasp the position of each menu item in the virtual menu, by providing a processing program for outputting a warning sound to the Braille processor as described above, the imagination of the user can be improved. Can be supported and an efficient use environment can be provided. That is, the present invention allows the user to efficiently grasp the menu structure and to think of the display screen of the menu in his head, under the condition that the menu is invisible. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a feeling of actually selecting a menu item on the display screen.

Further, according to the present invention, sound control is performed so that the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when the operation of moving the virtual cursor is performed to a position higher than the uppermost line in the virtual document. A process of outputting a signal to the operation support means, and a second warning sound different from the first warning sound from the sound output means when the virtual cursor is moved to a position lower than the lowest line in the virtual document. The top line of the virtual document is recorded by a computer-readable recording medium in which a process program for causing the braille processing device to execute a process including outputting the sound control signal to the operation support means so as to be output. It is possible to let the user understand the lowest line and the entire structure of the virtual document.

Further, according to the present invention, the first warning sound and the second warning sound are generated when the operation of moving the virtual cursor beyond the beginning or the end of the sentence in any one of a plurality of lines in the virtual document is performed. A computer-readable record recording a processing program for causing the Braille processing device to perform a process including a process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support unit so that a warning sound different from the warning sound is output from the sound output unit. Depending on the medium, the user can be made aware of the beginning and end of each line. Further, by combining the warning sound indicating the beginning and end of each line and the warning sound indicating the top line and the bottom line of the document, the user can grasp the upper, lower, left, and right ranges of the document. .

Since the user has to use his imagination to grasp the position of the cursor in the document, the imagination of the user is supported by providing a processing program for outputting a warning sound to the Braille processing device as described above. It is possible to provide an efficient usage environment. That is, according to the present invention, the user can efficiently grasp the document and have the user think of the display screen of the document in his / her head under the condition that the document is invisible. Therefore,
It is possible to give the user a feeling of actually inputting or editing a document on the display screen.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram showing a system configuration of a preferred embodiment of a braille processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a braille processing device showing an example of a keyboard.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of allocating braille input keys, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating another example of allocating braille input keys.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual menu of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Braille processor 2 Keyboard (input means) 3 Keyboard connection interface 4 CPU (control means, operation support means) 4a ROM (recording medium) 4b RAM 4c Mobile phone communication interface (communication interface means) 4d Sound synthesis LSI Interface 5 Sound synthesizer 6 Amplifier 7 Sound output 8 Memory for data storage (data storage) 9 Power supply 10 Connector for mobile phone 11 Interface for PC communication (interface for communication) 14 Connector for PC 15 Recording / readout 16 S-RAM 17 EEP-ROM for storing set values 20 Case

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An input unit that indicates the names of various functions in a virtual menu and that allows a selection operation of a plurality of menu items arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, and according to the selection operation to the input means. An operation support means for outputting a sound control signal according to the sound control signal, and a sound output means for outputting a sound according to the sound control signal. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that the first warning sound is output from the output means, and the sound output means outputs the sound when the selection operation is performed further below the menu item of the lowest hierarchy. The Braille processing device, wherein the operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that a second warning sound different from the first warning sound is output. 2. The first warning sound unless a further menu item is present when a menu item selection operation is performed in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy. The braille processing device according to claim 1, wherein the operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that a warning sound different from the second warning sound is outputted from the sound output means. 3. An input unit that allows a moving operation of a virtual cursor in a plurality of lines arranged from the top to the bottom of a virtual document, and an operation support that outputs a sound control signal according to the moving operation of the virtual cursor. Means and a sound output means for outputting a sound in accordance with the sound control signal, wherein the sound output means outputs a first warning sound when the virtual cursor is moved to a position higher than the highest row. The operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that
The operation support means outputs the second warning sound different from the first warning sound from the sound output means when the virtual cursor is moved to a position lower than the lowest row. A Braille processing device which outputs a sound control signal. 4. The first warning sound and the second warning sound differ when a movement operation of the virtual cursor beyond the beginning or the end of a sentence in any one of the plurality of lines is performed. The Braille processing device according to claim 3, wherein the operation support means outputs a sound control signal so that a warning sound is output from the sound output means. 5. An input unit which indicates the names of various functions in a virtual menu and allows a selection operation of a plurality of menu items arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, and according to the selection operation to the input means. In a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for controlling the operation of a Braille processing device, which comprises an operation support means for outputting a sound control signal and a sound output means for outputting a sound according to the sound control signal. A process for outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means so that the sound output means outputs a first warning sound when a selection operation is performed to a higher order than the highest-order menu item. A second warning sound different from the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when a selection operation is performed to a lower level than a menu item in a lower hierarchy. A computer-readable recording medium processing program for executing a process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support unit, the process comprising. 6. The recording medium according to claim 5,
Furthermore, if there is no further menu item when a menu item selection operation is performed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of menu items are arranged from the highest hierarchy to the lowest hierarchy, the first warning sound and the first warning sound are displayed. 2 A computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for executing a process including a process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means so that a warning sound different from the warning sound is output from the sound output means. . 7. An input unit that allows a moving operation of a virtual cursor in a plurality of lines arranged from the top to the bottom of a virtual document, and an operation support that outputs a sound control signal according to the moving operation of the virtual cursor. Means and a sound output means for outputting a sound in accordance with the sound control signal, in a computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for controlling the operation of the Braille processing device, which is higher than the uppermost line. A process of outputting a sound control signal to the operation support means so that the sound output means outputs a first warning sound when the virtual cursor is moved to a position lower than the lowest row. A sound control signal is output to the operation support signal so that a second warning sound different from the first warning sound is output from the sound output means when a moving operation of the virtual cursor is performed. A computer-readable recording medium processing program for executing the processing including a processing to output means. 8. The recording medium according to claim 7,
Further, when a moving operation of the virtual cursor beyond the beginning or end of a sentence in any one of the plurality of lines is performed, a warning sound different from the first warning sound and the second warning sound is generated. A computer-readable recording medium recording a processing program for executing a process including a process of causing a sound control signal to be output to the operation support unit so as to be output from the sound output unit.