JP2004038031A - Braille learning system using braille input/output program and braille learning system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize input edition by displaying on a computer monitor screen a braille in which a pit or a projection can be discriminated and whether it is displayed or non-displayed can be discriminated, for a person with normal sense of sight. <P>SOLUTION: This is a braille input/output program which is to be executed on a computer for displaying or inputting braille on the computer monitor screen, and which forms one braille area by generating 6 pieces of invisible squares of 2 columns and 3 rows and placing 6 figures in total, namely, each piece of figure corresponding to each point of a braille within the imaginary square, and which uses the braille input/output program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a Braille input / output program capable of displaying, on a computer monitor screen, Braille capable of distinguishing between unevenness and non-display, for inputting and editing, and a Braille using the Braille input / output program. Related to the learning system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when displaying braille on a computer monitor screen such as a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal display for a person with normal vision, as shown in FIG. (Representing a number), points with dots are displayed as large points, and points without points are displayed as small points. When inputting these brailles, a braille database storing texts (kana, numbers, etc.) and graphic fonts of the corresponding braille is prepared in advance, and a group of six points corresponding to the input texts is converted into one braille. Display on a computer monitor screen has been performed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The shape of the Braille of the six constituent units displayed on the computer monitor screen is displayed only with black dots, etc., and there is no visual distinction between Braille-specific convex display and concave display. It was not sufficient as a Braille expression to represent letters and numbers by recognizing irregularities.
[0004]
Also, as described above, when displaying or inputting braille on the computer monitor screen, it was only possible to treat a circle of six points as one lump, so one of the six points was decomposed. And I couldn't freely input and edit.
[0005]
Also, when displaying braille on a computer monitor screen, there is no distinction between irregularities in the first place, so it was not possible to distinguish between braille for reading and braille for input (dotting).
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In view of the above problem, the present inventor divides one Braille into six columns of two columns and three rows, and displays / hides attributes in each of the squares. By arranging the graphics having the concave attribute one by one, a visually-impaired person can display and input and edit Braille that can distinguish between unevenness and non-display at any place using a general-purpose computer monitor screen. A Braille input / output program that can be used and a Braille learning system that can efficiently perform Braille learning using the Braille input / output program have been invented.
[0007]
The invention of claim 1 is
A braille input / output program executed on a computer for displaying or inputting braille on a computer monitor screen. The computer generates six invisible virtual cells in two columns and three rows, and generates the invisible virtual cells in the virtual cells. A braille input / output program having a braille area forming unit for generating one braille area by arranging six graphics each corresponding to each point of braille.
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate and decompose each point of Braille, which has conventionally been regarded as a group of six points, so that it is possible to flexibly display and input Braille.
[0009]
The invention of claim 2 is
This is a Braille input / output program having a dot configuration unit that generates the graphic having a display or non-display attribute.
[0010]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to give an attribute of displaying / not displaying to each point of Braille and change the attribute in units of points.
[0011]
The invention of claim 3 is
A Braille input / output program for generating the Braille area from Braille data obtained by digitizing the correspondence between the position information of each of the virtual squares and the display / non-display attribute of a graphic arranged in each of the virtual squares.
[0012]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, Braille is represented as Braille data by digitizing it, so that it is possible to determine at a glance in which virtual figure a figure is displayed / non-displayed. A database for storing a group of Braille graphic fonts is not required.
[0013]
The invention of claim 4 is
This is a braille input / output program in which the braille data is represented by 6-bit binary data.
[0014]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since braille data is obtained by allocating one bit to each of the six points, mutual conversion between braille data and braille figures becomes easy.
[0015]
The invention of claim 5 is
Using the braille database that stores the braille data and text data corresponding to the braille data, receiving text data from an input device such as a keyboard, and searching for braille data corresponding to the received text data, Convert the searched Braille data into the Braille area that can be displayed on the computer monitor screen, or read the Braille area displayed on the computer monitor screen, and convert the read Braille area into the Braille data. And a braille input / output program having an instruction unit for searching for text data corresponding to the converted braille data.
[0016]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mutual conversion between the text and the braille graphic is facilitated by using the braille database.
[0017]
The invention of claim 6 is
This is a Braille input / output program in which a graphic or Braille region having the display attribute is given a convex or concave attribute.
[0018]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a graphic or a Braille area having a display attribute is further provided with a convex or concave attribute, so that the display of Braille unevenness can be freely switched and the displayed Braille unevenness can be freely determined. I can do it.
[0019]
The invention of claim 7 is
The graphic having the convex attribute is represented by a three-dimensionally protruding disk-shaped graphic, and a portion having a shadow and a portion not forming a shadow by irradiating light from above are color-coded. This is a Braille input / output program that expresses a three-dimensionally depressed disk-shaped figure, and illuminates light from above and shades the part that does not become a shadow.
[0020]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display Braille on the computer monitor screen in which the unevenness can be visually distinguished more easily.
[0021]
The invention of claim 8 is
An input device such as a numeric keypad or a keyboard, an input device such as a pointer device such as a mouse, or an instruction portion of an application program in a computer includes a display / non-display attribute of the graphic and / or a convex / This is a braille input / output program that assigns a designation command having a concave attribute, receives the designation command in the command unit, and performs input editing and display in units of the figure or the braille area.
[0022]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, input / edit and display of Braille are facilitated in response to designation of unevenness and designation of display / non-display from an input device or an application program.
[0023]
The invention of claim 9 is
In the instruction unit, a designation command of a convex / concave attribute of the read braille area or a convex / concave attribute of the braille area received from the input device or the instruction unit of the application program is stored in the braille database. A Braille data input / output program that converts the Braille data corresponding to the Braille area in accordance with the attribute of the Braille data stored in the Braille database when the attribute is different from the projected / concave attribute of the Braille data.
[0024]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the braille database only needs to store either the braille data of the convex type or the concave type, and the braille data of the other display type is displayed by inverting the braille data symmetrically. Or read and convert to text.
[0025]
The invention of claim 10 is
A braille input / output program having a braille cell configuration unit for generating a braille cell with a margin on the outer periphery of the braille area in order to prevent overlapping when the plurality of braille areas are arranged adjacent to each other and to prevent the figure from being difficult to see It is.
[0026]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, by providing the braille cells, it is possible to display braille that is easy to see on the computer monitor screen.
[0027]
The invention of claim 11 is
A braille line forming unit that generates a braille line in which one or more of the braille cells or the braille regions are arranged in the horizontal direction so that adjacent braille cells or braille regions do not overlap with each other, and read in the instruction unit; According to the convex / concave attribute of the braille area or the designation command of the convex / concave attribute of the braille area received from the input device or the command section of the application program, the braille area having the convex attribute is located on the braille line. From the left end, the Braille area having the concave attribute is a Braille input / output program for arranging or reading in order from the right end of the Braille row.
[0028]
According to the invention of claim 11, a plurality of lines for inputting or outputting braille can be generated on a computer monitor screen. Further, convex braille is displayed from the left, concave braille is displayed from the right, and a plurality of lines are displayed. Braille can be read sequentially from either left or right.
[0029]
The invention of claim 12 is
The present invention is a Braille input / output program including a Braille line area forming unit that generates a Braille line area in which one or more Braille lines are arranged vertically so that adjacent Braille lines do not overlap each other.
[0030]
According to the twelfth aspect, an area for inputting or outputting a plurality of braille lines is generated on a computer monitor screen, and braille can be displayed and read in units of a plurality of braille lines.
[0031]
The invention of claim 13 is
It is a Braille input / output program for receiving, in the command unit, a designation command of the convex / concave attribute of the graphic or the Braille area in units of the Braille line or in the unit of Braille line.
[0032]
According to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to switch the concavities and convexities collectively in units of braille lines or braille line regions, thereby speeding up input editing, display, and reading of braille.
[0033]
The invention of claim 14 is
The size of the figure defined by parameters such as diameter and vertical and horizontal dimensions, the size of the Braille area defined by parameters such as vertical and horizontal dimensions, the vertical and horizontal dimensions, and the size of the margin from the outer periphery of the Braille area The size of the Braille cells defined by parameters such as the size of the Braille rows defined by parameters such as the number of the Braille cells and the vertical and horizontal dimensions, or the parameters such as the number of the Braille rows and the vertical and horizontal dimensions In order to set any one or more types of the size of the braille line area defined in the above, in the command unit, any of the parameters is received from the input device or the command unit of the application program, This is a braille input / output program for changing the size of at least one of a graphic, the braille area, the braille cell, the braille row, and the braille row area.
[0034]
According to the fourteenth aspect, each parameter such as the size of Braille can be freely changed, and Braille of various sizes can be displayed according to the application.
[0035]
The invention of claim 15 is
A braille learning system having a braille learning program for learning braille reading and / or input using a computer monitor screen, wherein the braille learning program issues a call instruction to the braille input / output program, and A braille learning system having a braille input / output IF unit for causing an input / output program to perform at least one of input of braille, display of braille, conversion of read braille to braille data, or conversion of braille data to text data It is.
[0036]
According to the invention of claim 15, learning of both reading and input of braille can be efficiently performed.
[0037]
The invention of claim 16 is
This is a braille learning system that receives the braille data or text data from the braille input / output program in accordance with the call command in the braille input / output IF unit.
[0038]
According to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to receive braille data or text data from a braille input / output program, and perform a braille learning right / wrong determination to be described later.
[0039]
The invention of claim 17 is
A screen layout generation unit that generates one or more types of computer monitor screen layouts necessary for braille learning; a braille learning screen among the generated screen layouts includes a braille input area, a braille output area, and a text input area; Or a Braille learning system having at least one of a text output area.
[0040]
According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a braille learning system having an excellent user interface by generating a menu screen, a learning screen, and the like related to braille learning.
[0041]
The invention of claim 18 is
This is a Braille learning system that includes one or more levels of Braille learning courses for each level and a question course management unit that manages the learning content for each course.
[0042]
According to the eighteenth aspect, the learning content can be changed for each user according to the learning level of the user.
[0043]
The invention of claim 19 is
This is a braille learning system that stores, in a learning database, learning content having a story development for each course managed by the question course management section.
[0044]
According to the invention of claim 19, it is possible to create an environment in which the braille learning content is given a story and the user can continue the braille learning.
[0045]
The invention of claim 20 is
A question section that issues questions from the learning database that stores a question and an answer to the question based on the management of the course and learning content in the question course management section, and a question that is set in the question section. A text data or a Braille data corresponding to an answer to the question, from the Braille input / output program, and a determination unit for making a right / false determination by comparing the answer with the answer stored in the learning database. .
[0046]
According to the twentieth aspect, questions and answers can be determined based on the selected course and the learning content of the course, and the user can efficiently proceed with the Braille learning.
[0047]
The invention of claim 21 is
This is a Braille learning system that stores the questions and their answers in the question section in the learning database in the form of a one-by-one quiz.
[0048]
According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, since the questions in question are in a quiz format, even beginners can learn Braille with familiarity.
[0049]
The invention of claim 22 is
The system has a timer for counting the time required from the setting of the question in the questioning section to the reception of the answer, and the time counting result in the counting means is used to limit the time limit for each question stored in the learning database. If it exceeds, it is a Braille learning system that selects and executes one of extending the response acceptance time, proceeding to the next question, or re-appearing.
[0050]
According to the invention of claim 22, by providing a time limit for the answer, it is possible to encourage the user to concentrate.
[0051]
The invention of claim 23 is
Record the learning information such as the correctness / incorrectness determination result of the answer in the determination unit, the score calculated based on the correctness / incorrectness, the time required from the question to the reception of the answer, and the date and time when the Braille learning program was executed. And a Braille learning system having a learning history management unit stored in the learning database.
[0052]
The invention of claim 24 is
A Braille learning system that allows a user to resume learning from the continuation of previous learning based on learning information stored in the learning database.
[0053]
According to the inventions of claims 23 and 24, since the learning history of the user is managed, the braille learning can be efficiently advanced without the user overlapping.
[0054]
The invention of claim 25 is
The condition for proceeding to the next course and / or the next learning content is stored in the learning database. If the condition is not satisfied based on the learning information stored in the learning database, the next course And / or a Braille learning system that does not advance to the next learning content.
[0055]
According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the clear condition is provided for each course or learning content, thereby encouraging the user to learn Braille.
[0056]
The invention of claim 26 is
A Braille learning system that outputs a hint of the question in the question section by voice or image and / or outputs a correct answer of the answer in the determination section by voice or image.
[0057]
According to the invention of claim 26, hints and correct answers to the questions can be output by voice or image, so that a visually impaired person can learn Braille together with a blind person or a deaf person. Braille learning that is easy to understand with images can be performed.
[0058]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the Braille input / output program 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of Braille displayed on the display screen 4 a of the display unit 4 by the Braille input / output program 1.
[0059]
The Braille input / output program 1 outputs Braille corresponding to text received from a text input unit 2 such as a keyboard or other application programs 3 and displays the Braille on a display unit 4 which is a computer monitor screen. This is a program for outputting Braille according to a Braille input editing instruction received from the Braille input unit 5, and includes a Braille line area forming unit 11 and a command unit 13.
[0060]
The Braille line area forming unit 11 is a unit that generates and decomposes a graphic element of Braille, which has been conventionally treated as a group of six points, and the Braille line area forming unit 11 itself arranges a plurality of Braille lines 114a described later. This is a means for generating the braille line area 11a. The inside of the braille line region forming unit 11 is divided into respective units of a dot forming unit 111, a braille region forming unit 112, a braille cell forming unit 113, and a braille line forming unit 114. It is linked with a Braille database 15 that stores Braille data corresponding to the data. The description of the braille data and the braille database 15 will be described later. In the following description of each component, it is assumed that a means for generating a Braille graphic element is used. However, generation and disassembly are two sides of the same coin, and a Braille graphic element can be generated. In other words, it also means that the graphic element of Braille can be read by the decomposition, and the description on the decomposition will be omitted hereinafter.
[0061]
The braille area forming unit 112 generates six invisible virtual squares 112d in two columns and three rows, and generates a braille area 112a by arranging a figure corresponding to each point of Braille in each virtual square 112d. It is a means to do. FIG. 2 shows an example of the braille area 112a and the virtual square 112d. In the example of FIG. 2, a circular figure is arranged in each virtual square 112d. As shown in FIG. 2, the size of the braille area 112a is defined by parameters such as a braille area vertical size 112b and a braille area horizontal size 112c, and each parameter is variable. The parameters defining the braille area 112a are not limited to the above.
[0062]
The dot configuration unit 111 is a unit that generates a dot 111a that is one of the figures arranged one by one in the virtual square 112d. The example of the dot 111a may be a round figure as shown in FIG. 2, but is not limited to a circle but may be a square, a triangle, or any shape.
[0063]
The dot 111a is first given an attribute of either displaying or not displaying in the virtual square 112d, and the dot 111a having the attribute to be displayed is given a convex or concave attribute. You. The difference between the attributes of these concavities and convexities can be distinguished by protruding cones and depressed cones, or any other type that can visually distinguish the concavities and convexities simply by changing colors or shapes, as shown in FIG. Convex dots 111b having a convex attribute illuminate a three-dimensionally protruding disc-shaped object with light from above and color-code portions that are not shadows, while concave dots 111c having a concave attribute are: By irradiating light from above onto a three-dimensionally depressed disk-shaped object and shading it into a shadow and a part that is not, a color-coded shape directly appeals to the visual sense, and the user can easily recognize the unevenness at a glance, so that the user is familiar . Further, the non-display type dot 111d having the non-display attribute only needs to be known as a blank dot, and may be a simple circle or a dotted line. The size of these dots 111a is defined by a parameter called dot size 111e such as radius and diameter. This parameter is variable, but the size of dot 111a must not exceed the size of virtual square 112d.
[0064]
The braille cell forming unit 113 is a unit that generates a braille cell 113a in which a margin is provided on the outer periphery of the braille area 112a. The Braille cells 113a are difficult to see when adjacent Braille areas 112a are inadvertently overlapped with each other, or when the dot size 111e is set to the limit of the virtual cell 112d of the Braille area 112a and a plurality of Braille areas 112a are arranged. In order to solve the problem, a blank is provided on the outer periphery of the braille area 112a, and an example thereof is shown in FIG. The size of the braille cell 113a is determined by the combination of the braille cell vertical margin 113b, which is the vertical margin from the outer periphery of the braille area 112a, and the braille cell horizontal margin 113c, which is the horizontal margin, and the vertical size and horizontal size of the braille cell 113a. , And each parameter is variable. However, the braille cell 113a is not an essential component of Braille in the present invention.
[0065]
The Braille line configuration unit 114 is a unit that generates a Braille row 114a in which one or more Braille cells 113a or Braille areas 112a are arranged in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 2, an example of generation of a Braille line 114a is a Braille line 114a in which a plurality of Braille cells 113a or Braille areas 112a are arranged in a horizontal direction so as not to overlap. The size of the Braille line 114a is defined by parameters such as the number of Braille cells 113a or Braille regions 112a arranged in one Braille line 114a and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the Braille line 114a. Obviously, the size must not exceed the screen frame of the display screen 4a.
[0066]
Finally, the braille line area forming unit 11 generates a braille line area 11a in which one or more braille rows 114a are vertically arranged so as not to overlap as shown in FIG. The display on 4a is performed. The braille line area 11a corresponds to the braille input area 5a or the braille output area 5b on the display screen 4a as shown in FIG. The size of the braille row area 11a defined by parameters such as the number of braille rows 114a displayed on the display screen 4a and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the braille row area 11a is also variable. The parameters described so far can be set by receiving an instruction from the application program 3 or an input device such as a keyboard, and are variable as described above. It is also possible to set sequentially to the lower layer, and to set sequentially from the lower layer on the dot 111a side to the upper layer on the Braille row 114a side.
[0067]
The braille database 15 is a database that stores correspondence between text data such as kana and numbers and braille data. Since the Braille data is composed of six dots 111a, for example, the dot 111a having the display attribute is set to “1”, the dot 111a having the non-display attribute is set to “0”, and 6-bit binary data is set. (For example, 010000) is data that can define the configuration of one Braille. Note that it is necessary to determine in advance which bit of the braille data corresponds to which position of the dot 111a in the virtual square 112d. The definition method of the braille data is not limited to this, and any method may be used as long as the correspondence between the position information of the virtual square 112d and the attribute of the dot 111a arranged in the virtual square 112d is digitized. Further, even in the case of Braille indicating the same kana or number, it is necessary to change the display / non-display attribute of each dot 111a symmetrically with respect to the column of the virtual square 112d of 2 columns and 3 rows depending on whether the attribute is the convex attribute or the concave attribute. For this reason, the Braille database 15 stores Braille data for displaying either one of the irregularities, and converts the Braille data in accordance with a concave / convex attribute designation command received by the command unit 13 described later. Switching between the convex display and the concave display can be performed. For example, if the braille data expressed as "000111" is for a convex attribute, when converted to braille data for a concave attribute, the upper 3 bits and the lower 3 bits are exchanged to become "111000". If the Braille database 15 has sufficient capacity, both Braille data for the convex attribute and Braille data for the concave attribute may be stored. As described above, by digitizing braille using braille data, it is not necessary to store a graphic font itself representing a group of braille with six points in a database and to prepare it for each application as in the related art. The capacity can be reduced.
[0068]
The command unit 13 is a unit that receives various commands, transmits the commands to the Braille line area forming unit 11 and each of the constituent units that are internal components thereof, and transfers Braille data, text data, and the like to the application program 3. . The various commands include a command for setting each parameter described above from another application program 3 or the like that calls the Braille input / output program 1, a text command input from the text input unit 2 such as a keyboard when outputting Braille, and a convex type command. When inputting / editing a braille / concave attribute, or when editing braille, a braille input command input from the braille input unit 5 such as a keyboard or a mouse, a convex / concave attribute designation command, or a displayed braille line 114a is read. Sometimes it is a braille line read command or a text output command to output text data corresponding to the displayed braille. The specification of the convex / concave type attribute may be made in any of the unit of the dot 111a, the unit of the Braille area 112a, the unit of the Braille line 114a, and the unit of the Braille line area 11a. If the irregularities can be specified in the unit of the braille line 114a or the braille line area 11a, the number of times of designation is reduced, so that the load on the program can be reduced.
[0069]
The display unit 4 is a unit that outputs the braille generated by the braille line area forming unit 11 and text data corresponding to the braille, and may be a general-purpose computer monitor screen such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display. The computer monitor screen may include a television screen.
[0070]
Embodiment 1
Next, an example of a flow of a process in which the program of the present invention is executed will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, and a system configuration diagram of FIG. In the present embodiment, a case in which a text input unit 2, a Braille input unit 5, and a display unit 4 are used to output Braille input and output text corresponding to Braille from an application program 3 that calls the Braille input / output program 1. Will be described.
[0071]
First, the flow of the process of outputting Braille will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The Braille input / output program 1 receives, from the application program 3, parameters defining the size of the Braille line area 11a or the like to be displayed on the display unit 4 in the command unit 13, and transmits these setting information to the Braille line area forming unit. 11 (S310). If these setting information are received first, as shown in FIG. 4, a Braille line 114a of an arbitrary size constituted by non-display type dots 111d is displayed on the display screen 4a of the display unit 4 based on the parameters. It can be prepared in advance. The display screen 4a may have a text input area 2a, a text output area 2b, a braille input area 5a, and a braille output area 5b as shown in FIG. Each input area and output area may be shared, and the location and size of each area are variable.
[0072]
The instruction unit 13 receives a text from the application program 3 or the text input unit 2 (S320). For example, the text “Ai” input from the keyboard is received in the text input area 2a in the display screen 4a of FIG.
[0073]
The received text is searched for Braille data corresponding to the text one by one from the Braille database 15 (S330). First, search starts from the text "A".
[0074]
When the Braille data corresponding to "A" is retrieved from the Braille database 15, the dots 111a are generated in the dot forming unit 111 based on the display / non-display attribute information of each bit of the Braille data (S340). At this time, if the command for designating the convex / concave attribute has already been received in S310, a convex dot 111b or a concave dot 111c is generated for the dot 111a having the display attribute according to the command. For example, when braille data for a convex attribute is stored in the braille database 15 and a designation command for a concave attribute is received, the conversion of the braille data (for example, the data “111000” is converted into the data “000111”) After the conversion, a concave dot 111c is generated in the virtual square 112d having one bit data. Since the non-display attribute dot 111a is arranged in the virtual square 112d having the bit data of 0, the non-display type dot 111d remains as it is. Further, when the designation command is not received, the designation command may be received and responded each time. As a result, one braille area 112a “a” is generated at six points in the braille area forming unit 112, and one braille is completed (S350 to S380).
[0075]
The Braille area 112a corresponding to the generated "A" is stored in the Braille cell 113a (S380). According to the above-mentioned convex / concave attribute designation command, the braille cells 113a are arranged in order from the left end in the case of the convex attribute, and the braille cells 113a are arranged in order from the right end in the case of the concave attribute (S390 to S420).
[0076]
Next, retrieval of Braille data corresponding to the text "I" and generation of Braille cells 113a are performed (S430). The procedure is the same as for "A". As described above, this procedure is repeated until the processing of all the input texts is completed, and the braille lines 114a are generated and sequentially displayed in the braille output area 5b of the display screen 4a of the display unit 4. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the braille rows 114a generated corresponding to “Ai” are displayed in the convex display and the concave display through the above steps.
[0077]
Next, a flow of a process of inputting and editing Braille in a Braille row 114a constituted by non-display type dots 111d displayed in the Braille input area 5a in advance will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The Braille input / output program 1 receives the selection of the Braille area 112a that the user wants to edit from the Braille input unit 5 in the instruction unit 13 (S510). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the cursor 112e is moved to the Braille area 112a to be edited by a pointer device such as a mouse or an arrow key of a keyboard.
[0078]
The selection of the dot 111a (virtual cell 112d) to be further edited from the selected braille area 112a is received from the braille input unit 5 (S520).
[0079]
The selected dot 111a is edited (S530 to S570). For example, each time the dot 111a to be edited is clicked once with a mouse, the display / non-display attribute of the dot 111a may be inverted. Alternatively, a left click may be input for a convex attribute, and a right click may be concave. May be assigned to inputs for attributes. Further, a designation command of a display / non-display attribute for each dot 111a, a designation command for inverting the attribute of concavities and convexities collectively for each Braille area 112a or each Braille row 114a may be assigned to each key of the numeric keypad or the keyboard. . In this way, the input and editing of the braille into the braille row 114a as described above with reference to FIG. 4 are performed.
[0080]
Next, a flow of a process of searching and displaying a text corresponding to the input and edited braille line 114a or the already displayed braille line 114a from the braille database 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The Braille input / output program 1 receives, from the application program 3 or the like, a Braille line read command for reading the Braille line 114a displayed on the display screen 4a of the display unit 4 in the command unit 13 (S610).
[0081]
Referring to FIG. 4 as an example, the braille input / output program 1 reads a braille line 114a displayed in the braille input area 5a or the braille output area 5b of the display screen 4a of the display unit 4, The braille row 114a is decomposed in the order of the constituent unit 113, the braille area forming unit 112, and the dot forming unit 111, and goes back to the lower hierarchy. Among the dots 111a included in the generated braille, the dots 111a having the display attribute are convex. Either the type attribute or the concave type attribute is detected (S620).
[0082]
After detecting the convex / concave attribute of the dot 111a, the braille area 112a is sequentially read from the left end of the braille row 114a if it is a convex attribute, and the braille area 112a is sequentially read from the right end of the braille row 114a if it is a concave attribute. The Braille area 112a is decomposed for each dot 111a in each virtual square 112d, and converted into, for example, binary 6-bit data in the same format as that stored in the Braille database 15 (S630). When the Braille data for the convex attribute is stored in the Braille database 15 and the Braille with the concave attribute is displayed on the display unit 4, the Braille data is converted into the Braille data format for the convex attribute.
[0083]
The text data corresponding to the converted braille data is searched from the braille database 15 (S640).
[0084]
The searched text data is sequentially output and displayed on the text output area 2b of the display screen 4a of the display unit 4 (S650).
[0085]
If there is an unprocessed braille area 112a, the text data is searched in the same steps as in steps S630 to S650 until the unprocessed braille area 112a disappears, and displayed until the end of the braille line 114a. (S660).
[0086]
Embodiment 2
Next, an embodiment of a Braille learning system 6 for a visually-impaired person to perform Braille input / output learning using the Braille input / output program 1 described in the first embodiment will be described. That is, this is a case where the application program 3 in the first embodiment is the Braille learning program 61.
[0087]
FIG. 7 shows an example of the system configuration of the braille learning system 6 of the present embodiment. A Braille learning system 6 includes a Braille input / output program 1, a Braille database 15, a text input unit 2, a Braille input unit 5, and a display unit 4 similar to those of the first embodiment, a Braille learning program 61, a learning database 62, and a command input. It has a unit 63 and an audio output unit 64. The description of the same system configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted, and the learning database 62, the command input unit 63, and the audio output unit 64 will be described later.
[0088]
FIG. 8 shows an example of a detailed system configuration of the braille learning program 61. The Braille learning program 61 includes a screen layout generation unit 611, a Braille input / output IF unit 612, a question course management unit 613, a question unit 614, a determination unit 615, a learning history management unit 616, and a time measurement unit 617.
[0089]
The screen layout generation unit 611 is a unit that generates a screen layout for displaying the braille learning program 61 on the display unit 4. Although the screen layout is divided into a plurality of hierarchies, the braille learning screen naturally includes a braille input area 5a, a braille output area 5b, a text input area 2a, and a text output area 2b for learning braille. The size of the braille line area 11a and the like is also determined by the screen layout generation unit 611, and the parameters are transmitted to the braille input / output program 1 via a braille input / output IF unit 612 described later, and a display setting command is issued. 9 to 11 show examples of the screen layout of the braille learning program 61.
[0090]
The Braille input / output IF unit 612 calls the Braille input / output program 1 when performing input / output of braille in the braille learning program 61, and inputs / outputs a braille or text input / output command, a display setting command of the above-described screen layout, and the like. To the instruction unit 13 of the Braille input / output program 1. The Braille input / output IF unit 612 not only calls the Braille input / output program 1 and issues a command, but also has a role of receiving Braille data and text data processed by the Braille input / output program 1.
[0091]
The question course management unit 613 is means for managing a learning course of a user who performs Braille learning in the Braille learning program 61. The learning course is divided into levels such as introductory practice, elementary, intermediate, advanced, etc., as shown in the course selection screen of FIG. 9, and further detailed contents such as practice of reading braille and practice of inputting braille for each level ( Lesson). The questions may be in the form of quizzes, and even beginners can enjoy Braille learning in a fun way by answering the quizzes. Further, the learning content may have a story, and the user can continue learning while looking forward to the previous development, which is effective for continuing the Braille learning. In the course selection screen of FIG. 9, the selection of the course is received from the command input unit 63, and the learning is started. The command input unit 63 may be a keyboard or a mouse, and may also be used as the text input unit 2 or the Braille input unit 5 used in the Braille input / output program 1. In the case of braille learning with a quiz format and a story, the learning database 62 stores a story, a question, and an answer in such a manner that the questions can be presented in the order of the story.
[0092]
The question section 614 is a means for giving a question from the question stored in the learning database 62 on the lesson screen of FIG. 10 based on the course and the learning content previously selected. For example, when the text data of "Ai" is set in the text output area 2b, the braille area 112a in the braille line 114a composed of the non-display type dots 111d in the braille input area 5a corresponds to "Ai". Is input from the Braille input unit 5 as described in the first embodiment. Conversely, when a Braille equivalent to “tori” is set on the Braille line 114a in the braille output area 5b using the Braille input / output program 1, the answer “tori” from the text input unit 2 is input to the text input area 2a. ] In the text box. When the Braille itself is to be presented in the Braille output area 5b as in the former case, a voice (birds singing) which is a hint for the answer “Tori” is extracted from the learning database 62, and a voice such as a speaker is output from the question section 614. The image may be output via the output unit 64, or an image of a bird may be displayed in the image display area 4b of FIG. Further, in the introductory practice shown in FIG. 9, the same braille as that set in the braille output area 5b is practiced in the braille input area 5a. You may practice the conversion, and you may change the hint according to the level of the course.
[0093]
The determination unit 615 converts the text data input from the text input unit 2 or the result of the answer input from the braille input unit 5 into braille data for the question set in the question unit 614. This is a unit that receives from the input / output program 1 and compares it with the answer stored in the learning database 62 to make a right / wrong determination. In the previous question, if the text input "tori" is the correct answer, the word "tori" may be uttered by voice synthesis in the voice output unit 64, or the image display area 4b in FIG. The image of the bird may be displayed.
[0094]
The learning history management unit 616 is a unit that manages the result of the correctness determination of the answer in the determination unit 615, performs score calculation, and manages how far the user has learned. On a learning record screen as shown in FIG. 11, a learning date, time required for learning, pass / fail, and points are displayed. These records are stored in the learning database 62 as learning information, and when the Braille learning is performed next time, the question-course-course management unit 613 can determine which learning content of which course should be resumed. Also, conditions for proceeding to the next course or the next learning content are stored in the learning database 62. For example, if the score is 60 points or less, the program does not proceed to the next course or the next learning content. It is possible to devise whether or not to perform learning in the course or the learning content, and it is possible to increase the user's willingness to learn.
[0095]
The timing unit 617 is a unit that counts the time required from the setting of the question in the setting unit 614 to the reception of the answer. The time from the activation of the Braille learning program 61 to the end thereof may be measured and recorded in the learning database 62. The time limit for each question is stored in the learning database 62. If the user fails to answer even if the time limit is exceeded, the answer time is extended, the next question is taken, or the question is repeated. Or other measures can be taken. Thus, the user's concentration on learning can be increased.
[0096]
Each means and database in the present invention are only logically distinguished in their functions, and may have the same physical or practical area. Needless to say, a data file may be used instead of the database, and the description of the database includes the data file.
[0097]
In carrying out the present invention, a storage medium storing a software program for realizing the functions of the present embodiment is supplied to the system, and the computer of the system reads out and executes the program stored in the storage medium. Is done.
[0098]
In this case, the program itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.
[0099]
As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a magnetic disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. Further, the program of the present invention may be stored in a server and downloaded to a computer via a network such as the Internet.
[0100]
When the computer executes the readout program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system or the like running on the computer executes one of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program. The present invention also includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing the processing of all or a part.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, braille that can be distinguished between irregularities and non-display is displayed in an easy-to-read manner on a general-purpose computer monitor screen anywhere, and input editing is performed in units of points using familiar input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. I can do it.
[0102]
Since Braille is divided into six squares and the Braille is digitized, there is no need for a conventional database that stores a set of Braille graphic fonts in groups of six points. In this case, it is possible to perform braille concave display and braille arrangement from the right, which were not conventionally supported, and it is possible to learn both reading and input of braille at a time.
[0103]
The Braille input / output program of the present invention can change the setting of the size of the Braille dots, the number of Braille per line, and the like according to the application to be used, the preference of the user, and the application. In addition to being able to learn Braille efficiently and happily in a game-like manner by incorporating it into a program, it is also possible to incorporate it into other various applications and to freely input and output Braille on an Internet browser. For example, it can be incorporated into a homepage creation application to create a homepage with Braille, or incorporated into game software to play a competitive Braille game that competes for the speed of Braille input. If the Braille input / output program 1 is provided as a DLL file to the OS of the computer, it can be incorporated into all applications used in the computer and used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a program configuration of a Braille input / output program of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of Braille generated by a Braille input / output program of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display unit.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a Braille learning system according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a program configuration of a braille learning program of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen layout configuration of a braille learning program according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the screen layout of the braille learning program of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the screen layout configuration of the braille learning program of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a conventional braille display on a flat screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Braille input / output program
11: Braille line area configuration unit
11a: Braille line area
111: dot configuration section
111a: dot
111b: convex dot
111c: concave dot
111d: non-display type dot
111e: dot size
112: Braille area configuration unit
112a: Braille area
112b: Braille area vertical size
112c: Braille area horizontal size
112d: virtual cell
112e: cursor
113: Braille cell composition unit
113a: Braille cells
113b: Braille cell vertical margin
113c: Braille cell horizontal margin
114: Braille line composition unit
114a: Braille line
13: Command section
15: Braille database
2: Text input section
2a: Text input area
2b: Text output area
3: Application program
4: Display section
4a: Display screen
4b: Image display area
5: Braille input section
5a: Braille input area
5b: Braille output area
6: Braille learning system
61: Braille learning program
611: Screen layout generation unit
612: Braille input / output IF unit
613: Question Course Management Department
614: Questions section
615: Judgment unit
616: Learning history management unit
617: Clock section
62: Learning database
63: Command input section
64: audio output unit

Claims (26)

A braille input / output program executed on a computer to display or input braille on a computer monitor screen,
Generate 6 invisible virtual cells in 2 columns and 3 rows,
A braille input / output program, comprising: a braille area forming unit that generates one braille area by arranging a total of six graphics each corresponding to each point of braille in the virtual square. The Braille input / output program includes:
The Braille input / output program according to claim 1, further comprising a dot configuration unit that generates the graphic having a display or non-display attribute. The Braille input / output program includes:
3. The braille area is generated by using braille data obtained by digitizing a correspondence between position information of each of the virtual squares and a display / non-display attribute of a graphic arranged in each of the virtual squares. Braille input / output program described. The Braille input / output program includes:
4. The braille input / output program according to claim 3, wherein the braille data is represented by 6-bit binary data. The Braille input / output program includes:
Using a braille database that stores the braille data and text data corresponding to the braille data,
Receiving text data from an input device such as a keyboard, searching for braille data corresponding to the received text data, or converting the searched braille data to the braille area that can be displayed on a computer monitor screen, Or a command unit for reading a braille area displayed on a computer monitor screen, converting the read braille area into the braille data, and searching for text data corresponding to the converted braille data. The Braille input / output program according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The Braille input / output program includes:
The Braille input / output program according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the graphic or the Braille area having the display attribute is given a convex or concave attribute. The Braille input / output program includes:
The graphic having the convex attribute is represented by a three-dimensionally protruding disk-shaped graphic, and a part that becomes a shadow by irradiating light from above and a part that is not a shadow are color-coded,
The graphic having the concave attribute is represented by a disk-shaped graphic that is three-dimensionally depressed, and a part that becomes a shadow by irradiating light from above and a part that does not become a shadow are color-coded. Braille input / output program. The Braille input / output program includes:
Input devices such as input keys such as a numeric keypad and a keyboard, a pointer device such as a mouse, or an instruction portion of an application program in a computer,
Assigning a display / non-display attribute of the graphic and / or a designation command of a convex / concave attribute of the graphic or braille area;
8. The braille input / output program according to claim 6, wherein the command section receives the designation command and performs input editing or display in units of the figure or the braille area. The Braille input / output program includes:
In the instruction unit, a designation command of a convex / concave attribute of the read braille area or a convex / concave attribute of the braille area received from the input device or the instruction unit of the application program is stored in the braille database. If the attribute differs from the convex / concave attribute of the Braille data
The Braille input / output program according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the Braille data corresponding to the Braille area is converted in accordance with the attribute of the Braille data stored in the Braille database. . The Braille input / output program includes:
In order to prevent overlap when the plurality of braille areas are arranged adjacent to each other and to make it difficult to see the figure, the braille area includes a braille cell forming unit that generates a braille cell with a margin provided on the outer periphery of the braille area. The Braille input / output program according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The Braille input / output program includes:
The Braille cell or the Braille area, comprising a Braille line configuration unit that generates a Braille line arranged one or more in the horizontal direction so that adjacent Braille cells or Braille areas do not overlap,
In accordance with the convex / concave attribute of the braille area read in the command section or the convex / concave attribute of the braille area received from the input device or the command section of the application program, the terminal has the convex attribute. The Braille area is arranged or read in order from the left end of the Braille row, and the Braille area having the concave attribute is arranged or read in order from the right end of the Braille row. Braille input / output program. The Braille input / output program includes:
The Braille input / output device according to claim 11, further comprising: a Braille line area forming unit configured to generate a Braille line area in which one or more of the Braille lines are arranged vertically so that adjacent Braille lines do not overlap with each other. program. The Braille input / output program includes:
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the instruction unit receives an instruction for designating the convex / concave attribute of the graphic or the braille area in units of the braille line or the braille line area. Braille input / output program described in. The Braille input / output program includes:
The size of the figure defined by parameters such as diameter and vertical and horizontal dimensions,
The size of the braille area defined by parameters such as vertical and horizontal dimensions,
The size of the braille cell defined by parameters such as vertical and horizontal dimensions and dimensions of a margin from the outer periphery of the braille area,
The size of the braille line defined by parameters such as the number of the braille cells and the vertical and horizontal dimensions,
Or to set any one or more of the sizes of the braille line area defined by parameters such as the number of the braille lines and the vertical and horizontal dimensions,
Receiving any one of the parameters from the instruction unit of the input device or the application program in the instruction unit,
The size of at least one of the figure, the Braille area, the Braille cell, the Braille line, or the Braille line area is varied. Braille input / output program. A Braille learning system having a Braille learning program for learning Braille reading and / or input using a computer monitor screen,
The Braille learning program,
Performs a call instruction of the Braille input / output program, and inputs one or more of Braille to the Braille input / output program, displays Braille, converts read Braille into Braille data, or converts Braille data into text data. Learning system having a Braille input / output IF unit for performing the following. The Braille learning system,
The braille learning system according to claim 15, wherein the braille data or the text data is received from the braille input / output program according to the call command in the braille input / output IF unit. The Braille learning program,
A screen layout generator for generating one or more types of computer monitor screen layouts required for Braille learning;
The Braille learning screen in the generated screen layout has at least one of a Braille input area, a Braille output area, a text input area, and a text output area. The Braille learning system according to claim 16. The Braille learning program,
The Braille learning system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a question course management unit that manages at least one type of Braille learning course for each level and the learning content for each course. The Braille learning system,
19. The Braille learning system according to claim 18, wherein the learning content having a story development is stored in a learning database for each course managed by the question course management unit. The Braille learning program,
An examining unit that issues questions from the learning database that stores a question and an answer to the question based on the management of the course and the learning content in the question course managing unit;
A determination unit that receives text data or Braille data corresponding to an answer to the question set in the question unit from the Braille input / output program, and compares the data with the answer stored in the learning database to determine correctness. And
The Braille learning system according to claim 18, wherein the system comprises: The Braille learning system,
21. The Braille learning system according to claim 20, wherein the questions set in the question section and their answers are stored in the learning database in a one-by-one quiz format. The Braille learning program,
Having time-measuring means for measuring the time taken from the question in the question section to the reception of the answer,
If the timing result in the timing means exceeds the time limit for each question stored in the learning database, either the response acceptance time is extended, the next question is asked, or the question is repeated. 22. The Braille learning system according to claim 20, wherein the system is selected and executed. The Braille learning program,
Record the learning information such as the correctness / incorrectness determination result of the answer in the determination unit, the score calculated based on the correctness / incorrectness, the time required from the question to the reception of the answer, and the date and time when the Braille learning program was executed. The Braille learning system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising a learning history management unit that stores the learning history in the learning database. The Braille learning system,
The Braille learning system according to claim 23, wherein the user is caused to resume learning from a continuation of the previous learning based on the learning information stored in the learning database. The Braille learning system,
The conditions for proceeding to the next course and / or the next learning content are stored in the learning database,
25. The method according to claim 23, wherein if the condition is not satisfied based on the learning information stored in the learning database, the process does not proceed to the next course and / or the next learning content. The described Braille learning system. The Braille learning system,
Outputting the hint of the question in the question section by voice or image and / or
The Braille learning system according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein a correct answer of the answer in the determination unit is output by voice or image.

Images