JP2007066198A - Device, method, program for recognizing braille point and computer readable recording medium which records them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily recognize a Braille part while suppressing a load of a processor even from such a Braille point plane in which Braille points and characters are overlapped. <P>SOLUTION: This device for recognizing Braille points has a first irradiation part 102 which irradiates the Braille plane 10 on which the Braille points are formed with light, a second irradiation part 103 which irradiates the Braille plane 10 with light with wavelength different from that of the first irradiation part 102, an imaging part 104 which images the Braille point plane 10 irradiated with light by the first irradiation part 102 and the second irradiation part 103 and outputs a video signal of the Braille point plane 10 and a Braille recognition part 107 which recognizes the Braille points by recognizing irradiated areas only of the first irradiation part 102 and irradiation areas only by the second irradiation part 103 at least on the Braille point plane 10 from the video signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a Braille recognition device, a Braille recognition method, a Braille recognition program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the Braille recognition program is recorded, which recognizes Braille from a Braille surface including Braille characters.

  Braille is a very important character in connecting a healthy person and a visually impaired person. Here, as shown in FIG. 24, the Braille currently generally used is composed of a combination of six convex points of three vertical points and two horizontal points. This unit is called “mass”. The uppermost convex point in the left column in each square is 1 point, the middle convex point in the left column is 2, the lowermost convex point in the left column is 3, and the uppermost point in the right column is 4. The middle convex point of the right column is called the point 5, and the lowest convex point of the right column is called the point 6.

  Braille is written horizontally and the convex surface is read from left to right. Since Braille is expressed by a combination of six points, it can be expressed in 63 ways. However, the kana characters, alphabets, and numbers cannot be expressed with 63 different expressions. Therefore, when expressing alphabets and numbers, the alphabet and number systems are distinguished by adding a prefix.

  Such Braille is used everywhere in the city, such as a floor button in an elevator, a menu display in a restaurant, or a signboard.

  However, the grammar for writing in braille is difficult and difficult for a healthy person to understand. In view of this, an apparatus has been developed that can inspect whether or not what is written in braille is correctly represented.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image recognition device that detects the presence or absence of a protrusion using a shadow formed by illuminating a Braille protrusion with an illumination lamp (hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 1). In this apparatus, light is applied to the Braille from an oblique direction, and after the shade of the Braille is captured by a camera installed above, the Braille portion is detected by image processing.

On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for reading an embossed character of an embossed card (hereinafter referred to as Prior Art 2). In the prior art 2, the embossed card is irradiated with light from two directions, two images are taken, and the two images are differentiated to capture only the shadow of the embossed character. When this method is applied to Braille, it is possible to extract Braille by capturing only the shadow caused by the Braille protrusions.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-122033 (published on May 17, 1996) JP 63-129486 A (published June 1, 1988)

  However, in the prior art 1, since the braille portion is detected by irradiating light from one direction and receiving the reflected light and performing image processing to detect the braille portion, the characters are written in black together with the braille. If this is the case, it is not possible to distinguish the character from the shading caused by Braille convex characters. As a result, the portion of the character written in black is determined to be a shadow generated by the convex character of Braille, and the Braille cannot be detected correctly.

  On the other hand, the application of the prior art 2 to Braille is preferable to the prior art 1 in that the characters described in the portion without the unevenness of the Braille can be removed by subtracting the two images.

  However, in the prior art 2, when a black character is written so as to overlap the uneven portion of the Braille, the Braille and the Braille shadow overlap, so that the character or the Braille shadow It is difficult to distinguish. In particular, if the thickness of the character written in black is larger than the diameter of Braille, the shadow of Braille generated by the irradiated light will be completely hidden by the character written in black, and the shadow of the character and Braille will be hidden. Cannot be distinguished.

  Furthermore, in the prior art 2, since two images taken by irradiating light from different directions are required, the load on the processing apparatus increases.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a Braille recognition device, a Braille recognition method, a Braille recognition program, and a Braille recognition program capable of easily recognizing Braille while suppressing the load on the processing device even when the Braille and characters overlap. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which this is recorded.

  The braille recognition device of the present invention includes a first irradiation unit that irradiates light on a braille surface on which braille is formed, and a second irradiation that irradiates light on the braille surface with light having a wavelength different from that of the first irradiation unit. Means, imaging means for imaging the Braille surface irradiated by the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means, and outputting a video signal of the Braille surface, and an irradiation region by at least the first irradiation means on the Braille surface from the video signal And Braille recognition means for recognizing Braille by recognizing an irradiation area only by the second irradiation means.

  In the Braille recognition method of the present invention, the first irradiation step of irradiating light on the Braille surface on which the Braille is formed, and the second irradiation of irradiating the Braille surface with light having a wavelength different from that of the first irradiation step. An imaging step of imaging a Braille surface irradiated by the first irradiation step and the second irradiation step and outputting a video signal of the Braille surface; and an irradiation region by only the first irradiation step on the Braille surface from the video signal And a Braille recognition step for recognizing Braille by recognizing an irradiation region only by the second irradiation step.

  According to said structure, a 1st irradiation means (1st irradiation step) and a 2nd irradiation means (2nd irradiation step) irradiate the light of a different wavelength with respect to a braille surface, and an imaging means (imaging step) is 2 The braille surface illuminated with two lights is photographed, and the braille recognition means (braille recognition step) recognizes the braille portion from the video signal photographed by the imaging means (imaging step).

  As a result, the Braille recognition unit can easily recognize the Braille part while suppressing the load on the processing device, for example, by performing image processing on the video signal obtained from the imaging unit. For example, when different types of light are irradiated on the braille surface from two directions, the light from one direction is blocked by the unevenness of the braille surface, and the part illuminated only by the light from the other side Exists. Therefore, for example, a well-known image processing is performed on the video signal obtained from the imaging means (camera), and a portion illuminated only with one light is extracted, so that the portion is recognized as a braille character. be able to.

  In the above braille recognition device, preferably, the braille recognition means recognizes the irradiation area only by the first irradiation means and the irradiation area only by the second irradiation means on the braille surface from the video signal. Braille is recognized by recognizing the overlapped irradiation region by both of the second irradiation means.

  Thus, the Braille recognition means recognizes Braille from only the irradiation area only by the first irradiation means or the irradiation area only by the second irradiation means, and the overlapping irradiation areas by both the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means. In addition, the accuracy of recognizing braille can be improved.

  In the above Braille recognition device, preferably, the first irradiating means and the second irradiating means irradiate light of different colors with respect to the Braille surface, and the Braille recognition means is the first irradiating means on the Braille surface. And each irradiation area by a 2nd irradiation means is recognized by the difference in the color of these irradiation areas.

  Thereby, since the 1st irradiation means and the 2nd irradiation means irradiate the light of a mutually different color with respect to a Braille surface, the Braille recognition means can recognize Braille from the difference in a color. Note that the Braille recognition means includes, for example, a color CCD sensor that can detect a color difference.

  In the above Braille recognition device, preferably, the Braille recognition means has a region on the first irradiation means side having the color of the irradiation light from the first irradiation means on the Braille surface and a color of the irradiation light from the second irradiation means. A region surrounded by the region on the second irradiation means side is recognized as a Braille presence position.

  Thereby, since the Braille recognition means irradiates the Braille surface with light of different colors from the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means, the color of the irradiation light from the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means A region surrounded by the color of the irradiated light can be recognized as Braille.

  In the above Braille recognition device, preferably, the Braille recognition means recognizes Braille based on a difference in density of each irradiation area between the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means on the Braille surface.

  As a result, even for a black and white sensor, for example, a black and white sensor that cannot recognize a color as a Braille recognition unit, Braille is recognized due to a difference in density of each irradiation region between the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit. Can be recognized.

  The above Braille recognition device preferably includes Braille translation means for translating Braille recognized by the Braille recognition means.

  According to said structure, a Braille translation means translates the Braille recognized by the Braille recognition means.

  Thereby, since the Braille translation means can translate Braille, even the person who does not know the grammar of Braille can grasp the content of the Braille. As a result, when this braille recognition device is used, for example, a braille guide board manufacturer in the city can easily check whether the content of the braille shown on the braille guide board existing in the city is correct.

  In the above braille recognition device, preferably, the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit irradiate the braille surface with parallel light.

  If the light illuminating the braille surface is not parallel light, the light will diffuse even if it illuminates the braille surface, making it difficult to process the video signal captured by the camera and extracting the braille. It becomes difficult. Therefore, by making the light irradiated from the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means parallel light, it is possible to irradiate light having direction to the Braille surface, and Braille from the video signal photographed by the camera. Extraction becomes easier. For example, a collimating lens is used as a method for making the light irradiated from the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit into parallel light. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and any mechanism that can irradiate parallel light may be used.

  In the above Braille recognition device, preferably, the light emitted from the light source in the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means is in a complementary color relationship.

  This utilizes the fact that when two lights having a complementary color relationship are mixed, the mixed light becomes white. As a result, the braille portion is extracted from the video signal captured by the camera except for the portion that shines in white, so that image processing performed on the captured signal can be easily performed.

  In the above braille recognition device, preferably, the braille recognition means is the same as the second irradiation means, and the area where the braille portion on the same direction side as the first irradiation means is illuminated only by the light emitted by the first irradiation means. A region surrounded by a region where the braille portion on the direction side is illuminated only by the light irradiated by the second irradiating means is recognized as the location where the Braille exists on the convex portion.

  In the above braille recognition device, more preferably, the braille recognition means includes a region in which the braille portion on the same direction side as the first irradiation means is illuminated only by the light irradiated by the second irradiation means, and the second irradiation means. A region surrounded by a braille portion on the same direction side and a region illuminated only by the light emitted by the first irradiating means is recognized as the presence position of the braille in the recess.

  According to the above configuration, the Braille recognizing means is a Braille formed by a convex portion (hereinafter referred to as a convex character) based on the relationship between how the light of the Braille portion is illuminated and the positions of the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means. Or a Braille character (hereinafter referred to as a concave character) due to a concave portion.

  In the above braille recognition device, preferably, braille translation means for translating braille recognized by the braille recognition means, and when the braille recognition means determines that the braille is a recess, the braille translation means The Braille recognized by the Braille recognition means is translated horizontally.

  Usually, braille is composed of convex parts and is usually read from left to right. However, like double-sided Braille, brailles composed of concave parts are brailles composed of ordinary convex parts when viewed from the opposite side, so in order to translate brailles composed of concave parts, they are reversed left and right. There is a need.

  As a result, when it is determined by the braille recognition means that the braille is constituted by a concave portion, the braille data can be converted into braille data constituted by a normal convex portion by inverting the left and right of the braille. The means can accurately translate Braille.

  The braille recognition device of the present invention includes a first irradiation unit that irradiates light on a braille surface on which braille is formed, and a second irradiation that irradiates light on the braille surface with light having a wavelength different from that of the first irradiation unit. Means, imaging means for imaging the Braille surface irradiated by the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means, and outputting a video signal of the Braille surface, and an irradiation region by at least the first irradiation means on the Braille surface from the video signal And a Braille recognition means for recognizing Braille by recognizing an irradiation area only by the second irradiation means.

  Thereby, the Braille surface illuminated by the light emitted from the first irradiation means and the light emitted from the second irradiation means is photographed with a camera, and image processing is performed on the photographed video signal, The braille part can be extracted.

  Furthermore, from the difference in how light is illuminated between the braille formed by the convex portion and the braille formed by the concave portion, it is possible to determine the braille formed by the convex portion and the braille formed by the concave portion, Even when the convex portion and the concave portion are confused with each other, the braille portion can be extracted.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used for the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(Functional configuration of braille recognition device)
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a functional configuration of a braille recognition device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the braille recognition device 100 includes an instruction input unit 101, a first irradiation unit 102, a second irradiation unit 103, and an imaging unit 104. Further, the braille recognition device 100 includes a video signal reading unit 105, a video signal processing unit 106, a braille recognition unit 107, a braille code storage unit 108, a braille translation unit 109, and an output processing unit 110.

  The Braille surface 10 is a surface having irregularities due to Braille. A person who can read Braille can read Braille on the Braille surface 10 by touch. The Braille surface 10 may be a freely movable surface such as a Braille book, or may be a fixed surface such as one installed on an elevator floor display button or a stair railing. It doesn't matter. That is, the Braille surface 10 refers to various surfaces expressed by Braille.

  The instruction input unit 101 is an interface for inputting information, for example, and is used for inputting an instruction to be given to the braille recognition device 100 from the user. The instruction input from the user via the instruction input unit 101 is, for example, a light irradiation instruction to the first irradiation unit 102 and the second irradiation unit 103 or a shooting instruction of the braille surface 10 to the imaging unit 104. Etc. are included.

  The first irradiation unit 102 is a light source that illuminates the Braille surface 10, for example, and irradiates the Braille surface 10 with light based on an instruction input via the instruction input unit 101. The first irradiation unit 102 may have a function of adjusting the type of light irradiated to the Braille surface 10. For example, the color of the irradiated light is adjusted to red or blue.

  The second irradiation unit 103 is, for example, a light source that illuminates the Braille surface 10, and irradiates the Braille surface 10 with light based on an instruction input via the instruction input unit 101. The second irradiation unit 103 may have a function of adjusting the type of light irradiated to the Braille surface 10. For example, the color of the irradiated light is adjusted to red or blue.

  For example, if a wavelength tunable laser light source is used as the first irradiation unit 102 and the second irradiation unit 103, the color of the light irradiated on the Braille surface 10 can be adjusted by changing the wavelength of the output laser. it can.

  Here, the types of light emitted by the first irradiation unit 102 and the second irradiation unit 103 are different from each other. That is, the wavelengths of light emitted by the first irradiation unit 102 and the second irradiation unit 103 are different from each other. Moreover, the 1st irradiation part 102 and the 2nd irradiation part 103 irradiate light from a mutually different direction with respect to the braille surface 10, and both from diagonally upward direction.

  The imaging unit 104 is, for example, a camera that captures the Braille surface 10 and captures the Braille surface 10 based on an instruction input via the instruction input unit 101. Note that the image signal 11 is obtained by the imaging unit 104 photographing the Braille surface 10.

  The imaging unit 104 captures the Braille surface 10 illuminated by the first irradiation unit 102 and the second irradiation unit 103. Therefore, the video signal 11 indicates an image when Braille is irradiated on the first irradiation unit 102 and the second irradiation unit 103. In this image, the surface on the same side as the first irradiation unit 102 with respect to the Braille convex characters is illuminated only by the light emitted from the first irradiation unit 102, and the second irradiation unit against the Braille convex characters. The surface on the same side as 103 is illuminated only with the light emitted from the second irradiation unit 103. On the contrary, when there is a concave character on the Braille surface 10, the surface on the same side as the first irradiation unit 102 with respect to the Braille concave character is illuminated only by the light irradiated from the second irradiation unit 103, The surface on the same side as the second irradiation unit 103 with respect to the Braille concave characters is illuminated only by the light emitted from the first irradiation unit 102. In addition, a portion where both the light emitted from the first irradiation unit 102 and the light emitted from the second irradiation unit 103 overlap is illuminated by the light in which both lights are mixed.

  The video signal reading unit 105 reads the video signal 11 captured by the imaging unit 104. The video signal processing unit 106 performs image processing on the video signal 11 read by the video signal reading unit 105. This image processing includes filter processing and binarization processing. Details of the video signal processing unit 106 will be described later.

  The Braille recognition unit 107 recognizes Braille based on the processed image subjected to image processing by the video signal processing unit 106.

  The braille code storage unit 108 stores braille codes such as a 50-sound table in braille.

  The Braille translation unit 109 translates the Braille recognized by the Braille recognition unit 107 by using the Braille code stored in the Braille code storage unit 108.

  The output processing unit 110 outputs the braille recognized by the braille recognition unit 107 to the external device 13. For example, when the external device 13 includes a display device, the output processing unit 110 displays the recognized braille on the display device. Alternatively, the output processing unit 110 displays the braille translated by the braille translation unit 109.

  FIG. 2 shows a state of the braille recognition device 100 when the first light source, the second light source, and the camera are used. In FIG. 2, the first light source illuminates the Braille surface 10 from the upper right side (one direction) with respect to the Braille surface 10, and the second light source (from the opposite direction to the one direction) obliquely upward from the left side. The Braille surface 10 is illuminated by two light sources, and the Braille surface 10 is photographed by the camera from directly above the Braille surface 10.

  FIG. 3 shows a video (image) when the Braille surface 10 is photographed by the camera shown in FIG. The first area 151 on the right side of the Braille surface is illuminated with light from the first light source, and the second area 152 on the left side of the Braille surface is illuminated with light from the second light source. The third region 153 other than the first region 151 and the second region 152 is illuminated with light obtained by mixing light from the first light source and light from the second light source.

(Functional configuration of video signal processing unit 106)
FIG. 25 shows a block diagram of a functional configuration of the video signal processing unit 106. The video signal processing unit 106 includes a filter processing unit 120 and a binarization processing unit 121.

  The filter processing unit 120 performs filter processing on the input video signal 11. The filter processing unit 120 performs filter processing using, for example, a 3 × 3 pixel filter 400 as shown in FIG. This filtering process is for subtracting the density value of the pixel adjacent to the target pixel before the filter process from the density value of the target pixel after the process.

  The binarization processing unit 121 performs binarization processing on the processed image processed by the filter processing unit 120. Here, the binarization process is a process in which pixels having a density value equal to or higher than a certain brightness are set to white and other pixels are set to black.

(Configuration of a computer system for realizing the Braille recognition device 100)
Braille recognition apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is substantially realized by computer hardware, a program executed by the computer hardware, and data stored in the computer hardware. FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the computer system 200.

  Referring to FIG. 4, this computer system 200 includes a computer 220 having an optical disk drive 201 and a magnetic disk drive 202, a monitor 203, and a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) 204.

  In addition to the optical disk drive 201 and the magnetic disk drive 202, the computer 220 includes a remote control interface (I / F) 205 that receives a signal from the remote control 204, a CPU (central processing unit) 206, a remote control interface 205, a CPU 206, and an optical disk. A bus 207 connected to the drive 201 and the magnetic disk drive 202, a read-only memory (ROM) 208 connected to the bus 207 and storing a boot-up program and the like, and also connected to the bus 207, program instructions, system programs, And a random access memory (RAM) 209 for storing work data and the like.

  Although not shown here, the computer 220 may further include a network adapter board that provides a connection to a local area network (LAN).

  A program for causing the computer system 200 to realize the functions of the braille recognition device 100 and the video signal 11 (see FIG. 1) are both stored in the optical disk 210 or the magnetic disk 211 inserted in the optical disk drive 201 or the magnetic disk drive 202. And further transferred to the hard disk 212. Alternatively, the program and the video signal 11 (see FIG. 1) may be transmitted to the computer 220 through a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 212. The program is loaded into the RAM 209 when executed. The program may be loaded directly into the RAM 209 from the optical disk 210, from the magnetic disk 211, or via a network.

  This program includes a plurality of instructions for causing the computer 220 to realize the functions of the braille recognition device 100 according to the present embodiment. Some of the basic functions necessary to realize these functions are provided by an operating system (OS) or a third-party program running on the computer 220 or various toolkit modules installed on the computer 220. Therefore, this program does not necessarily include all the functions necessary for realizing the functions of the braille recognition device 100 according to this embodiment. This program may include only the instructions for executing the control of the braille recognition device 100 described above by calling an appropriate function or “tool” in a controlled manner so as to obtain a desired result. That's fine. The operation of computer system 200 is well known and will not be repeated here.

  Note that a program for realizing the functions of the braille recognition device 100 and a recording medium on which the video signal 11 (see FIG. 1) is recorded are a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto-Optical disc). , MD (Mini Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and other optical disks 210, FD (flexible disk), and magnetic disks 211, such as hard disks. Tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, card-type recording media such as IC (Integrated Circuit) cards and optical cards, and semiconductors such as mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and flash ROM It can be either memory. However, the computer system 200 needs to be equipped with a reading device for reading from these recording media.

(Outline of main operations)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of main operations of the braille recognition device 100. Referring to FIG. 5, when the power of braille recognition device 100 is turned on, program 300 is activated and the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S301, the instruction input unit 101 waits for an instruction for Braille face shooting from the user, and when an instruction from the user is input, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the 1st irradiation part 102 irradiates light with respect to a braille surface from the light source 1, and progresses to step S303.

  In step S303, the 2nd irradiation part 103 irradiates light with respect to a braille surface from the light source 2, and progresses to step S304. Note that the type of light emitted by the first irradiation unit 102 in step S302 and the type of light emitted by the second irradiation unit 103 in step S303 are different from each other.

  In step S304, the imaging unit 104, for example, the camera, captures the Braille surface illuminated by the light emitted from the light source 1 and the light source 2, and proceeds to step S305. Note that the timing at which the imaging unit 104 captures the Braille surface may be when the user gives an instruction to capture, or the Braille recognition device 100 automatically captures the image. It doesn't matter.

  In step S305, the video signal processing unit 106 performs image processing on the video signal 11 output from the camera in step S304, and proceeds to step S306. Details of the image processing will be described later.

  In step S306, the braille recognition unit 107 extracts a braille portion based on the processed image subjected to the image processing in step S305, and proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the braille recognition device 100 determines whether to translate the braille extracted in step S306. If the Braille translation is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S309. If the Braille translation is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S308. This determination may be performed by the user himself or the braille recognition apparatus 100 may perform determination based on information set in advance.

  In step S308, the output processing unit 110 outputs the braille extracted in step S306 to the external device 13, and ends the process. For example, when the external device 13 includes a display device, the braille extracted in step S306 is displayed on the display device.

  In step S309, the braille translation unit 109 translates the braille extracted in step S306, and the process proceeds to step S310. When the Braille translation unit 109 translates Braille, translation is performed using the Braille code stored in the Braille code storage unit 108.

  In step S310, the output processing unit 110 outputs the braille text translated in step S309 to the external device 13 and ends the process. For example, when the external device 13 includes a display device, the braille text translated in step S309 is displayed on the display device.

(Image processing)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the image processing executed in step S305 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, when image processing 350 is started, in step S351, video signal processing unit 106 performs filter processing on the video signal read by video signal reading unit 105, and the process proceeds to step S352. . In step S352, the video signal processing unit 106 performs binarization processing on the filtered image, and the image processing ends. Hereinafter, the filtering process and the binarization process will be described.

  For example, it is assumed that the video signal reading unit 105 reads a video signal as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7A, for the sake of convenience, the video indicated by the video signal is described instead of the video signal itself. As shown in FIG. 2, the braille surface is illuminated by the light source 1 from the right side and further by the light source 2 from the left side. Accordingly, in the video signal (video) in FIG. 7A, the area 1 on the right side of the Braille convex character is illuminated by the light from the light source 1, and the area 2 on the left side of the Braille convex character is from the light source 2. The region 3 at the apex portion and the region 4 at the background portion of the Braille convex characters are illuminated by light in which light from the light source 1 and light from the light source 2 are mixed. Further, the region 5 where the light from the light source 2 is blocked by the Braille convex characters is illuminated by the light from the light source 1, and the region 6 where the light from the light source 1 is blocked by the Braille convex characters is from the light source 2. Illuminated by the light of It is assumed that the size of the Braille convex characters is about 3 × 3 pixels.

  In step S351, the video signal shown in FIG. 7A is filtered using, for example, a 3 × 3 pixel filter 400 as shown in FIG. 7D. Specifically, the density value of the target pixel after processing is obtained by subtracting the density value of the pixel adjacent to the target pixel before processing. When the filter processing is performed on all the pixels, the result is as shown in FIG. Note that the low-density region in FIG. 7B is a region corresponding to the region 3 in FIG.

  Then, binarization processing is performed on FIG. Here, the lighter than the density value of the light in which the light from the light source 1 and the light from the light source 2 are mixed is whitened. FIG. 7C shows the state of the processed image that has been binarized.

  By performing such image processing, it is possible to recognize a portion extracted in white as a braille portion.

  Hereinafter, examples 1 and 2 will be exemplified as specific operations of the braille recognition device 100.

Example 1
In Example 1 described below, the operation of the braille recognition device 100 that reads a braille portion by photographing a braille surface having a braille convex character is illustrated.

  FIG. 8A shows a state of the braille recognition device 100 that photographs the braille surface 421. The braille recognition device 100 shown in FIG. 8A irradiates the braille surface 421 with red light from the diagonally upper right direction with the light source 1, and further irradiates the braille surface 421 with the light source 2 from the diagonally upper left direction. The braille surface 421 is illuminated by irradiating green light, and the camera 104 shoots the braille surface 421 from directly above the braille surface 421.

  FIG. 8B is a plan view of the Braille surface 421. In FIG. 8B, points that are convex characters of Braille are represented by black circles, and points that do not protrude are represented by white circles.

  Here, a case where the braille written on the braille surface shown in FIG. 8B is read by the braille recognition device 100 shown in FIG. 8A will be described according to the flowchart 300 shown in FIG. 5 and the flowchart 350 shown in FIG. To do.

  In step S301 to step S303, light is emitted from the light source 1 and the light source 2 to the braille surface 421 that the user wants to photograph. In this case, the first irradiation unit 102 emits red light from the light source 1, and the second irradiation unit 103 emits green light from the light source 2. Here, red light is light having a wavelength of 700 nm, and green light is light having a wavelength of 546.1 nm.

  In step S304, the camera shoots the Braille surface 421 illuminated by the red light from the light source 1 and the green light from the light source 2. FIG. 9 shows a video signal of the Braille surface 421 taken by the camera. In FIG. 9, the right side portion of the Braille convex characters shines in red because only the red light emitted from the light source 1 is applied. Further, the left side portion of the Braille convex character shines in green because only the green light emitted from the light source 2 is applied. Furthermore, the upper part and the background part of the convex characters in Braille are shining yellow with a mixture of red and green. Further, in the background portion, where the green light emitted from the light source 2 is blocked by the Braille convex characters, only the red color emitted from the light source 1 is shining, so it shines in red and the Braille convex characters The portion where the red light emitted from the light source 1 is blocked is only shining on the green light emitted from the light source 2 and thus shines in green.

  At this time, in step S351 shown in FIG. 6, the video signal processing unit 106 performs filter processing on the video signal shown in FIG. Here, the filter processing performed by the video signal processing unit 106 is not necessarily limited. For example, the filter processing may be performed using a 3 × 3 filter 400 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10 shows the state of the filtered processed image. In FIG. 10, the values other than the upper part of the Braille convex characters are values close to black (the density value is close to 0).

  In step S352, the video signal processing unit 106 performs binarization processing such as that described in FIGS. 7B and 7C on the processed image shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a state of a processed image that has been binarized. In FIG. 11, the portion of the vertex of the Braille convex character is white (density value is 255), and the other portion is black (density value is 0).

  In step S306, the braille recognition unit 107 extracts a white portion (density value 0) from the processed image shown in FIG. 11 in order to extract the braille portion.

  In step S307, if the braille recognition device 100 determines not to translate the braille, in step S308, the output processing unit 110 outputs the braille extracted in step S306 to the external device. Here, when the external device includes a display device, the output processing unit 110 outputs the extracted braille to the display device. A state output to the display device 440 is shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S307 that the braille recognition device 100 translates Braille, in step S309, the braille translation unit 109 uses the braille code stored in the braille code storage unit 108 to perform step S306. Translate the braille extracted in. In step S310, the output processing unit 110 outputs the braille translated in step S309 to an external device. Here, when the external device includes a display device, the output processing unit 110 outputs the translated Braille text on the display device. FIG. 12B shows a state output to the display device 441. As shown in FIG. 12C, the output processing unit 110 may output both the braille extracted in step S306 and the sentence translated in step S309 to the display device 442.

  Thereby, braille can be read from the video signal image | photographed by having different types of light applied to the braille surface from two directions. Also, as shown in FIG. 12A, by displaying the recognized braille on the display device, the user compares the braille displayed on the display device with the actual braille surface so that the braille recognition device 100 correctly operates. It can be confirmed whether or not Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C, the user recognizes the content of the braille indicated by the convex points on the braille surface by displaying the translated text of the recognized braille on the display device. can do. Furthermore, by reading and translating Braille indicated by convex points on the Braille surface, for example, a Braille guide board manufacturer in the city can easily check whether the Braille content shown on the Braille guide board in the city is correct or not Can be inspected.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a case where a Braille portion is extracted from a Braille surface 460 where characters and Braille overlap each other, such that convex Braille characters exist on the character, will be described.

  Here, using the braille recognition device 100 shown in FIG. 8A, the light source 1 emits red light from the diagonally upper right direction to the braille surface 460, and further obliquely leftward with respect to the braille surface 460. The braille surface 460 is illuminated by irradiating green light from the light source 2 from above, and the braille surface 460 is photographed by the camera 104 from directly above the braille surface 460.

  At this time, the video signal of the Braille surface 460 taken by the camera 104 in step S304 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, in the right side of the Braille convex character and the background portion, the portion where the green light emitted from the light source 2 is blocked by the Braille convex character is shining in red, and the Braille convex character In the left part and the background part, the part where the red light emitted from the light source 1 is blocked by the Braille convex characters is shining in green, and the other parts are shining in yellow mixed with red and green. Yes. However, due to the influence of the color of the original character, the portion where the character is written shines in a darker color than where there is no character.

  Here, when image processing is performed on the video signal 461 shown in FIG. 14, the video signal processing unit 106 examines the RGB value of each pixel of the video signal 461 and determines red (R = 255, G = 0, B = 0) and green (R = 0, G = 255, B = 0) pixels are extracted. That is, a pixel whose pixel RGB value is “R = 255, G = 0, B = 0” is red, and a pixel whose pixel RGB value is “R = 0, G = 255, B = 0” is green. And image processing is performed so that the other RGB pixels are white. As a result, it is possible to remove a portion shining in yellow and a portion shining in a color darker than yellow due to the influence of the color of characters.

  The result of performing the above processing is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, processing is performed so that the right side of the Braille convex character is red, the left side of the Braille convex character is green, and the others are white. Further, FIG. 16 shows the result when binarization processing is performed on the processed image 462 shown in FIG.

  The braille recognition unit 107 can extract and recognize a braille portion from the processed image 463 shown in FIG.

  As a result, even when the characters and Braille overlap, such as when there are convex Braille characters on the characters, the Braille portions can be extracted and recognized.

  FIG. 13 illustrates the case where a Braille convex character is present on the character. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the Braille surface 480 where the character is present on the Braille convex character is illustrated in FIG. 17. The case where a part is extracted is demonstrated.

  Similarly to the above-described method, the light source 1 emits red light from the diagonally upper right direction to the Braille surface 480, and further irradiates green light from the light source 2 from the diagonally upper left direction to the Braille surface 480. By doing so, the Braille surface 480 is illuminated, and the Braille surface 480 is photographed by the camera 104 from directly above the Braille surface 480.

  The video signal processing unit 106 examines the RGB value of each pixel in the video signal of the Braille surface 480 taken by the camera 104, and red (R = 255, G = 0, B = 0) and green (R = 0, G = 255, B = 0) is extracted. Then, the video signal processing unit 106 performs binarization processing. FIG. 18 shows a processed image that has been binarized.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the binarized processed image 481, there is a place where a part of the right side or left side of the Braille convex character is a white pixel. This is a character that is superimposed on a convex character in Braille and converted to white when binarized by the influence of the character color. At this time, if the video signal processing unit 106 performs a black pixel expansion process on the processed image 481, the pixel extracted in white can be erased as in the processed image 463 illustrated in FIG. 16. Here, the expansion processing performed by the video signal processing unit 106 is, for example, when a black pixel is present in 8 pixels in the vicinity of the target pixel, the target pixel is made black.

  Thereby, even when a character and Braille overlap, such as a character on a Braille convex character, the Braille portion can be extracted and recognized.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19A, a Braille convex character exists on the character, and the character is thicker than the Braille diameter, so the character includes the Braille convex character. The case where a Braille part is extracted from such a Braille surface 500 is demonstrated.

  In the same manner as described above, the light source 1 emits red light from the diagonally upper right direction to the Braille surface 500, and further irradiates green light from the light source 2 from the diagonally upper left direction to the Braille surface 500. As a result, the Braille surface 500 is illuminated, and the Braille surface 500 is photographed by the camera 104 from directly above the Braille surface 500.

  FIG. 19B shows a part of the video signal of the braille surface 500 captured by the camera 104. As shown in FIG. 19 (b), even if the character under the Braille includes a Braille convex character, the Braille character in the right side of the Braille convex character and the background portion. The portion where the green light emitted from the light source 2 is blocked by the convex character is illuminated in red, and the left side of the Braille convex character and the Braille convex character in the background portion are irradiated from the light source 1. The place where the red light is blocked is glowing in green, and the other places are glowing in yellow, which is a mixture of red and green. However, due to the influence of the color of the character, the portion where the character is written shines in a darker color than where there is no character.

  In the same manner as described above, the video signal processing unit 106 checks the RGB value of each pixel of the video signal on the Braille surface 501 captured by the camera 104, and red (R = 255, G = 0, B = 0). ) And green (R = 0, G = 255, B = 0) only. A state of the processed image is shown in FIG. Then, the video signal processing unit 106 can perform a binarization process on the processed image 502 shown in FIG. 19C to obtain a processed image 463 as shown in FIG.

  The Braille recognition unit 107 can extract and recognize a Braille part using the binarized processed image.

  As a result, even if there are convex Braille characters on the character and the characters are thicker than the Braille diameter, the Braille convex characters are included in the characters. A part can be extracted and recognized.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), a character exists on a Braille convex character, and since the character is thicker than the diameter of the Braille character, the character includes the Braille convex character. The case where a Braille part is extracted from such a Braille surface 520 is demonstrated.

  Similarly to the above-described method, the light source 1 emits red light from the diagonally upper right direction to the Braille surface 520, and further irradiates green light from the light source 2 from the diagonally upper left direction to the Braille surface 520. As a result, the Braille surface 520 is illuminated, and the Braille surface 520 is photographed by the camera 104 from directly above the Braille surface 520.

  FIG. 20B shows a part of the video signal of the Braille surface 520 taken by the camera. As shown in FIG. 20 (b), the right side of the Braille convex character and the portion of the background portion where the green light emitted from the light source 2 is blocked by the Braille convex character shines in dark red. In the left part of the Braille convex character and the background part, the portion where the red light emitted from the light source 1 is blocked by the Braille convex character shines in dark green, and the rest is dark yellow. It ’s glowing. This is because of the influence of the color of the character on the braille.

  Similarly to the above-described method, the video signal processing unit 106 examines the RGB value of each pixel of the video signal on the Braille surface 521 photographed by the camera 104, and shows the state of the processed image shown in FIG. Shown in Further, the video signal processing unit 106 can perform a binarization process on the processed image 522 shown in FIG. 20C to obtain a processed image 463 as shown in FIG.

  The Braille recognition unit 107 can extract and recognize a Braille part using the binarized processed image.

  As a result, even if there are convex Braille characters on the character and the characters are thicker than the Braille diameter, the Braille convex characters are included in the characters. A part can be extracted and recognized.

  In the first embodiment, the case where red light is emitted from the light source 1 and green light is emitted from the light source 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the light source 1 may emit green light and the light source 2 may emit blue light. In this case, the braille surface illuminated by both the green light from the light source 1 and the blue light from the light source 2 shines in cyan. That is, the light emitted from the light source 1 and the light emitted from the light source 2 may be different from each other.

  Further, the color of light emitted from the light source 1 and the color of light emitted from the light source 2 may be complementary to each other. Here, the complementary color is a color at a position opposite to each other in the hue circle. For example, red and cyan are complementary to each other, and blue and yellow are complementary to each other. When light of two colors that are complementary to each other is superimposed, white light is obtained.

  Therefore, for example, when the light source 1 emits blue light and the light source 2 emits yellow light that is in a complementary color relationship of blue, the Braille convex character in the light source 1 side and the Braille in the background portion Where the yellow light emitted from the light source 2 is blocked by the convex character, the light is shining in blue, and the light source 1 is irradiated from the light source 2 side of the Braille convex character and the Braille convex character in the background portion. The place where the blue light is blocked is glowing yellow, and the rest is glowing white. As a result, in the video signal obtained by photographing this state with a camera provided directly above the Braille surface, the vertex of the background portion and the convex character of the Braille character is white. For example, the processing image 462 shown in FIG. Such a video signal can be obtained. That is, it is possible to omit the image processing performed for converting the video signal 461 shown in FIG. 14 into the processed image 462 shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the Braille portion can be extracted by irradiating different types of light on the Braille surface and applying image processing to the video signal captured by the camera from directly above the Braille surface. it can. This is not limited to a braille surface in which only convex characters in Braille exist, and a Braille portion can be extracted even on a Braille surface in which characters are described so as to overlap with Braille. In addition, even if a character is written above the braille or a character is written below the braille, the character is thicker than the diameter of the braille and the braille convex character is included in the character. Even if it exists, a Braille part can be extracted.

  Furthermore, when it has the function to translate the extracted braille, the user can grasp | ascertain the content of the extracted braille by translating the said braille and displaying it on a display apparatus, for example. By using this, by reading and translating Braille indicated by convex characters on the Braille surface, for example, if the Braille guide board manufacturer in the town is correct the contents of the Braille indicated on the Braille guide board existing in the town It is possible to easily check whether or not.

(Example 2)
In the second embodiment described below, the operation of the braille recognition device 100 that reads a braille portion by photographing a braille surface having convex characters and concave characters, such as a braille manuscript with braille on both sides, is exemplified.

  FIG. 21A shows a state of the Braille recognition device 100 that photographs the Braille surface 541. The braille recognition device 100 shown in FIG. 21A irradiates the braille surface 541 with red light from the diagonally upper right direction with the light source 1 and further applies the light source 2 to the braille surface 541 from the diagonally upper left direction. The braille surface 541 is illuminated by irradiating green light, and the camera 104 photographs the braille surface 541 from directly above the braille surface 541.

  FIG. 21B is a plan view of the Braille surface 541. In FIG. 21B, points that are Braille convex characters are represented by black circles, points that are Braille concave characters are represented by double circles, and points that do not protrude are represented by white circles. Note that the Braille indented characters can exist when Braille characters are struck on both the front and back surfaces of the Braille document.

  Here, using the braille recognition device 100 shown in FIG. 21A, the light source 1 emits red light from the diagonally upper right direction to the braille surface 541 and further obliquely leftward with respect to the braille surface 541. The Braille surface 541 is illuminated by irradiating green light from the light source 2 from above, and the Braille surface 541 is photographed by the camera 104 from directly above the Braille surface 541.

  FIG. 22 shows a video signal 542 of the Braille surface 541 taken by the camera. As described in the first embodiment, in the video signal 542 shown in FIG. 22, the portion illuminated only by the light emitted from the light source 1 is illuminated in red, and illuminated only by the light emitted from the light source 2. The portion illuminated is green and the portion illuminated by both the light emitted from the light source 1 and the light emitted from the light source 2 glows yellow.

  Next, the video signal processing unit 106 examines the RGB value of each pixel of the video signal 542 shown in FIG. 22, and red (R = 255, G = 0, B = 0) and green (R = 0, G = 255). , B = 0) is extracted. Details of the processing are as described in the first embodiment. The result of this processing is shown in FIG.

  The braille recognition unit 107 recognizes whether the braille is a convex character or a concave character by using the processed image 543 in FIG. The Braille recognition unit 107 recognizes whether it is a convex character or a concave character of Braille according to the colors of the right side and the left side of the Braille part. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, in the upper four brailles of the processed image 543, the right side of the braille is illuminated by light emitted from the light source 1 located on the right side, and the left side of the braille is located on the left side. The braille is recognized as a convex character because it is illuminated by light emitted from the light source 2. On the other hand, in the four brailles below the processed image 543, the right side of the braille is illuminated by light emitted from the light source 2 located on the left side, and the left side of the braille is emitted from the light source 1 located on the right side. The braille is recognized as a concave character because it is illuminated by light.

  In this way, it is possible to recognize whether the character is a convex character or a concave character from the relationship between the colors of the right and left portions of Braille and the positions of the two light sources.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the upper four brailles of the processed image 543 have a larger area of the red portion or the green portion than the lower four brailles of the processed image 543. That is, the Braille with the larger area of the red part or the green part is recognized as a convex character, and conversely, the Braille with the smaller area of the red part or the green part is recognized as a concave character. It doesn't matter if you do it. This is because the light from one side is blocked by the convex characters in Braille, and as a result, the area of the portion illuminated by the light from the other is increased.

  By such a method, the braille recognition unit 107 can recognize whether the braille is a convex character or a concave character. However, the method of recognizing whether the Braille recognition unit 107 is a Braille convex character or a concave character is not necessarily limited thereto.

  In addition, when translating Braille characters consisting of convex characters into ink characters, read from left to right, but when translating Braille characters consisting of concave characters into ink characters, it is only necessary to read from right to left. . In this case, if the Braille made of concave characters is reversed left and right, the same thing as the Braille made of convex characters can be obtained, so if the Braille that has been reversed horizontally is read from left to right, it can be translated into ink characters. .

  In the second embodiment, even when the Braille surface is confused with Braille convex characters and concave characters, images of the Braille surface irradiated with different types of light and captured by the camera from directly above the Braille surface With respect to the signal, it is possible to recognize whether the Braille is a convex character or a concave character by the colors shining on the right side and the left side of the Braille part.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be applied to uses such as a Braille recognition device that extracts a Braille portion from a Braille surface and recognizes Braille, a Braille translation device that translates the recognized Braille, or a Braille inspection device that inspects Braille. .

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the braille recognition apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the braille recognition apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of Braille at the time of image | photographing a Braille part using the Braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the computer system which implement | achieves each function part of the braille recognition apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating image processing executed in step S305 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 (a) relates to the embodiment of the braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory view showing a video signal when a braille portion is photographed. FIG. 7 (b) is a filter process for the video signal. FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram showing the processed image when it is performed, FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram showing the processed image when the binarization processing is performed on the processed image, and FIG. 7D is 3 × 3 pixels It is explanatory drawing which shows this filter. FIG. 8A relates to the embodiment of the Braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of the light source 1, the light source 2 and the camera with respect to the Braille surface, and FIG. 8B shows the Braille surface from above. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it looked. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a video signal when the Braille surface shown in FIG. 8B is photographed with a camera in the embodiment of the Braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processed image obtained by performing filter processing on the video signal illustrated in FIG. 9 with respect to the embodiment of the braille recognition device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process image which performed the binarization process with respect to the Example of the braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the process image shown in FIG. FIG. 12 (a) relates to the embodiment of the braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory diagram showing the situation when the recognized braille is displayed on the display device. FIG. 12 (b) is a translation of the recognized braille. FIG. 12C is an explanatory view showing a state when the result is displayed on the display device, and FIG. 12C is an explanatory view showing a state when both the recognized braille and the result of translating the braille are displayed on the display device. . It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the Braille surface was seen from upper direction regarding one Example of the Braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the video signal at the time of image | photographing the Braille surface shown in FIG. 13 with the camera regarding one Example of the Braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processed image obtained by performing image processing on the video signal illustrated in FIG. 14 with respect to the embodiment of the braille recognition device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processed image obtained by performing binarization processing on the processed image illustrated in FIG. 15 with respect to the embodiment of the braille recognition device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the Braille surface was seen from upper direction regarding one Example of the Braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process image which performed the binarization process regarding one Example of the braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 19 (a) relates to the embodiment of the braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory view showing a part of the braille surface viewed from above, and FIG. 19 (b) is shown in FIG. 19 (a). FIG. 19C is a diagram illustrating a part of the video signal when the Braille surface is captured by the camera, and FIG. 19C is a processed image obtained by performing image processing on the video signal illustrated in FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown. FIG. 20 (a) relates to the embodiment of the braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 20 (b) is an explanatory view showing a part of the braille surface as viewed from above. FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating a part of a video signal obtained by photographing the braille surface with a camera, and FIG. 20C is a diagram illustrating a processed image obtained by performing image processing on the video signal illustrated in FIG. FIG. FIG. 21 (a) relates to another embodiment of the braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of the light source 1, the light source 2 and the camera with respect to the braille surface, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode seen from. It is explanatory drawing which shows the video signal at the time of image | photographing the braille surface shown in FIG.21 (b) with the camera regarding the other Example of the Braille recognition apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a processed image obtained by performing image processing on the video signal shown in FIG. 22 for another embodiment of the braille recognition device shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating Braille. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the video signal processing part which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Braille surface 11 Video signal 13 External apparatus 100 Braille recognition apparatus 102 1st irradiation part (1st irradiation means)
103 2nd irradiation part (2nd irradiation means)
104 Imaging unit (imaging means)
107 Braille recognition unit (braille recognition means)
109 Braille translator (Braille translator)

Claims (14)

First irradiation means for irradiating light to a Braille surface on which Braille is formed;
Second irradiation means for irradiating the Braille surface with light having a wavelength different from that of the first irradiation means;
Imaging means for imaging the Braille surface irradiated by the first irradiation means and the second irradiation means and outputting a video signal of the Braille surface;
Braille recognizing means for recognizing Braille by recognizing at least an irradiation area only by the first irradiation means and an irradiation area only by the second irradiation means on the Braille surface from the video signal. Recognition device.   The Braille recognizing means recognizes, from the video signal, an irradiation area only by the first irradiation means and an irradiation area only by the second irradiation means on the Braille surface, and by both the first and second irradiation means. The braille recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the braille is recognized by recognizing an overlapped irradiation region. The first irradiation means and the second irradiation means irradiate light of different colors with respect to the Braille surface,
The Braille recognition unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Braille recognition unit recognizes each irradiation region by the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit on the Braille surface based on a difference in color of the irradiation regions. Recognition device.   The Braille recognizing unit includes a region on the first irradiation unit side having a color of the irradiation light from the first irradiation unit and a region on the second irradiation unit side having a color of the irradiation light from the second irradiation unit on the Braille surface. The braille recognition device according to claim 3, wherein a region surrounded by is recognized as a braille existing position.   3. The Braille recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the Braille recognition unit recognizes Braille based on a difference in density between the irradiation regions of the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit on the Braille surface. .   The Braille recognition device according to claim 1, further comprising Braille translation means for translating Braille recognized by the Braille recognition means.   The braille recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit irradiate parallel light onto the braille surface.   The braille recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the light source in the first irradiating unit and the second irradiating unit has a complementary color relationship.   The braille recognition means includes a region in which a braille portion on the same direction side as the first irradiation means is illuminated only by light irradiated by the first irradiation means and a braille portion on the same direction side as the second irradiation means. The braille recognition device according to claim 3, wherein a region surrounded by only the light irradiated by the means is recognized as an existing position of the braille of the convex portion.   The braille recognizing means includes a region in which a braille portion on the same direction side as the first irradiating means is illuminated only by light irradiated by the second irradiating means, and a braille portion on the same direction side as the second irradiating means. 4. The braille recognition device according to claim 3, wherein an area surrounded by only the light irradiated by the means is recognized as an existing position of the Braille in the recess. Braille translation means for translating Braille recognized by the Braille recognition means,
11. The Braille translating means translates the Braille recognized by the Braille recognizing means by reversing left and right when the Braille recognizing means determines that the Braille is a recess. The braille recognition device described. A first irradiation step of irradiating light on a Braille surface on which Braille is formed;
A second irradiation step of irradiating the Braille surface with light having a wavelength different from that of the first irradiation step;
An imaging step of imaging the Braille surface irradiated by the first irradiation step and the second irradiation step and outputting a video signal of the Braille surface;
A Braille recognition step for recognizing Braille from the video signal by recognizing at least an irradiation region only by the first irradiation step and an irradiation region only by the second irradiation step on the Braille surface. Recognition method.   A program for operating the braille recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which causes a computer to function as the braille recognition means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the Braille recognition program according to claim 13 is recorded.

Images