JP5652871B2 - Braille ink input method, Braille ink input program, and Braille ink input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a Braille-style ink character input method, a Braille-style ink character input program, and a Braille-style ink character input device that convert Braille input into ink characters using an input device such as a touch panel.

  With the recent spread of mobile communication devices, personal computers, the Internet, etc., visually impaired people have increased opportunities to communicate using characters (hereinafter, characters used by healthy people are referred to as ink characters). . However, it is often easier for visually impaired people to input characters using braille than to input characters using ink using a keyboard or the like. Here, the following [Patent Document 1] discloses an invention for converting Braille input by dial keys of a mobile communication terminal into ink characters. In the invention disclosed in [Patent Document 1], six keys in three vertical rows and two horizontal rows among dial keys of a portable communication terminal are regarded as braille dots, and braille input is possible by pressing these keys. It is said. Thereby, the visually impaired can perform more intuitive and efficient character input.

JP 2001-045135 A

  However, in the invention disclosed in [Patent Document 1], there are problems that the number of key presses is enormous and finger movement is large, and it is desired to realize a more efficient Braille input method.

  Recently, mobile communication devices and mobile devices that employ a touch panel as a display screen and perform basic operations by touching the touch panel with a finger are gaining popularity. A device that performs a basic operation using such a contact-type input unit displays an operation key on a smooth input panel surface, and performs an operation or the like by visually checking the display. For this reason, it can be said that it is a device with high barriers for the visually impaired. However, there are many visually handicapped people who want to use the same equipment as healthy people even with such a high barrier.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, a Braille type ink character input method, a Braille ink character input program, and a Braille ink character which enable more efficient Braille input while using a contact type input unit. An object is to provide a character input device.

The present invention
(1) setting a plurality of braille input areas corresponding to a braille dot arrangement in the vicinity of the edge of the input panel surface 20 that can be input by contact of an indicator;
Until the indicator away from the contact with the input panel surface 20 as a one stroke, the conjunction recognizes Braille input region that has passed within one stroke, senses that the pointing object is separated from the input panel surface 20 And confirming the one-stroke Braille input recognition operation ,
Identifying a braille corresponding to braille input area passed by the 1 stroke,
Determining whether the identified braille is a prefix;
If the identified braille is other than a prefix, converting the identified braille to ink;
When the specified braille is a prefix, the transition to the 2-stroke input mode is performed, and the braille that has passed through the second stroke is defined as the second stroke until the indicator comes in contact with the input panel surface 20 and then leaves. While recognizing the input area, it senses that the indicator has moved away from the input panel surface 20, confirms the braille input recognition operation for the second stroke, and takes into account the content of the prefix entered immediately before Above, identifying the braille corresponding to the braille input area passed in the second stroke, and converting the identified braille into ink characters;
Reading out the converted ink, and
The above problem is solved by providing a Braille type ink character input method characterized by comprising:
(2) A procedure for setting a plurality of braille input areas corresponding to a braille dot arrangement in the vicinity of the edge of the input panel surface 20 that can be input by contact of an indicator;
Until the indicator away from the contact with the input panel surface 20 as a one stroke, the conjunction recognizes Braille input region that has passed within one stroke, senses that the pointing object is separated from the input panel surface 20 A procedure for confirming the one-stroke Braille input recognition operation ;
A step of identifying the Braille corresponding to the braille input area passed by the 1 stroke,
A procedure for determining whether the identified braille is a prefix;
If the identified braille is other than a prefix, a procedure for converting the identified braille to ink;
When the specified braille is a prefix, the transition to the 2-stroke input mode is performed, and the braille that has passed through the second stroke is defined as the second stroke until the indicator comes in contact with the input panel surface 20 and then leaves. While recognizing the input area, it senses that the indicator has moved away from the input panel surface 20, confirms the braille input recognition operation for the second stroke, and takes into account the content of the prefix entered immediately before Above, a procedure for identifying the braille corresponding to the braille input area passed in the second stroke, and converting the identified braille into ink characters,
The procedure to read out the converted ink,
The above problem is solved by providing a Braille ink character input program characterized by causing a computer to execute.
(3) An input unit 22 provided with an input panel surface 20 that can be input by contact with an indicator, Braille-ink-character conversion dictionary data for specifying Braille characters input to the input unit 22, and (2 And a control unit 26 for executing the Braille type ink character input program described above, the above problem is solved.

  According to the present invention, a Braille input area corresponding to the Braille dot arrangement is provided on the input panel surface of the contact-type input unit, and the Braille input area that has passed from when the indicator contacts the input panel surface until it leaves is recognized. To do Braille input. For this reason, it is possible to perform braille input more quickly and efficiently.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a Braille ink character input device according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the Braille type ink character input method, Braille type ink character input program, and Braille type ink character input device which concern on this invention. It is a figure explaining Braille input by the present invention.

  A Braille ink input method, a Braille ink input program, and a Braille ink input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A braille-type ink character input device 50 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes an input unit 22 having an input panel surface 20 that can be input when an indicator such as a finger comes into contact, and a braille-character-character conversion dictionary. It has a recording unit 28 in which data is recorded, a control unit 26 that controls these, and a memory 25 that the control unit 26 uses for each process. Furthermore, Braille-type ink-character input device 50 is provided with a well-known audio output unit 24 such as a speaker, and it is preferably provided with a vibrating device for transmitting information to the user by vibration.

  The Braille ink input device 50 according to the present invention is preferably configured by introducing the Braille ink input program according to the present invention into an existing device. In this case, the configuration of the Braille type ink character input device 50 basically uses the one installed in the device in which the Braille type ink character input program is introduced. That is, when the Braille type ink character input program according to the present invention and the Braille ink character conversion dictionary data associated therewith are installed in the recording unit of the introduction device and the Braille type ink character input program is started, the contact type input of the introduction device is performed. The unit also serves as the input unit 22 of the Braille ink input device 50, the memory of the introduction device also serves as the memory 25 of the Braille ink input device 50, and the control computer of the introduction device is the control unit of the Braille ink input device 50 26, the voice output unit of the introduced device also serves as the voice output unit 24 of the Braille ink input device 50. Devices that are expected to introduce the Braille ink input device 50 include touch panel type mobile communication devices (mobile phones), tablet communication terminals, PDAs, notebook computers equipped with touchpads, and station ticket machines. All devices having a contact-type input unit such as a car navigation device and a car audio device are conceivable. Further, the Braille ink input device 50 may be separately configured as an independent device, and may be used by being connected to other devices by wire or wireless. Furthermore, only a part of the configuration of the Braille ink input device 50 can be used as the configuration of the introduction device. For example, when there is no contact-type input unit in the introduction device, the Braille-type ink character input device 50 may be configured by externally attaching a dedicated input unit 22. In this case, it is preferable to make the external input unit 22 stationary and enable Braille input with one hand.

  Further, the present invention basically performs character input to software running on the introduced device. Therefore, the Braille type ink character input device 50 converts the Braille characters into ink characters (ink character information) according to the procedure described later, and then transmits this to the software running on the introduction device. The software running on the installed device handles the transmitted ink (ink information) according to the software. For example, if the activated software is document creation software, the ink characters transmitted from the Braille ink character input device 50 are displayed as text to create an ink character document. Also, when the running software requests the user to select “Yes”, “No”, etc. by reading out, etc., the answer “Yes”, “No”, etc. is input in Braille using the present invention. Can be done.

  Next, the operation of the Braille ink input device 50, the Braille ink input method, and the Braille ink input program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 and FIGS.

  First, a Braille ink character input program is activated by a predetermined operation (step S100). Thereby, the control unit 26 of the Braille type ink character input device 50 sets a plurality of Braille input areas corresponding to the dot arrangement of the Braille characters near the edge of the input panel surface 20 of the input unit 22 (step S102).

  Here, six-point braille is represented by six points in three vertical rows and two horizontal rows. Therefore, in the case of Braille input based on six-point Braille, Braille input areas A to F are set on the input panel surface 20 at six locations near the four corners and the left and right edges of the input panel surface 20 as shown in FIG. The In addition, in the “Kanji Braille” system expanded to express Kanji, it is expressed by 8 points in 4 columns and 2 columns. Therefore, in the case of Braille input based on Kanji points, Braille input areas are set in a total of eight places in two pairs (four places) in the vicinity of the left and right edges in addition to the vicinity of the four corners of the input panel surface 20. The Braille type ink character input device 50 may be capable of both six-point Braille input and Kanji point input, or may be capable of supporting only six-point Braille input. If both six-point braille input and kanji point input can be handled, it is preferable that the six-point braille input and kanji point input are switched by a predetermined operation. Here, the invention of the present application will be described by taking six-point braille input as an example.

  Further, as described later, in the Braille type ink character input method according to the present invention, it is necessary to continuously contact a necessary Braille input area while keeping the indicator in contact with the input panel surface 20. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a blank area where no Braille input area exists between at least columns of the Braille input area. Due to the presence of this blank area, the upper row of braille input areas A and D with the indicator in contact with the input panel surface 20 without contacting the middle row of braille input areas B and E, the lower row of braille input areas C, F can be contacted. In addition, it is preferable that the Braille input area is provided with a sufficient radius at the corners to prevent erroneous input by the indicator, or the shape thereof is substantially semicircular or fan-shaped.

  Further, since the Braille input area is basically for visually impaired people, even when the input panel surface 20 has a display function like a touch panel, it is not necessary to display the Braille input area. However, it is preferable to perform display in consideration of the use of healthy persons. In this case, it is preferable to minimize interference with the display screen by making the braille input area semi-transparent display or the like.

  Further, a protrusion or a step for marking may be provided at a position corresponding to the Braille input area on the input panel surface 20. The mark is preferably formed by attaching a transparent adhesive film having a thickness that can be detected by a finger at the position of the input panel surface 20 corresponding to the Braille input area. According to this configuration, even when the input panel surface 20 has a display function, the mark can be easily and inexpensively provided without impairing the display function and the input function. The mark may be provided by forming protrusions or steps in the vicinity of the Braille input areas A to F of the exterior body 10 outside the input panel surface 20 as shown by the mark 12 in FIG.

  When the braille input area is set in step S102, the control unit 26 waits until the user touches the input panel surface 20 with an indicator such as a finger (step S104). Here, when the user performs an operation to end braille input (step S103: Yes), the control unit 26 ends the braille input operation (step S300).

  When the user brings an indicator such as a finger into contact with the input panel surface 20 (step S104: Yes), the control unit 26 detects this and starts a braille input recognition operation (step S105). Here, assuming that the stroke from the point of contact of the indicator to the input panel surface 20 is one stroke, the control unit 26 recognizes the Braille input area that has passed until one stroke is completed and records it in the memory 25 ( Step S106). When the indicator moves away from the input panel surface 20, the control unit 26 senses this (step S108: Yes) and confirms the one-stroke braille input recognition operation (step S109).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), when the ink character “A” is input in Braille, the user brings the indicator into contact with the Braille input area A as shown in FIG. 3 (a-1). Separated from the input panel surface 20. The control unit 26 records the Braille input area A in contact with the indicator in the memory 25 and determines the one-stroke Braille input operation. Also, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), when the ink character “I” is input in Braille, the user, for example, after making the indicator contact the Braille input area A as shown in FIG. 3 (b-1). Then, the braille input area B is brought into contact with the contact state. Then, it is separated from the input panel surface 20. In this case, the control unit 26 records the Braille input areas A and B in contact with the indicator in the memory 25 and determines the one-stroke Braille input operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, when inputting the ink character “E” in Braille, the user touches the indicator with the Braille input area A as shown in FIG. 3C-1, for example. The Braille input area B and the Braille input area D are brought into contact while maintaining the contact state. Then, it is separated from the input panel surface 20. In this case, the control unit 26 records the Braille input areas A, B, and D in contact with the indicator in the memory 25, and confirms the one-stroke Braille input operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 3D, when inputting the ink character “ku” in Braille, the user, for example, after making the indicator contact the Braille input area A as shown in FIG. The Braille input area D is brought into contact with the Braille input area F through the blank area while maintaining the contact state. Then, it is separated from the input panel surface 20. In this case, the control unit 26 records the Braille input areas A, D, and F in contact with the indicator in the memory 25, and confirms the one-stroke Braille input operation.

  The contact order of the braille input areas within one stroke is not limited. For example, in the Braille input of the above-mentioned ink letter “E”, the Braille input area A → B → D may be input in the order as described above, or as shown in FIG. The order may be in the order of A → B, the Braille input area B → A → D, or any other order. In addition, in the braille input of the above-mentioned ink character “ku”, the braille input area A → D → F may be input in the order as described above, or as shown in FIG. -> A-> F or other order.

  Further, even if the same Braille input area is contacted a plurality of times within one stroke, this is handled in the same way as one contact. For example, even when Braille input is performed in the route of the braille input area A → B → A → D at the time of Braille input of the ink character “E”, the control unit 26 stores the Braille input areas A, B, and D in the memory 25. To record. Furthermore, the start point of one stroke, that is, the point where the indicator contacts the input panel surface 20 and the end point where the indicator leaves the input panel surface 20 may be blank areas. By setting it as such a structure, the freedom degree of the braille input by a user can be improved greatly. When only a blank area is touched within a one-stroke Braille input operation, or when only a predetermined blank area, for example, a blank area between Braille input areas C and F is touched, a blank (space) is input. You may recognize that it was done.

  When the user touches the braille input area, a beep sound such as “beep” may be output to notify the user that the user has touched the braille input area. At this time, the color of the Braille input area in contact may be changed. Furthermore, the vibration device may be vibrated for a short time in consideration of the use of the blind.

  As described above, when the one-stroke Braille input operation is completed, the control unit 26 searches the Braille ink-character conversion dictionary data recorded in the recording unit 28 and corresponds to the Braille input area that has passed within one stroke. Is specified (step S110). If the corresponding braille cannot be specified, this is notified to the user by voice, vibration or the like, and then the process proceeds to step S104 and waits until the user performs the next braille input operation.

  Next, the control unit 26 determines whether or not the braille identified in step S110 is a prefix point indicating muddy sound or stuttering, a number mark indicating a number, an external character mark indicating an alphabet, or the like (step S112). In the following, all prefixes, numbers, external characters, etc. will be described as prefixes. And when the specified braille is other than a prefix (step S112: No), it transfers to step S114 as it is. If the specified braille is a prefix (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to the two-stroke input mode (step S200). At this time, the speech of the input prefix is read out, a special beep sound is output, displayed on the screen, and the vibration of the vibration device is singly or in combination to notify the user which prefix has been input. You may make it do.

  Next, in the 2-stroke input mode, the user brings the indicator into contact with the input panel surface 20. The control unit 26 senses this (step S202: Yes) and starts the second stroke braille input recognition operation (step S203). Next, as in step S106, the control unit 26 recognizes and records the braille input area that has passed between the time when the indicator has touched the input panel surface 20 and the time when the indicator has left (step S204). Then, when the indicator moves away from the input panel surface 20, the control unit 26 senses this (step S206: Yes) and determines the braille input recognition operation for the second stroke (step S207). Next, the control unit 26 searches the Braille-ink-character conversion dictionary data and specifies the Braille corresponding to the Braille input area that has passed in the second stroke after taking into account the content of the prefix that was input immediately before (Step). S208). For example, when the braille identified in step S110 is a muffled note as indicated by “1st” in FIG. 3 (e-1), it is changed to “2nd” in FIG. 3 (e-1) at the second stroke. As shown, when the Braille input of the ink character “ku” is performed, the control unit 26 specifies the ink character “gu” in consideration of the previous muffled note in step S208. Then, the control unit 26 returns the 2-stroke input mode to the normal Braille input mode (step S210), and proceeds to step S114. If the corresponding braille cannot be specified in step S208, this is notified to the user by voice, vibration, etc., and after returning to the normal braille input mode, the process proceeds to step S104 and the user moves to the next braille. Wait until input operation is performed.

As described above, when the braille input by braille input in one stroke or two consecutive strokes is specified, the control unit 26 converts the specified braille into ink characters (ink information) (step S114). The audio output unit 24 performs the reading of the converted ink character (step S116). At this time, the vibration device may be vibrated with a specific pattern corresponding to the input braille. Ink reading is used if the installed device has voice data. If no audio data is provided, for example, necessary audio data and an audio output program are recorded in the recording unit 28 in advance, and the converted ink characters are read out using the audio data. At this time, the converted ink characters may be displayed on the display unit of the input panel surface 20.

  The above example shows an example of Braille input with one stroke or two consecutive strokes. However, Braille has a special notation code composed of three or more Braille. Therefore, when two consecutive strokes are the first and second Braille characters of a special notation code, when the last Braille input of the special notation code is completed, the Braille characters that have been input with these consecutive strokes Identify. Moreover, the braille before may change with the back braille. Therefore, the input history of Braille input is recorded in the memory 25 or the like as much as necessary, and this is applied retroactively when the Braille to be input changes due to subsequent Braille input.

  Next, the control unit 26 transmits the converted ink character (ink character information) to software operating in cooperation (step S118). And the control part 26 returns to step S104, and continues braille input operation until completion | finish operation is performed by step S103. Also, the software to which the ink characters (ink character information) are transmitted handles the ink characters (ink character information) according to the software program.

  If the character entered in Braille differs from the character intended by the user at the time of reading in step S116, the control unit 26 converts the character immediately before by performing a predetermined character deletion input operation at the time of the next Braille input operation. Tell the software to remove the printed ink. As an input operation for deleting one character, for example, an input operation in which only a predetermined blank area, for example, a blank area between Braille input areas A and D is touched can be cited.

  In Braille, there are convex Braille when reading by touching with a finger from the front surface, and concave Braille when writing a braille by opening a hole in paper with a pin or the like from the back surface. And the convex braille and the concave braille are symmetrical in the arrangement of points. In the above example, the input by convex Braille is explained. However, in the Braille ink input method, the Braille ink input program and the Braille ink input device 50 according to the present invention, the Braille input by the convex Braille and the Braille by the concave Braille are used. It is preferable to be able to switch between both inputs. In this case, as shown in the diagram surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 3, the input braille input area is symmetrical between the convex braille input and the concave braille input. It should be noted that switching between Braille input using convex Braille and Braille input using concave Braille is preferably performed by switching between the convex Braille dictionary data and the concave Braille dictionary data in the Braille / Ink conversion dictionary data.

  In Braille, for example, there are different rules for writing particles such as “ha” and “wa”, which are different from written words in ink. In this regard, we shall basically follow the rules for written words in ink. However, the linked software may receive the transferred ink characters and appropriately modify and convert them.

  Note that some input units 22 are compatible with multi-point input that can be input simultaneously with a plurality of fingers. In the input unit 22 corresponding to multi-point input, one stroke is defined from the first contact of the finger (indicator) to the release of all fingers. In this case, it is possible to input braille by passing two or more braille input areas in parallel with two or more fingers.

  In addition, six Braille characters are used worldwide, and if the Braille character conversion dictionary data is changed to one corresponding to the language of the country, the Braille character input device 50, the Braille character input method of the present application will be described. And the Braille ink character input program can be used in other languages.

  As described above, according to the Braille ink input method, the Braille ink input program, and the Braille ink input device 50 according to the present invention, after an indicator such as a finger contacts the input panel surface 20. Braille input is performed by recognizing a Braille input area that has passed until the end of one stroke until the distance is reached. Specifically, Braille input can be performed by a series of operations such as a user's finger touching, tracing, and releasing the input panel surface 20. Further, the separation of the indicator from the input panel surface 20 means a confirming operation of the one-stroke Braille input, and it is not necessary to press the confirm button in the Braille input such as a key. For these reasons, the present invention can perform Braille input much faster and more efficiently than conventional Braille input using a key or the like.

  Further, the Braille type ink character input method, the Braille type ink character input program, and the Braille ink character input device 50 according to the present invention perform Braille input using a contact type input unit that is difficult to handle for visually impaired persons. Therefore, it is possible to promote the use of a device provided with a contact-type input unit for a visually impaired person.

  Further, in the Braille type ink character input method, the Braille ink character input program, and the Braille ink character input device 50 according to the present invention, the braille input area may be touched in any order as long as it is within one stroke. . Further, the same braille input area may be contacted a plurality of times. Furthermore, the start point and end point may be blank areas. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the Braille input operation is high, and it is possible to further increase the speed and efficiency of Braille input by the user's skill.

  Furthermore, since the Braille type ink character input method, the Braille type ink character input program, and the Braille type ink character input device 50 according to the present invention basically utilize the configuration of the introduced device, no special device configuration is required. It can be introduced inexpensively and easily. Thereby, it can utilize also for acquisition of Braille by not only a visually handicapped person but a healthy person.

  The present invention includes a program for causing the computer of the introduced device to realize the function of the Braille ink character input method. These programs may be read from another recording medium and taken into the introduction device, or may be taken into the introduction device by transmission via a communication network.

  In addition, since the above example is a specific example of the present invention, the portions indirectly related to the present invention such as the contents of the flowchart, the method of deleting one character, the handling of prefixes, etc. are limited to this. is not. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention.

20 Input panel surface
22 Input section
26 Control unit
50 Braille ink input device
A to F Braille input area

Claims (3)

Setting a plurality of braille input areas corresponding to a braille dot arrangement in the vicinity of the edge of the input panel surface that can be input by contact of an indicator;
Until the indicator away from the contact with the input panel surface as a stroke, with recognizing the braille input area passed by the 1 in stroke, and senses that the pointing object is separated from the input panel surface Confirming the one-stroke Braille input recognition operation ;
Identifying a braille corresponding to braille input area passed by the 1 stroke,
Determining whether the identified braille is a prefix;
If the identified braille is other than a prefix, converting the identified braille to ink;
When the specified braille is a prefix, the transition to the 2-stroke input mode is made, and the braille input that has passed through the second stroke is defined as the second stroke until the indicator comes in contact with the input panel surface and then leaves. In addition to recognizing the area, it senses that the indicator has moved away from the input panel surface, confirms the braille input recognition operation for the second stroke, and takes into account the content of the prefix entered immediately before Identifying braille corresponding to the braille input area passed in the second stroke, and converting the identified braille into ink characters;
Reading out the converted ink, and
A Braille type ink character input method characterized by comprising: A procedure for setting a plurality of braille input areas corresponding to a braille dot arrangement in the vicinity of the edge of the input panel surface that can be input by contact of an indicator,
Until the indicator away from the contact with the input panel surface as a stroke, with recognizing the braille input area passed by the 1 in stroke, and senses that the pointing object is separated from the input panel surface A procedure for determining the one-stroke Braille input recognition operation ;
A step of identifying the Braille corresponding to the braille input area passed by the 1 stroke,
A procedure for determining whether the identified braille is a prefix;
If the identified braille is other than a prefix, a procedure for converting the identified braille to ink;
When the specified braille is a prefix, the transition to the 2-stroke input mode is made, and the braille input that has passed through the second stroke is defined as the second stroke until the indicator comes in contact with the input panel surface and then leaves. In addition to recognizing the area, it senses that the indicator has moved away from the input panel surface, confirms the braille input recognition operation for the second stroke, and takes into account the content of the prefix entered immediately before , Specifying the braille corresponding to the braille input area passed in the second stroke, and converting the identified braille into ink characters;
The procedure to read out the converted ink,
Braille type ink character input program characterized by causing a computer to execute. An input unit having an input panel surface capable of input by contact of an indicator;
Braille-Ink conversion dictionary data for specifying the Braille input to the input unit,
A control unit for executing the Braille ink input program according to claim 2;
Braille-type ink character input device characterized by comprising:

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