JPH039863A - Braille data input device for visually handicapped person and typewriter for visually handicapped person using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a visually handicapped person to input braille simply and correctly by a method wherein, when a visually handicapped person inputs a braille using an input means, a character discriminating means discriminates the inputted braille, and the discriminated braille is outputted from a voice output means in a voice for identification. CONSTITUTION:When a normal document output is conducted, an operation mode is set to a normal mode. When brailles are inputted using keys 110-122, braille data is inputted as kana, numeral, and alphabet. At this time, at every one-character input of the braille data, the input data is outputted from a speaker 30 or a headphone 32 in voice. In this manner, even a visually handicapped person can input data correctly. The input data are successively stored in a main data memory 40. If the input data is incorrect, a cursor is moved by the amount of one character by using cursor keys 164, 184. At this time, the audio output of a central processing part 22 allows the visually handicapped person to identify the data in voice before depressing a deletion key 182. Thus, the person can delete the braille data correctly.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a braille data input device for visually impaired people that is formed so that visually impaired people can input braille easily and reliably, and a system for visually impaired people using the same. Regarding typewriters for people with disabilities.

[Prior Art] As is well known, Braille is widely used as a text for the blind. Braille is composed of a combination of six convex dots, usually three vertical dots and two horizontal rows, so that blind people can read them using the tactile sensation of their fingertips. Basically, it represents kana, alphabets, numbers, etc. Conventionally, a Braille device, a Braille typewriter, etc. have been used as this Braille input means.

The braille device is highly portable and is convenient for blind people who want to take notes outside. However, since this Braille device takes time to input characters, it is not suitable as a means for inputting a large amount of documents. Furthermore, when blind people try to take notes at lectures, etc., they are only able to take simple notes due to input speed limitations, and this Braille device makes noise when inputting Braille. However, it was not suitable as a means of taking notes in lecture halls, and it was hoped that an alternative technology would be developed.

Further, the Braille typewriter is widely used as a stationary Braille document creation device, and has a faster Braille input speed than a Braille device, so it is convenient when handling a large amount of information.

However, with conventional Braille typewriters, when a blind person inputs Braille, it is not possible to judge whether the input Braille is incorrect or not, and it is difficult for blind people who are not proficient in using it to input Braille accurately. The problem was that it was difficult to do so.

Furthermore, conventional Braille typewriters print uneven Braille characters directly onto the paper at the same time as inputting Braille characters.
- There was a problem that once Braille was input, it could not be corrected.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to enable visually impaired people to read Braille easily and accurately. An object of the present invention is to provide a Braille input device capable of inputting information, and a typewriter for visually impaired people using the Braille input device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises at least an input means configured to input each dot making up Braille, and a character discrimination means for discriminating input Braille. , an audio output means for outputting the discriminated Braille as a confirmation voice, and a document storage means for writing the input Braille, and allows a visually impaired person to input Braille while confirming it audibly.

[Work] Next, the present invention will be explained in detail.

In the device of the present invention, when a visually impaired person inputs Braille using an input means, the character discrimination means discriminates the input Braille,
The determined Braille is outputted from the voice to output means as a confirmation voice.

This allows visually impaired people to check whether or not the Braille has been entered correctly.If the entered Braille is correct, they can continue inputting the next Braille, and if the entered Braille is incorrect, they can continue to enter the next Braille. If so, you can delete the Braille in question. In this way, a visually impaired person can accurately input Braille characters while confirming them as sounds, and the input Braille characters are written into the document storage means.

In this case, the input means is preferably formed to have a Braille key for inputting Braille, a deletion key for deleting the input Braille, and a function key for selecting an operating function of the device.

Further, the Braille key is each dot that makes up Braille.

Normally, it is preferable to use six input keys for inputting six points separately and independently.

Further, it is preferable that the input means has a function of switching the braille input mode to a kana input mode, a numeric input mode, and an alphabet input mode. As a result, by selecting one of the input modes, Braille input can be performed without inputting external characters each time, and the Braille input speed can be greatly increased.

[Embodiments] Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the general configuration of six-dot Braille. When this Braille is displayed as a writing surface (concave surface), the first point is from the top of the right column.

It is defined as 2 points, 3 points, and the 4th point from the top in the left column,
Defined as 5 points and 6 points.

FIG. 3 shows kana characters expressed using such braille, and FIGS. 4 and 5 show numbers and alphabets, respectively. 6-dot Braille is limited to 64 combinations, so when entering numbers, alphabets, etc., as shown in Figures 4 and 5, Braille characters called several lines or external characters are required. , are input in combination.

FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of a typewriter for visually impaired people to which the present invention is applied.

The typewriter of the embodiment has an operation panel 1 of the device main body 10.
A keyboard shown in FIG. 6 is provided on 2 as an input means, and a display section 48 is provided above the keyboard.

First, this input means will be explained in detail.

The input means of the embodiment includes three Braille keys 112, 114, and 116 for individually inputting the first to third points of Braille on the right side of the space key 110, and on the left side of the space key 110. Three Braille keys 118, 120, 122 are provided for inputting the fourth to sixth points of Braille, respectively. This arrangement of Braille keys 112 to 122 is similar to a typewriter for blind people called Parkinson Braille.
They have the same key arrangement, and for example, by operating the Braille keys 112 and 114 almost simultaneously, the kana character "i" shown in FIG. 3 can be input.

Further, in the upper right corner of the operation panel 12, ten numeric keys 140 from 0 to 9 and six operation keys 142 for performing four arithmetic operations are provided as function keys. Note that the numeric keypad 140 is also used for switching operation modes in combination with a mode key 178, which will be described later.

In addition, there is a power ON button in the upper left corner of the operation panel 12.

A power key 132 for turning off and a plurality of function keys 144
~162 are provided.

In this, keys 144-152 are used to move the cursor. Cursor keys 144 and 146 move the cursor to the end or beginning of the sentence on the page, and press page key 1.
48 and 150 are used to change the page to the next or previous page, and keys 152 and 154 are used to move the cursor to the end or beginning of a sentence. Further, keys 156 and 158 are used to print or sound data from the current cursor position to the end of the sentence.

In addition, keys 160 and 162 set the current date to January 1, 2017.
It is used to pronounce the day, then the day of the week, and also to pronounce the current time.

Further, on the operation panel 12, the braille keys 112 to 1 are provided.
Adjacent to 22, other function keys 164-184 are provided. In this, cursor keys 164,1
84 is used to move the cursor one character to the left or right and to pronounce the character to which it has been moved. insert key 1
68 is used to select between insert mode and overwrite mode, and the mode is cyclically switched each time it is pressed.

The delete key 182 erases the data at the current position of the cursor after uttering it, and moves the data forward by one character. The storage key 180 is used to store data for 16 characters starting from the current cursor position. The return key 170 is
Used to insert or overwrite data stored with the storage key at the current cursor location. ANK key 1
66 is used to select ANK modes such as kana mode, number mode, alphabet mode, etc., and each time the key is pressed, the mode is switched in the order of kana, number, and alphabet. The information mode key 172 indicates each current mode, that is, whether it is insert mode or overwrite mode;
ANK mode status.

It is used to vocalize the position of the cursor (row 1 column), etc.

Furthermore, the mode key 178 corresponds to the 0 to 9 numeric keypad 140.
It is used to set the mode shown in FIG. 7 by operating in combination with any of the following. In this,
Normal mode is used for normal document input, etc., memo mode is used for inputting simple memos, etc., and address mode, schedule mode, and calendar mode are used for inputting addresses, schedules, calendars, etc., respectively. Calculation mode and Dictionary mode are used when performing four arithmetic operations and when used as a dictionary, respectively, and External mode is used when external equipment such as a thermometer or thermometer is connected to the device main body 10, and the measurement data is The function key explanation mode is used to explain the functions and how to use a typewriter for the blind by voice.

Moreover, the search key 174 is a schedule mode.

When setting the address mode, the 1° execution registration key 176, which is used to search for schedules in chronological order or to search for addresses in iwe order, is used for schedule mode and address mode.

Used to confirm input data in calendar mode, calculation mode, dictionary mode, etc.

FIG. 1 shows the circuit configuration of a typewriter for visually impaired persons according to the present invention.

The device of the embodiment has keys 110 to 116 degrees and 140 to 18 degrees.
4 is input to the central processing section 22 via the ζ key data processing section 20.

The apparatus of the embodiment also includes a main data memory 40, a memo data memory 42 . Address data memory 44. It has a schedule data memory 46 and an LCD display section 48, which are connected to the central processing section 22 via the data management section 34.

Braille data input using the keys 110-116 is displayed on the LCD display section 48 by the central processing section 22, and is also stored in one of the corresponding data memories 40-46.

Braille data input using the keys 110 to 116 and data registered in the data memories 40 to 46 are processed by the central processing unit 22 as needed by the voice output unit 24.
Volume 269 Speaker 30 via forced voice device 28
is output as audio. Note that when the headphones 32 are connected, audio is output from the headphones 32 instead of the speaker 30.

Further, a calculation function section 50, a clock section 52, an alarm section 54, and a dictionary function section 56 are connected to the central processing section 22. When the calculation mode is set, the four arithmetic operations are performed by operating the numeric keypad 140 and the calculation keys 142, and the results of the calculations are displayed on the LCD display section 58. Output the calculation results as audio.

Furthermore, by operating the time key 162, the central processing unit 22 checks the current time from the clock unit 52, and outputs this as audio via the speaker 30 or headphones 32. Furthermore, a timer function is set in this clock section 52, and when the timer time comes, an alarm signal is outputted from the alarm section 54 as a sound.

Furthermore, when the device of the embodiment is set to the dictionary mode, it is used as a dictionary using the dictionary function section 56. For example, English words are written in this dictionary function section 56, and when a word to be searched is input using the keys 122 to 116, the meaning corresponding to the word is searched from the dictionary function section 56, and this search result is used. It is output as audio via the speaker 30 or headphones 32.

Note that a backup power supply 57 is connected to each data memory 40 to 46 in the embodiment so that the data is not cleared even when the power is turned off, and the alarm unit 54
A backup power source 57 is also connected to the device so that an alarm function can be performed when the power is turned off.

Further, the apparatus of the embodiment is provided with a printing control section 60° DIP switch 62. A printing unit 64 is detachably connected to the printing control unit 60, and is configured to print data stored in the data memories 40 to 46 and key-input data using the printing unit 64. has been done.

In this embodiment, either a Braille printer or an ordinary printer can be used as the printing unit 64.

Selection of data output according to the type of printer is performed by switching the DIP switch 62.

FIG. 9 shows the functions of the DIP switch 62, and the DIP switch 62 is provided with a total of eight changeover switches 1 to 8.

When a normal printer is used as the printing unit 64, the switch "1" is set to ON, and when a Braille printer is used, the switch "1" is set to OFF. Further, when inputting Braille as a writing surface using the Braille keys 112 to 122, the switch "2" is turned ONL, and when inputting Braille as a reading surface, it is turned OFF.

Further, the device of the embodiment is formed so that an external sensor 66 and an external storage device 68 can be detachably connected as necessary.

The present embodiment has the above configuration, and its operation will be explained next. Note that the device of the embodiment can input data both on the written side and on the reading side; however, in the embodiment, the DI
An example will be explained in which the P switch 62 is operated to perform written input.

First, when performing normal document input using the apparatus of the embodiment, the operation mode is set to normal mode.

In this state, by inputting the Braille characters shown in Figures 3 to 5 using the keys 110 to 122, the Braille data can be changed to kana,
Entered as numbers or alphabets.

At this time, each time one character of Braille data is input, the input data is output as audio from the speaker 30 or the headphones 32.

For this reason, even when used by a blind person, data can be
Characters can be input accurately while being confirmed by voice, and the input data is sequentially stored in the main data memory 40.

Furthermore, if the input data is incorrect, the cursor is moved forward by one character using the cursor keys 164 and 184. At this time, the central processing unit 22 recognizes the character to which the cursor is being moved and outputs it by voice, so the blind person confirms the character to be deleted by voice and then presses the delete key 18.
All you have to do is press , and you can accurately delete Braille data that was entered incorrectly.

Further, in the device of the embodiment, when the data is confirmed after inputting a certain amount of data, the cursor key 14 is pressed.
4,146,164,184 or beige key 148,
150. It is sufficient to move the cursor to an arbitrary position using the beginning/end of sentence keys 152, 154, etc., and then operating the pronunciation key 158. As a result, data from the current cursor position to the end of the sentence is read from the main data memory 40 and output as audio via the speaker 30 or headphones 32. As a result, the document creator can check whether data has been input accurately during or after inputting the document, and can perform more accurate document input.

In addition, since the device of the example can be formed small and lightweight,
It is easily portable and is extremely suitable as a written storage device for blind people, for example in lecture halls. In this case, if you attach the headphones 32 to the main body 10, the sound will not come from the speakers 32 but only from the headphones 32, so you will not disturb the people around you.
You can record input data while confirming it by voice. Moreover, it is possible to input Braille data at an extremely high speed compared to the Braille devices normally used in such venues.

Further, the device of the embodiment has six Braille keys 112 to 122.
jfsB to enter the Braille data shown in Figures 5 to 5. However, when inputting the numbers shown in Figure 4 or the alphabets shown in Figure 5, it is necessary to enter the Braille data shown in Figure 4 to distinguish it from other data. It is necessary to input Braille data for combinations called number groups or external characters. For this reason, when inputting numbers or alphabets, it takes twice as much effort to input data as compared to when inputting kana, and this has been a major constraint on increasing the input speed of Braille data.

In contrast, the device of this embodiment can use the ANK key 166 to cyclically select and set alphabet input mode, kana input mode, and numeric input mode. For example, when set to numeric input mode, simply 0 to 9 By simply inputting the Braille character that specifies one of the numbers, the number group is automatically entered, saving you the trouble of inputting the number group. Similarly, when set to alphabet input mode, you only need to input the Braille character that specifies the alphabet, and the combination of non-standard characters is automatically entered, eliminating the need to type in non-standard characters and increasing data input speed. I can do it.

In this way, the device of this embodiment can cyclically set the input mode to alphabet input mode, kana input mode, and numeric input mode, so compared to devices that input number groups or external characters, etc. Input speed can be greatly increased from this aspect as well.

The above is for normal data input, but when inputting simple memo data, press mode key 178 and
1" in combination with the numeric keypad 140 to set the operation mode to memo mode. Thereby, the input data will be written into the memo data memory 42 in the same way.

In addition, when inputting address data, schedule data, etc., press the mode key 178 and the "2" or "3" key.
All you have to do is operate the numeric keypad 140.

As a result, the input address data and schedule data are input to the schedule data memory 46 and the address data memory 44 in the same manner. The input data is retrieved by operating the search key 174, and the retrieved data is output as audio from the speaker 30 or headphones 32.

Further, the apparatus of the embodiment searches for document data and memo data input into each data memory 40 and 42 using the search key 174, and further operates the print key 150 to retrieve Braille data or normal data from the printing section 64. It can be printed out as character data. These data 4
After searching for 0.42, by operating the pronunciation key 158, the search data can be changed to the speaker 30 or headphones 3.
2 and output as an audio signal.

In addition, the device of this embodiment also has a mode key 178 and "8".
By operating the numeric keypad 140 in combination, the external operation mode is set. If a thermometer or a thermometer is connected as the external sensor 66 in this state, the detection data of these sensors, that is, the body temperature and temperature, will be sent to the central processing unit 22.
read by the speaker 30 or headphones 32
is output as an audio signal. Therefore, the device of the embodiment functions not only as a Braille data input device but also as a device for converting the temperature of a thermometer or the temperature of a thermometer into voice for the blind person.

Further, the typewriter for visually impaired people as in the embodiment is -
If a blind person moves away from the typewriter main body 10, the blind person often cannot locate the typewriter. For this reason, it is preferable that the device of the embodiment is provided with a remote control receiving section 70 on the device main body 10 side, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, a portable position confirmation wireless transmitter 80 is provided separately from the device main body 10 so that a blind person can carry it. When a blind person operates the transmitter 80, the transmitter 80 emits non-directional radio waves for position confirmation.

Then, the device main body 10 transmits this radio wave to the remote control receiving section 7.
0, and when the signal is received, the speaker 30 emits an audio signal for position confirmation.

As a result, even if the blind person leaves the device main body 10,
By operating this wireless transmitter 80, the position of the device main body 10 can be known aurally, which is extremely convenient.

Note that in this case, if the headphones 32 of the device main body 10 are connected, the speaker 30 does not emit sound for position confirmation. In order to prevent such a situation, the device of the embodiment is provided with a forced voice device 28, which forcibly outputs an audio signal for position confirmation from the speaker 30 when the remote control receiver 70 receives a position confirmation radio wave. It is formed to do so.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the case where Braille consisting of 6 dots is input is explained as an example, but it can also be applied to the case where Braille other than this, such as Braille consisting of 8 dots, is input as necessary. Needless to say.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, a visually impaired person can input Braille data while confirming it by voice, and thus can input Braille data accurately.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, by inputting Braille data using Braille keys corresponding to each dot making up Braille, the input speed of Braille data is faster than when using Braille keys as in the past. This has greatly improved the performance and makes almost no noise when inputting data, making it extremely suitable as a Braille input device for visually impaired people, and especially as a means of Braille input for blind people in places where noise is averse, such as lecture halls. Become something.

Further, according to the present invention, by using various function keys such as a delete key, it is possible to easily delete or correct input data, which was not possible with the conventional technology.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a typewriter for visually impaired people to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. An explanatory diagram showing the configuration; Figures 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams of kana, numbers, and alphabets expressed using 6-point braille; Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the typewriter keyboard of the embodiment; Figure 7 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operating mode of the typewriter of the embodiment, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the DIP switch of the circuit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how a visually impaired person can wirelessly locate the typewriter from a distance. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the appearance of the typewriter of this embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Main body, 22...Central processing unit, 24...Voice part, 26...Volume, 28...Forced voice device, 30...Speaker, 32...Headphones, 40... - Main data memory, 42... Memo data memory, 44... Address data memory, 46... Schedule data memory, 70... Remote control receiving section, 80... Transmitter, 112-116...
Braille keys 140-184...Function keys

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) At least an input means configured to input each point constituting Braille, a character discrimination means for discriminating the input Braille, and an audio output means for outputting the discriminated Braille as a confirmation voice; 1. A braille data input device for visually impaired persons, comprising a document storage means into which inputted braille is written, and wherein the visually impaired person inputs braille while confirming it audibly. (2) In claim (1), the input means includes: a Braille key for inputting each dot forming Braille, a deletion key for deleting the input Braille, and a function key for selecting an operating function of the device. 1. A braille data input device for visually impaired persons, characterized in that the visually impaired person inputs and deletes braille while confirming the braille by voice. (3) In either of claims (1) and (2), the input means has a function of switching the Braille input mode to a kana input mode, an alphabet mode, and a numeric input mode, for a visually impaired person. Braille data input device. (4) In any one of claims (1) to (3), a portable position confirmation wireless transmitter formed separately from the device body so that a visually impaired person can carry it; and a portable position confirmation wireless transmitter provided on the device body side. A braille data input device for a visually impaired person, comprising: a position indicating sound generating means for audibly informing a visually impaired person of the location of the device main body by receiving a signal from the transmitter. (5) A braille data input device for visually impaired persons, comprising: the braille data input device according to any one of claims (1) to (4); and printing means for printing the braille data written in the document storage means. Typewriter.