Research on Development of the Barrier-Free Math Editor

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We study how to access mathematical information with the aid of speech output (in Japanese and English) only. Based on that, interfaces to incorporate a function of speech output into the Japanese and English versions of our mathematical document editor; "InftyEditor" were developed. Using them, visually disabled persons in Japan and English-speaking countries not only can access but also can write or edit scientific documents including math expressions with speech output for themselves. A basic research on speech-input system for math expressions was also done.We study new methodology to design the unified Braille code based on the Unicode so that it can consistently treat all areas ranging from ordinary texts to highly technical documents in the unique code system. Based on it, the second version of "the Unified Japanese Braille Code" was developed. It completely compatible with "the Unified English Braille Code" and allows us to develop the bidirectional computerized-translation system between documents in Braille and in print.The handwriting-input interface for math expressions and the OCR system for scientific documents were also developed. Using our math OCR system, "Infty Reader," one can recognize technical materials including special characters and notations. The recognition results can be converted into various accessible formats such as XML,MATHML,HTML,PDF and so on. In particular, visually disabled persons can access ones in XML format by using our math editor with speech output, "Chatty Infty."By combining Chatty Infty and Infty Reader, we constructed a system to allow visually disabled persons to access scientific documents in print for themselves. Furthermore, using a tactile display or a Braille embosser, we realize a new environment in which visually disabled persons can correct recognition errors without any help by sighted people.