Development of assistive system for the blind to learn Java programming

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

An assistive system for the blind was developed and completed. It enables the Java programming by tactile and hearing methods. This system consists of the three sorts of software shown below.Each of them has the function to output braille onto a Braille display terminal, and works without suppressing the speech output of the screen reader in use.1. Text editor :In addition to the basic functions required for editing text data, it has the functions to cooperate with Java compiler. It also informs the user of the current location (line number and method name) of the cullet when requested. The outlining function shows the structure of the Java source program currently edited.2. Alternative command prompt :It enables a blind user to operate the Windows system in command line mode. He/she can read character strings on the screen such as input command, execution result, system message etc. by means of Braille display terminal and speech output.3. Front processor for compiler :It is operated in command line mode in the same way as the Java standard compiler javac. But if any error is detected, a window is opened to display the error list. Choosing one of the item in the list, the line of source code in which the error occurred can be directly accessed through the text editor.The result of an experimentation showed that the system worked properly and was enough useful to help the blind in practicing Java programming.