A research of Japanese version unified braille code standardlization and support software

在这项研究中，有两个目的。本文首先介绍了在英语口语地区提出的一种新的盲文编码——统一盲文编码（UBC），并将其修改为日文标准版。其次，我们提供支持软件。然而，详细的UBC报告的介绍是在2000年后，UBC的评估工具包将分发给相关国家。为了向日本介绍UBC， 1)不修改假名描述部分（使用当前的日本盲文规则），2)所有在日语中出现的英语部分都取代了UBC规则，3)科学部分，这些是数学和化学，也用UBC表示。目前英语地区的现状，80%的人同意这个新的盲文代码。一个完整的定义将在今年夏天确定，新的规则计划在2003年开始实施。这项研究是一个为期两年的计划。在第一年，我们评估了日本盲文和UBC之间的调整和问题。通过对使用UBC文本的盲人的听力调查，探讨了一些关于教育问题、用户负担和困惑的焦虑。第一年和第二年，我们提出了支持软件，特别是完成了将日语文本（包含汉字和英语）转换为盲文的自动盲文翻译系统，该系统可以在Windows PC上运行。我们称这个软件为“EXTRA for Windows”。

In this research, there are two aims. At first, we introduce a new braille code which is proposed in English spoken area called Unified Braille Code (UBC), and modified it to Japanese standard version. Second, we offer support softwares. However the presentation of detail UBC report is after 2000 year, evaluation kits of UBC will be distributed for relative countries. To introduce the UBC to Japan, 1) a "Kana" descrived part is not modified (use a current Japanese braille rule), 2) all English parts which are appeared in Japanese are replaced UBC rule, 3) scientific parts, these are mathematics and chemical, are also represented by UBC. Current status of English spoken area, 80% agreed to this new braille code. A complete definition will be defined in this summer, and its new rule start is planed in 2003.This research was two years plan. At first year, we evaluated a adjustment and problems between Japanese braille and UBC. Some anxieties about educational problems, burdens of user and confusion are investigated by hearing the blind who use a UBC text. First and second year, we proposed support softwares, especially automatic braille translation system which converts Japanese text (that contains Chinese characters called Kanji and English) to braille which works on Windows PC is completed. We called this software "EXTRA for Windows".