Automated tactile graphics translation: in the field

We address the practical problem of automating the process of translating figures from mathematics, science, and engineering textbooks to a tactile form suitable for blind students. The Tactile Graphics Assistant (TGA) and accompanying workflow is described. Components of the TGA that identify text and replace it with Braille use machine learning, computational geometry, and optimization algorithms. We followed through with the ideas in our 2005 paper by creating a more detailed workflow, translating actual images, and analyzing the translation time. Our experience in translating more than 2,300 figures from 4 textbooks demonstrates that figures can be translated in ten minutes or less of human time on average. We describe our experience with training tactile graphics specialists to use the new TGA technology. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.4.2 [Social Issues]: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities General Terms Human Factors Keywords Tactile graphics, Braille, us...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: ASSETS
• Authors: Chandrika Jayant, Matthew Renzelmann, Dana Wen, Satria Krisnandi, Richard E. Ladner, Dan Comden
• Keywords: ASSETS 2007, Emerging Technology, Machine Learning, Tactile Graphics, Tactile Graphics Specialists