A simple text-based method of producing math/science symbols or musical notes for use in a Thai/English Braille translation software

Abstract

An important part of helping blind students in their education is to have text books and reading materials available in accessible format. Braille is one format that is used and is considered essential reading and writing technique for the blind. In order to produce Braille materials quickly, Braille translation software that converts files from print to Braille has been used widely for English and many other languages throughout the world. For the past ten years, material production staff and blind students in Thailand have been using TBT software (Thai Braille Translation) for their Braille production needs. Bringing our Braille translator development experience to another level, the research team at Ratchasuda College of Mahidol University and other important partners began software development work on yet another Braille translator called RS BRAILLE (Ratchasuda Braille). This is a comprehensive translation software that converts Thai, English, math, science, and music from print to Braille. Using simple textbased method of typing math/science symbols or musical notes in either Thai or English document, RS Braille can produce literary Braille in Thai and English (in grade 1 or grade 2 with contractions) with several formatting controls. Depending on the materials, standard Braille music or standard math/science NEMETH Braille codes will be incorporated in the Braille output.