Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P Blenkhorn.
This paper describes a novel method for automatically generating Braille documents from word-processed (Microsoft Word) documents. In particular it details how, by using the Word Object Model, the translation system can map the layout information (format) in the print document into an appropriate Braille equivalent.
This paper describes the motivation for and the design considerations of a low-cost head-operated joystick. The paper briefly summarizes the requirements of head-operated mouse pointer control for people with disabilities before discussing a set of technological approaches that can be used to satisfy these requirements. The paper focuses on the design of a head-operated joystick that uses infrared light emitting diodes (LED's) and photodetectors to determine head position, which is subsequently converted into signals that emulate a Microsoft mouse. There are two significant findings. The first is that, while nonideal device characteristics might appear to make the joystick difficult to use, users naturally compensate for nonlinearities, in a transparent manner, because of visual feedback of mouse pointer position. The second finding, from relatively informal, independent trials, indicates that disabled users prefer a head-operated device that has the characteristics of a joystick (a relative pointing device) to those of a mouse (an absolute pointing device).
This paper describes a method for converting text into braille, in the form in which it is stored as in a computer. The system has been designed to be configurable for a wide range of languages and character sets, and uses a predominantly table driven method to achieve this. The algorithm is explained in the context of the conversion of text into Standard English Braille (British), and the tables for this transformation are given. Particular importance has been attached to enabling braille specialists, who are not experts in computer algorithms, to be able to modify the system for either slight modifications to an existing braille code translator, or for producing a braille code translator for a new language.
This paper describes a set of low-cost sound beacons. The paper introduces the problem area that motivated the work, considers alternative solutions and describes the radio triggered solution adopted. The paper discusses further developments to make the system suitable for indoor as well as external use.
The increasing use of electronic displays in domestic products can pose great problems for blind people wishing to use microwave ovens, video cassette recorders, hi-fi systems, etc. One method of trying to solve these problems is to provide a handheld "display reader" that can translate the alphanumeric and symbolic information presented on the display into speech. A prototype system has been developed and evaluated. User requirements for this device and the problems of the image sensor, the image processing method, and the user interaction with the system are also discussed.
There are several approaches to producing communication aids for people with disabilities. The system described here takes the approach of utilizing as much mainstream hardware as possible, and adapting it with some modular software tools which have been designed to facilitate the building of customized symbol communication systems. The target audience are clients who are symbol users and/or have a speech impairment. The system provides several levels of screens, each of which can contain grids of scalable icons. A number of input methods are provided including keyboard, switch, mouse and touch-screen. Digitized and/or text to speech synthesis can be used for reinforcement of selections and for communication. The structure of the system is discussed and initial feedback from the first field trials is presented.