[Blindmath] Math Production Question

Thu Dec 22 20:31:08 UTC 2011

A couple of comments of my own. Just to inform those who haven't heard. 
The BrailleBlaster software will be capable of producing both math in 
various braille codes and tactile graphics. It uses the same braille 
engine as TSS. Development is in a very early stage, but work is 
continuous. to get an idea of the present status of the project go to 
http://www.brailleblaster.org 

John B.
On Thu, Dec 22, 2011 at 11:40:13AM -0800, John Gardner wrote:
> I'll add four comments to George's below.  Details on all of the
> technologies I describe are available on the www.acccess2science.com web
> site.  Math in the Duxbury application mentioned by George is also
> documented on that site.
> 
> John Gardner
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of George Bell
> Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2011 10:48 AM
> To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
> Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Math Production Question
> 
> Hi James,
> 
> You've asked a heck of a lot in a short space.
> 
> If we leave diagrams aside for a moment, various output formats from
> Large Print to Braille can be done using INFTY to scan if needs be.
> You save the scan as an XML file, whereupon it can be brought into
> Word 2007 or 2010
> 
> It's an easy job then to convert what will be Word's Math objects into
> MathType objects using MathType to do this.
> 
> You are then ready to do any corrections and editing, paying
> particular attention to the Word Styles used.
> 
> When you have a decent Word file, again it's a relatively easy
> operation, if required, to convert the whole document, including the
> math object into Large Print, although you will need to review the
> enlargement and possible edit where appropriate.
> 
> The very same original file may then be simply brought into Duxbury
> 11.1 for conversion to Braille, but here you do need to carefully
> proof read the braille.
> 
> JAG: You can also use TSS with a ViewPlus embosser.  If you use an embosser
> that also prints ink, TSS will give you both the braille and ink.  It will
> print ink words above braille and print the ink equation over the braille.
> 
> Gain with the same original Word file, you can prepare for DAISY.
> 
> Graphics are a different matter, and there are many who are
> experienced in this field here.  
> JAG: There are several ways to handle the graphics.  I can only tell you the
> two ways to do it with ViewPlus software.  One is to make a stand-alone
> tactile graphic.  Scan in a graphic, import into MS Word, stretch to as big
> as will fit on what page size you are using, then put text boxes over any
> (bit-mapped) text labels and type in that same text.  TSS will then convert
> that text to braille.  Be sure that the text boxes are large enough for the
> braille!    Then emboss, with ink again if you have the right embosser.  You
> usually need to write a descriptive paragraph explaining what the figure is
> all about and include it in braille.  Some (unfortunately small fraction) of
> your braille-reading blind students will be able to understand this figure.
> The second method is to use audio-tactile access with IVEO.  Audio-tactile
> graphics are much easier for most blind students to understand.  To make an
> audio-tactile graphic, you import the scanned image into IVEO Creator Pro,
> and the bit-mapped-text is automatically converted to real text.  You also
> usually need to add some information into the file about what the various
> objects in the figure are, just as you need to write a descriptive paragraph
> about a stand-alone tactile figure.  Then emboss it, make a computer and
> touchpad available to the student who will hear text labels and that
> information in audio when text or objects are pressed.
> 
> I will add that I'm currently testing
> out a Phoenix graphics and braille embosser, but it is too early to
> report progress.
> 
> Scientific Notebook is possible something to consider later but so far
> in our school system, it's not proved to be required.  Perhaps when we
> advance to University level we will need it, but there are few enough
> doing decent math at the school level.
> JAG: You don't need Scientific Notebook for anything.  You can write any
> conceivable math expression with MathType in MS Word, and TSS will translate
> it into Nemeth perfectly.
> 
> We're also looking at how we may obtain speech output from the Word
> file, and will be tackling that in the New Year.
> JAG: Easy.  Export to a MathPlayer-format HTML file using the MathType
> "Publish as Math Page" menu item.  Then open in Internet Explorer in which
> the free MathPlayer plug-in is installed.  Check with the MathPlayer
> manufacturer (Design Science) web site to set various IE security options
> properly.  Then read the Word document, including equations in audio with
> any screen reader.
> 
> 
> All the best, and Seasons Greetings,
> 
> George.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James McCarthy
> Sent: 22 December 2011 17:34
> To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
> Subject: [Blindmath] Math Production Question
> 
> I operate an instructional materials access center making accessible
> textbooks in the state of Maryland. I personally have little knowledge
> of stem materials, but am committed to providing as accessible a stem
> experience as possible. I am an avid follower of this list, though
> rarely post, however, I now seek your advice. To date, we have not had
> any capacity to provide accessible mathematic materials. However, we
> strive to change this to the extent it is feasible. We are purchasing
> the entire Infty Reader suite and can purchase most of the remaining
> software we will need.
> Obviously MathType seems essential and I think MathDAISY may also be
> something we require. I am less sure of the role of Scientific
> Notebook, though I have some notes stating it is helpful and perhaps
> essential for a production house. Any thoughts from others on this
> list? 
> 
>  
> 
> James McCarthy, J.D.
> 
> Maryland Accessible Textbook Program Coordinator
> 
> Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
> 
> 415 Park Avenue
> 
> Baltimore, MD 21201
> 
> Phone: (410) 230-2453
> 
> Fax: (410) 333-2095
> 
> Email: jmccart at lbph.lib.md.us
> 
>  
> 
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-- 
John J. Boyer; President, Chief Software Developer
Abilitiessoft, Inc.
http://www.abilitiessoft.com
Madison, Wisconsin USA
Developing software for people with disabilities