Digital System Reads Graphs to the Blind

Aug-03-14 A new digital system that allows the visually-impaired to 'read' graphs could provide them with more learning and employment opportunities while also making day-to-day business a bit easier.

The system was developed by Senior Lecturer Dr Iain Murray and PhD student Azadeh Nazemi, who wanted to provide a way for the visually-impaired to read the graphs and statistics that are so commonly used today. The device uses pattern recognition, machine learning and segmentation methods to identify blocks of texts or pictures and arrange them in the proper reading order. Once the blocks are properly arranged, the system uses optical character recognition or Mathspeak (the utility for math) to convert the information to audio format.

The system could be built for as low as $100 per unit and is open source, which makes it accessible to many more people than typical graphical material converters.

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[EDU.AU]

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