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From Gurmukhi to Braille: Patiala University joins dots, launches inclusive tool for visually impaired readers

From Gurmukhi to Braille: Patiala University joins dots, launches inclusive tool for visually impaired readers

Time of India3 days ago
PATIALA: A technology developed by a research team at Punjabi University here enables the conversion of Punjabi texts into Braille, empowering visually impaired individuals to access written content in their native language.
The system, developed by Charanjeev Singh Saroya from the department of computer science and engineering under the guidance of Dr Kawaljit Singh, integrates advanced features such as Gurmukhi-to-Braille transcription, automatic font conversion, an extensive linguistic corpus, and text-to-speech functionality. "The primary goal is to provide a seamless digital pathway for visually impaired individuals to engage with information in their mother tongue," said Kawaljit Singh, while highlighting the transformative potential of the technology.
Kawaljit Singh described the technology as a revolutionary step towards making knowledge accessible to the visually impaired in Punjabi. By enabling swift and accurate conversion of Gurmukhi script into Braille, this innovation promotes self-reliance and enhances the quality of life for its users, he added.
Elaborating on the system's capabilities, Charanjeev Saroya noted the ability to instantly convert Punjabi text into Grade-1 and Grade-2 Braille with exceptional precision - 99.9% accuracy for Grade-1 and 99.7% for Grade-2.
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Grade-1 Braille involves character-by-character transcription, where each Punjabi letter is mapped to a corresponding Braille symbol. For Grade-2 Braille, sophisticated coding patterns enhance efficiency, catering to more complex linguistic structures. The system accepts Unicode-based text inputs and delivers Braille output in BRF (Braille Ready Format) or text format, compatible with screen readers and Braille printers.
"This system will not only convert Gurmukhi into Braille, but it will work beyond this through the process called contraction, which will make the transcribed text less voluminous," said a researcher associated with the project.
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