info-cpm (12/08/82)
>From PLEHN@Mit-Mc Wed Dec 8 12:54:46 1982
To: INFO-CPM@BRL, INFO-MICRO@BRL
Cc: PLOUFF@Mit-Mc, FJW@Mit-Mc, ARPEE@Mit-Mc, ELLEN@Mit-Mc,
HORNIG.SIPBADMIN@Mit-Multics
Via: Mit-Mc; 8 Dec 82 0:11-EST
Via: Brl; 8 Dec 82 0:18-EST
Via: Brl-Bmd; 8 Dec 82 0:21-EST
John, an acquaintance of mine who is blind, has recently purchased a
microcomputer and a "VersaBraille" tactile braille display device. His
objective is to be able to translate ASCII text files to braille code,
for output to the VersaBraille. He has asked for help in locating a
translation program that runs under CP/M, to translate CP/M ASCII text
files to Standard English Braille, Grade 2, American Version. Any and
all relevant information would be sincerely appreciated.
Background Info
1. Braille symbols are not in one-for-one correspondance with letters
of the alphabet. Contractions are used, in accordance with defined
rules. "tion", for example, requires only one braille symbol
(specifically, when the "tion" is the end of a word)
2. Braille symbols are "bumps" in the form of a 2x3 matrix, two wide
and three high.
3. The VersaBraille is a portable device. It is about 14" wide by
8"deep and 6" high. It displays 20 braille symbols at a time in a 20-
cell row of tactile output elements. Just above the 20-cell braille
display is a long bar much like a space bar on a typewriter (or video
terminal). When the 20 braille symbols have been read, a touch of the
bar reads in the next 20 braille symbols from a buffer. The
VersaBraille includes a capability to enter information, but I don't
recall just how braille code is entered. It also includes a cassette
drive for storing braille code files. Manufacturer: Telesensory Systems
Inc.; Palo Alto, CA. Cost: approx $7000 Ouch! Two similar devices are
available: the MB2400 (24-cell) from Triformation, Inc; Stewart, FL and
the Brailink (40-cell) from Clarke & Smith.
4. The only translation software that John has been able to find for
use on a micro is sold by Duxbury Systems, Inc.; Duxbury,MA. This
translation program is object code that runs under Northstar DOS. (For
that reason, in particular, John bought a Northstar Horizon). Price:
(would you believe) $1000. The company says that they may market a CP/M
version "in about a year".
5. There is apparently a standard way to transmit the 6-bit braille
code since the same serial data that drives the VersaBraille will
operate a braille printer. The LED120 Braille Printer (LED is acronym
for Line Embossing Device), for example.
6. Pending availability of a translation program that runs under CP/M,
it would be very helpful to be able to convert CP/M ASCII text files to
Northstar Type 3 format. There are a number of laborious ways to
accomplish this conversion but what is desired is a program that will do
the conversion expediently with minimum hacking knowledge required of
the operator. If such a translation program were available, John would
at least be able to use the translation program that runs under N* DOS.
Help! (Apologies to those that receive this msg twice.)