Abstract

The braille production system is a slow and antiquated process. The end product is expensive, heavy, and bulky. A new, more efficient braille production system was designed, using computerized transcription, thermographic printing, and automated binding and finishing. Computerized transcription programs are readily available from a variety of sources; automated binding and finishing is a common feature of modern printing technology. A series of experiments was performed to evaluate the physical qualities of the braille cells produced by thermography. An internal tearing resistance test and machinability test were also performed to study the effect of heat on the paper stock. The strength of embossed and thermographed braille dots was studied and a comparison made. A literature search was also conducted to study the chemical characteristics of the resin used to produce the raised braille cells. A newspaper article was transcribed into braille and printed by thermography. Braille readers were asked to evaluate the readability and the overall quality of the material produced. The result of the experiments indicated that it was possible to produce braille by thermography, and that in certain aspects the product obtained was superior to embossed braille. Thermographic braille was found to be of a quality level acceptable to the Dlajor1ty of the braille population sampled.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Braille

Publication Date

6-1-1975

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Media Sciences (CIAS)

Advisor

Coombs, Norman

Advisor/Committee Member

Hacker, Robert

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HV1701.B35

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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