CLOSED CAPTION TO BRAILLE COMPUTER SYSTEM 01/02/98 INTRODUCTION The Closed Caption\Braille Computer System (CCBCS) allows deaf- blind persons to read, in braille, televised closed captioning programs. The data input-output and translation are under computer software control. Hardware consists of a video tape recorder, an IBM compatible computer, and a special closed caption to braille computer card. The above hardware, when used with the customer supplied TeleBraille, will display closed captioning in either Grade I or II braille. DESIGN OBJECTIVES The primary design objective of the (CCBCS) is to provide at an affordable price, real time television to persons with deaf- blindness. Several options are available for those who already own computers or VCR's, and are capable of installing computer cards, cables, and software. HARDWARE The system front end uses a VCR as a TV channel selector. It has a video output to a special closed caption computer card, which also serves as a tone generator for the telebraille. The computer is an IBM compatible with memory, hard disk, COMM 1 and 2 ports, 1.44MB floppy drive, monochrome monitor and keyboard. The output from the special card is connected to a telephone handset for acoustical coupling to the telebraille. Thus, no electrical connections or modifications to the telebraille are necessary. The TeleSensory SuperPhone, TeleBraille II or III may be used as the braille output device. SOFTWARE (COPYRIGHT 1994-1997) The heart of the system is the Closed Caption\Braille System software written in Microsoft Basic 7.0. This software translates the captioned American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) data to either Grade I or II braille. The software controls the input-output data, and outputs the ASCII data as tone modem signals. Features of this software are: 1. Closed caption to a telebraille, Grade I or II. (Grade II is a limited Barbour-Price version) 2. Closed caption to the computer monitor in standard character size, Grade I or II or large characters to the monitor Grade I only. 3. Closed caption to the floppy or hard disk, Grade I or II. 4. Closed caption to a parallel printer port, Grade I or II. 5. Read back of the floppy or hard disk to the telebraille in Grade I or II. 6. Read back of the floppy or hard disk to the monitor in standard character size, Grade I or II, or large characters to the monitor in Grade I. 7. Computer keyboard to the monitor in standard character size, Grade I or II or large characters to the monitor in Grade I. 8. Computer keyboard to the floppy or hard disk, Grade I or II. 9. The EDIT file of the MS\DOS 6.22 may be used as a word processor to produce ASCII files on the floppy or hard disk. These disks could be used in place of braille books for data base information, lesson plans, or other data retrieval in braille. 10.Easy read back of the floppy as a README file by pressing a single F5 key on the computer keyboard. i.e., may also be used as a newsletter, for mail, or for instructions for the deaf-blind. To become familiar with the system, we highly recommend the deaf-blind use the readme floppy, played back in braille. 11.Easy recording of closed caption to the floppy as CAPTION, by pressing single F9 key. 12.Other features of the Closed Caption\Braille Computer System software are:menu displays, audio cueing, and simple variable speed control of the braille output to meet the requirements of the user. In addition, the software options may be preset to 30 different combinations. When the computer power is turned on, the computer will automatically start in the desired mode via the AUTOEXEC. BAT file and run without user intervention. COMMENTS We feel this system has the features and flexibility for the deaf-blind which no other computer system possesses. It it the first known television closed captioning computer system for Grade I and II braille. The floppy disk captioning file-save, and the disk word processor read-write option for conversion back as braille output, is a major feature. We think this system is not only beneficial for the deaf-blind, but also for persons with a single handicap of blindness, low vision, or hearing impairment. The telebraille is not required as part of the system by persons with low vision to read the large characters on the computer monitor. SYSTEM ITEMS The following items are provided for the system: 1.(a) IBM compatible computer at the best market price, it will be at a minium a 486DX 66 MHZ clock with 4MB memory, 1.44MB 3 1/2" floppy drive, 520MB hard disk, 12 inch monochrome monitor and keyboard (b) special closed captioning and tone generator computer card (c) interface cables and a telephone handset (d) Closed Caption to braille Computer System software and Microsoft DOS 6.22 loaded on the computer with floppy back-up. 2. A VCR with remote control. 3. Installation and operation instructions. 4. A floppy disk of the Installation and Operating instructions. This floppy is for the deaf-blind to read back in braille the Installation and Operations instructions. (Via the computer F5 function key) COST The cost of the above turn-key system is $1,985.00 plus shipping. Call to discuss your requirements or cost reducing options. PLEASE NOTE: THE TELEBRAILLE IS NOT SUPPLIED. THE CUSTOMER MUST PROVIDE THE TSI SUPERPHONE, THE TELEBRAILLE II OR III EQUIPMENT TO WORK WITH THIS SYSTEM. Note: the turn-key system is shipped with the software CCBCS1SB loaded and setup so that when power is turned on the system. It will automatticly start the closed caption to telebraille after all connections called for are made. WARRANTY LIMITED 1 YEAR PARTS AND LABOR, VOID IF SEAL IS BROKEN. AVAILABLE FROM: DEWTRONICS Nelson R. Dew 206 Bob Vines Rd. P.O. Box 308 Ghent, WV 25843-0308 Phone (304) 787-9712 E-Mail ndew@cwv.net OPTIONS 1. The above system less the TeleBraille. $1,985.00 + SH 2. The above system less the Video Cassette Recorder. $1,712.60 + SH 3. The above system with a used computer. (Call for price) 4. If you already own a VCR and AT computer with DOS 5.0 or higher, the above special closed caption to braille computer interface plug-in card and software are available. $635.60 + SH A special cable is provided for the card and Comm ports. Comm 1 is a DB-9F and Comm 2 is a DB-25F connector for the 286,386,486, or 586 computer. For the Pentimum the Comm 1 and 2 connectors are DB-9F. If you have a different port configuration, you may use RS-232 serial port adapters. Also, the Comm ports must be UART type 16450 or equivalent set for: PORT COMM 1 COMM 2 I/O 3F8 2F8 IRQ IRQ4 IRQ3 If you use the Comm ports for other peripheral devices, an A/B switch may be used. Option 1 and 2 comes with a 1 year warranty, and option 3 with 90 day warranty for self installers. A special order maybe made for a self contained CCB card to be used with Laptops. Call to discuss your requirements. INSTALLATION PROCEDURES Carefully unpack and set the equipment upon a table or desk. Before plugging in any equipment to the AC power, follow these instructions. 1. Connect the monochrome computer monitor cable DB9M connector end to the computer monitor connector DB9F. (Red dot cable monitor connector to red dot computer connector.) 2. Connect the computer keyboard cable to the keyboard input on the back of the computer. 3. Connect the special 14 inch signal cable with a DB9M, DB9F, DB25F and telephone handset cable. (Green dot DB9M cable end to the green dot DB9F closed caption to braille card (CCB).) Connect the CCB telephone handset to the 8 ft. telephone cable coming out of the DB9M connector and place the handset in the cradle of the telebraille. (Connect the blue dot DB9F cable end to the blue dot DB9M Comm 1 port.) (Connect the DB25F black dot cable end to the DB25M black dot Comm 2 port.) 4. Connect one end of the 10 ft. video cable to the video output jack on the VCR. Connect the other end to the computer CCB card video input jack. (Yellow dot) 5. Connect the antenna or cable TV to the VCR. 6. VCR AC power cable to a 110 volt power source. 7. Monitor AC power cable to the AC power outlet on the computer. 8. Computer AC power cord end to the computer power input connector. 9. Computer AC power cable to a 110 volt power source. Recheck all cable connections. The power for each piece of equipment in the system may now be turned on. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPTION 3 CCB CARD 1. The CCB card may be installed in any 286, 386, 486, 586 or Pentimun ISA bus computers. 2. DOS 5.0 or higher is recommended. 3. Both Comm ports 1 and 2 are used by the CCB card. If you use the Comm ports for other peripheral devices, an A/B switch may be used. 4. The Comm ports must be UART type 16450 or equivalent set for: Port Comm 1 Comm 2 I/O 3F8 2F8 IRQ IRQ4 IRQ3 5. With the computer power off, and power cord disconnected from the A.C. OUTLET, remove the cover and install the CCB card in an ISA bus slot. 6. A special cable is provided for the CCB card and Comm ports. The cables are: Comm 1 is a DB-9F, Comm 2 is a DB-25F and a DB-9M connector for the CCB card (All labeled). If you have older port connectors, you may use RS-232 serial port adapters. Connect the DB-9M labeled CCB on this cable to the CCB card ,labeled CCB DB-F. Connect the cables Comm port 1 DB-F to the computers Comm 1 port. Connect the cable's Comm port 2 DB-25F to the computers Comm 2 port. Also on the CCB DB-9F there is a telephone line cable with a telephone handset plug. Connect this plug to the telephone handset that is provided, and place the handset in the cradle of the telebraille. If you do not have the Comm ports built into the motherboard or controller card, like the old 286, you may use a separate RS-232 card. Also, some game cards have Comm ports that may be used. Make sure that you do not have IRQ or address conflicts. 7. Replace the computer cover, plug in the power cable, and turn on the power. 8. The closed caption to braille software is provided on a 3.5 floppy. Copy this file (CCBCS1SW) from the floppy to the hard drive. Save the floppy as your back up copy. 9. Add to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, as the last line, the file name CCBCS1SB. This allows the deaf-blind person to turn on the computer power and go into an auto boot for the closed caption to braille software program. Reboot the computer, or type after the C: prompt, CCBCS1SB and enter. The computer will start the CCB program. 10. Follow the monitor screen menu to set up the system for the deaf-blind, or see the normal installation istructions and matrix chart. OPERATING THE CLOSED CAPTION\BRAILLE COMPUTER SYSTEM 1. After completing the installation, follow the steps below to set up the system. 2. Turn-on the VCR, and using a TV guide, acquire a TV closed caption program, or use a closed caption video tape. 3. Turn-on the computer power. 4. After 30 seconds the computer " boots-up" to the Closed Caption\Braille software program via the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, and automatically displays the closed caption on the computer monitor. After the auto boot, jump to step 18. 5. If during the boot time the message: "PRESS ENTER FOR STANDARD SYSTEM SETUP OR ANY KEY TO REVISE SET-UP." is pressed, it over rides the auto boot and gives you control for changing the set-up configuration. 6. Press any key to revise set-up. The monitor will display "SEND MESSAGE TO PRINTER" Y/N 7. Type N 8. The monitor will display: "SEND CONTRACTION MESSAGE TO PRINTER?" Y/N 9. Type N 10. The monitor will display: "USE GRADE 2 CONTRACTIONS?" Y/N 11. Type N 12. The monitor will display : "ENABLE AUDIBLE CUEING OF SELECTIONS?" Y/N 13. Type N 14. The monitor will display:" MAKE SELECTION OF INPUT SOURCE:" (0 TO END) A-TELECAPTION B-DISK FILE C-KEYBOARD 15. Type A (This selects the telecaption as the input device) 16. The monitor will display: D-MONITOR L-MONITOR LARGE CHARACTERS E-DISK FILE F-TELEBRAILLE 17. Type F (This will select the telebraille as the output device.) 18. The decoded closed captioning will appear on the computer monitor screen, as seen on a TV, for the hearing impaired. 19. Disconnect the standard telephone line from the telebraille when using the CCB system, or use a telephone line A/B switch to disconnect the phone line while using the telebraille. Place the telephone handset in the cradle of the telebraille. For the TSI superphone, the first step is to "cord r"(1,2,3,5,6 + space bar) for the 110 baud rate. The second step is to "cord o" (1,3,5,6 + space bar) for the ASCII mode. If using the TSI telebraille II or III the first step is to select the ASCII mode by cording "o". After this, the telebraille will display (prompt) the Y/N. Answer the prompt with, Y (change settings), Y (110 baud rate), Y (full duplex) and Y (answer). The last step is to cord " t" (2,4,5 + space bar) for the telephone mode. 20. The closed captioning Grade I will now be displayed on the telebraille display and on the braille cells. 21. Press the computer keyboard letter S to slow down the characters going to the telebraille. 22. Press the computer keyboard F to speed up the output to the telebraille. 23. Set this output speed at the rate the user can read. 24. The menu will still be displayed and may be used as directed, i.e., F - Speed up text output (To the telebraille and computer monitor) S- Slow down text output (To the telebraille and computer monitor) P- Pause (The text output to the telebraille and computer monitor will pause, but the computer will continue to record the closed captioning.) Press the P key to continue . Q or F1- Exit or Restart (By pressing Q or F1 one time, you may restart the setup. By pressing Q twice it will store the set-up menu and return the computer to the C: prompt for other computer use. The Q should always be pressed TWICE before power is turned off, so the same setup menu and time delay reading speed is maintained for the deaf-blind when they again turn on the system. F5- INPUT DATA FROM A:\README FILE A simple press one key method of reading the floppy prepared as a readme file, may be used to read a floppy newsletter or instructions in lieu of hard copy braille. Pressing the F5 key again will toggle you back to the prior setup. F9- SEND MESSAGE TO FILE A:\CAPTION Pressing the F9 key a method of recording the closed caption on to the A: floppy drive. Pressing the F9 key will toggle you back to the prior setup. To read back A:\CAPTION you must go back to the setup routine for floppy input and type in CAPTION as the file name. 25. The system is now set-up for a deaf-blind person to read TV closed caption or closed caption video tapes via the VCR to the telebraille in Grade I braille. 26. To switch to Grade II braille, press on the computer keyboard, shift and plus. Press again to go back to Grade I. 27. To keep this menu configuration stored in the computer for the next time the computer is used, press the Q TWICE and turn off the computer power. 28. Turn off the VCR power on its front panel, or use the power off, on the remote control unit for the VCR. This allows the VCR to power back up to the same TV channel. To set up any of the 30 different combinations, reference the SETUP CONFIGURATIONS chart. Repeat the above steps and select your configuration requirements. Examples may be: 1. The telecaption to the computer monitor in large characters, or 2. telecaption to the printer, and at the same time in Grade II braille to the telebraille. DEAF-BLIND INSTRUCTIONS A deaf-blind person may now use the system by performing the following steps: 1. Turn on the VCR power by using the front power switch or the power button on the remote control unit. All previous VCR settings will remain the same. The VCR remote control unit may be used by the deaf-blind to modify or select other TV channels as desired. 2. Turn on the computer power. After 30 seconds the computer will automatically run the closed caption software setup in the above steps. 3. Turn on the telebraille power. For the superphone, cord "r" (110 baud rate) then cord "o" (ASCII) mode. For the telebraille II or III cord "o", the ASCII mode and answer Y four times, (change settings),(110 baud), (full duplex), (answer) then cord "t"(telephone mode.) The closed captioning will appear on the braille cells. 4. The user may press the computer keyboard S to slow down the speed of the braille, F to speed it, P to pause. Press the F5 key for reading back the floppy A:\README file. Press the F5 again to toggle back to the prior setup. Press the F9 key to record closed captioning as A:\CAPTION. Press the F9 key again to toggle back to the prior setup. Press Q one time to return to the setup menu. Press Q TWICE if turning power off. This saves the setup software program configuration and time delay for the telebraille display/braille speed for the next power on time. SUMMARY FOR THE DEAF-BLIND 1. Turn on the VCR. 2. Turn on the computer, wait 30 seconds. 3. Turn on the telebraille and cord for the superphone "r" then "o". Telebraille II or III cord "o" then answer Y three times, then cord "t". The television closed caption will now appear on the braille cells. 4. Turn off all of the above equipment when not used for long periods of time. PROGRAM SETUP MATRIX DEVICE* MONITOR T.BRAILLE PRINTER** IN OUT GRADE I II GRADE I II GRADE I II A D Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N A L*** Y/N Y/**** Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N A E Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N A F Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N B D Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N B L*** Y /N Y/**** Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N B E ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** B F Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N C D Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N C L*** Y/N Y/**** Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N C E Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N C F ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** * IN FROM: * OUT TO: Y-YES A-TELECAPTION D-MONITOR N-NO B-DISK FILE L-MONITOR LARGE CHARACTERS C-KEYBOARD E-DISK FILE F-TELEBRAILLE ** THE PRINTER MAY BE A STANDARD COMPUTER PRINTER OR HARD COPY BRAILLE. ALSO, IF GRADES I AND II ARE SELECTED FOR THE PRINTER AS A "YES", THEN BOTH GRADES WILL PRINT ONE LINE AFTER THE OTHER. *** LARGE CHARACTERS TO THE MONITOR ONLY. (SCREEN MESSAGE) **** NO GRADE II IN LARGE CHARACTERS. ***** NON-FUNCTIONAL MODE, JUMPS TO SET UP. FOLLOW THE MONITOR SCREEN MENU OR SCREEN MESSAGE WHEN SETTING UP THE ABOVE MATRIX. USING THE TELEBRAILLE III Setting up the TELEBRAILLE III via the TDD keyboard for reading closed caption or ASCII text from the system. STEP: 1. CTRL + ASCII TDD display (ASCII CODE OFF? Y/N) Answer N 2. CHANGE SETTINGS? Y/N Answer Y 3. 110 BAUD? Y/N Answer Y 4. FULL DUPLEX? Y/N Answer Y 5. ANSWER Y/N Answer Y 6. Ctrl + AUTO ANSWER The ASCII information will now be displayed on the TDD and the braille unit. Setting up the TELEBRAILLE by cording to read the closed caption or ASCII text from the system. STEP: 1. Cord r for the ASCII mode. (1,2,3, 5 + space bar) 2. CHANGE SETTINGS? Answer Y (1,3, 4,5,6) 3. 110 BAUD? Y/N Answer Y (1,3, 4,5,6) 4. FULL DUPLEX Y/N Answer Y (1,3, 4,5,6) 5. ANSWER Y/N Answer Y (1,3, 4,5,6) 6. Cord T for the telephone. (2, 4,5, + space bar) The ASCII will now be displayed on the TDD and the braille unit. PACKING LIST CLOSED CAPTION/BRAILLE COMPUTER SYSTEM CONSISTING OF: 1. IBM compatible 486-66 MHZ computer serial number ____________ with desk top AT case, 200 watt power supply, 4MB memory , 1.44 MB 3.5 floppy drive, IDE 520MB hard drive, 12 inch monochrome monitor serial number_________. 101 keyboard, MS-DOS 6.22 floppy and manual, and a special DEWTRONICS closed caption decoder/telebraille interface card installed in the computer. Serial number___________. 2. VCR model _____________, Serial number ________________, with a remote control unit, and a 10 ft. video cable. 3. Closed caption to braille Grade I and II software conversion program and DOS 6.22 loaded on the hard disk. Back up programs also provided on floppies. 5. Installation and operating instructions. 6. Floppy disk A:\README file of the Installation and Operating instructions for the deaf-blind to read back in braille, by using the F9 key on the computer. The above is a complete turn key system, less the customer supplied telebraille. END CCBCS FILE