Evaluation of the Transparent-Resinous-Ultraviolet-Cured-Type (TRUCT) Braille readability with focus on vertical and horizontal Braille dot distances by use of new printing device for TRUCT Braille

Abstract

Braille is a well-known communication tool for the visually impaired. In recent years, as a result of advances in Braille printing technology, the use of transparent resinous ultraviolet cured type (TRUCT) Braille has spread rapidly. As one of the most popular Braille printing technologies, the screen printing method is applied for printing TRUCT Braille. However, the screen printing method produces TRUCT Braille prints of poor quality. In this study, in order to improve the printing quality, we created a device for printing TRUCT Braille. Additionally, we evaluated TRUCT Braille readability for Braille beginner readers by focusing on horizontal and vertical Braille dot distances using our created device. From this study, we found that it was easy to print TRUCT Braille using our device. Braille beginner readers found it easy to read TRUCT Braille with adequate horizontal and vertical Braille dot distances. These findings support the use of TRUCT Braille for new Braille beginner textbooks, as well as for printing Braille signs in public facilities.

Keywords

• human engineering
• human interface
• welfare engineering
• truct braille
• visually impaired
• printing device
• vertical and horizontal braille dot distance
• readability