Humphreys, John (1979) A computer-based system for production of Braille music. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

A computer-based system has been developed for production of braille music without the use of a skilled braillist. The system Is designed to be used by an operator having no knowledge of braille or computers. Some ability to read printed music Is helpful, but not essential, and no expert musicianship is required.
The input to the system is a coded representation of music notation typed on the keyboard of a graphical display unit by an operator reading printed music. Syntax checking is performed by the program during input to help reduce the number of errors made by the operator. The music is displayed graphically on the screen as it is typed, in a form similar to the printed copy, giving he operator immediate feedback and an opportunity to correct any mistakes.
The music, once stored, may be edited until correct using the keyboard of the terminal in conjunction with a joystick or light pen. Any part of the stored music may be rapidly accessed and displayed on the screen or a digital plotter for checking purposes. The stored music may be archived temporarily or permanently on magnetic tape for subsequent retrieval, in both print and braille forms.
The translation algorithm performs automatic translation to a close approximation to the international braille music code. Although the system is intended primarily to be used without the aid of a braillist, it does allow access to, and editing of, the braille before final output.
The output from the system is the braille music notation corresponding to the input, suitable for embossing directly on an braille terminal connected on-line to the computer. The quality of samples of music of various types produced in braille using this system has been evaluated with the assistance of a number of braille music readers.
The system is suitable for implementation at a braille printing house, and incorporates a general-purpose editor for music notation which may also be useful for other musicological applications.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature of music
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Music -- Data processing, Braille music notation, Music and technology, Computer music, Assistive computer technology, Braille
Official Date:	May 1979
Dates:	Date Event May 1979 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Douce, J. L.
Sponsors:	Science Research Council (Great Britain)
Extent:	[418] leaves : illustrations, graphs, music
Language:	eng

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