Tactile and Advanced Computer Graphics Module 3 Scanning...

Tactile and Advanced

Computer Graphics Module 3

Scanning and Tactile Graphics

in Microsoft Word

PROFITT Curriculum Module # 3 – Scanning and Tactile Graphics in Microsoft Word

Graphic Design Module 3-1

Tactile and Advanced Computer Graphics Module 3

Scanning and Tactile Graphics in Microsoft Word

Summary

Goal(s): Transcribers-in-training will learn the basics of scanning files for manipulation in design programs, as well as the foundations of creating an electronic tactile graphic for reproduction on a ViewPlus Tiger embosser. SMART Objectives: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-sensitive By the end of this module, students should be able

to:

GD3.1: Realize the value of using the computer. Utilize ABBYY FineReader 10 to scan and recognize text to save to Microsoft Word and to save images to TIFF format. GD3.2: Configure the standard page layout of a graphic page using and become familiar with the tools required for creating tactile graphics in Microsoft Word 2010. GD3.3: Create simple shapes, grids, and graphs to emboss. Comprehend the value of electronic tactile graphics, but realize the importance of interpretation and judgment in the process.

Instructor(s): Braille Instructor Tactile Graphics Instructor

Delivery Method(s): Lecture Experiential Activities

Length: 6 hours

Any Applicable Business and/or Soft Skills? Adaptability, creativity, resourcefulness.

Corresponding LOC Lesson #

Take Away Message(s): Advancing technology is pushing braille and tactile graphics into electronic formats. Transcribers-in-training will gain skills and software knowledge required to render simple tactiles using the computer, and at the very least, create a foundation for further collage. Transcribers-in-training will utilize the information previously acquired to discern the most effective methods for creating graphics.



Instructor Preparation

Title of Module: Scanning and Tactile Graphics in Microsoft Word

The intent of this module is to teach transcribers-in-training the foundations of computer

generated graphics. Tapping into the knowledge of points, lines, and textures, as well as

rules around interpretation and representation, transcribers-in-training will master

functions required to make tactile graphics easier and more efficient. Tangible skills in

ABBYY FineReader 10 and Microsoft Word 2010 will provide an opportunity to bring tactile

graphics into the accessible electronic age.

Agenda – topics to be covered in the module and length of each item

Topic: Tactile Graphics Time Allotted: 6 hours

A. Where Do I Begin? (1.5 hours)

B. How Do I Use Microsoft Word to Create Tactile Graphics? (2.5 hours)

C. How Can I Create This?: Electronic Graphics. (2 hours)

Materials & Supplies – items needed in order to carry out the agenda and classroom activities

1. Computers loaded with MS Word 2010 and ABBY Finereader 10

2. Access to a Tiger embosser

3. Handouts: Vocabulary Review for Scanning (3.A.1), Sample Scan (3.A.2), Create a

Gradient Map (3.B.1), Create a Reference for Line Types (3.B.2)

Classroom Preparation – steps to follow when setting up the learning environment

Each transcriber-in-training should have individual access to a Windows-based operating

system, loaded with software Microsoft Word 2010. Transcribers-in-training should also

have access to a scanning station, loaded with ABBYY FineReader 10, and access to a

ViewPlus Tiger Embosser.



Curriculum Content

A. Where Do I Begin? (1.5 hours)

Objective GD3.1: Realize the value of using the computer. Utilize ABBYY FineReader 10 to

scan and recognize text to save to Microsoft Word and to save images to TIFF format.

CONTENT PRESENTATION AND LEARNER PARTICIPATION

The following are potential introductory remarks as well as relevant context that may be

useful for the instructor:

By now, you are well on your way to becoming a great tactilist. You have learned the skills

to create simple tactile graphics with spur wheels and collage materials. These skills can

be adapted to create anything, simple or complex. You are also aware of the rules behind

determining the need for a tactile graphic, as well as principles for modifying an image to

accommodate a braille reader.

As a transcriber-in-training, creating complicated collage graphics will be a slow process.

However, in this module, you will learn to use computer software that may help save

some time. ABBYY FineReader 10 scans text and images to import into other programs,

like Microsoft Word or Adobe Illustrator. In Microsoft Word 2010, you will learn to create

simple tactile graphics for embossing on a ViewPlus Tiger Embosser.

Software skills are the foundation for creating electronic graphics, or computer-generated

tactile graphics, which are convenient in several ways. First, they are easily maintained in

a database. After producing a collage graphic, a good practice is to thermoform a copy as

a record of your work. However, if ever you needed to create a tactile similar to one in

your records, often there is no choice but to start from scratch. Creating an electronic

graphic provides the flexibility of saving and maintaining a tactile graphic archive, which

can be searched as needed. In addition, electronic graphics are a great basis for collage.

Imagine, for example, a grid with plotted points. Straight lines can be hard to draw with

just a spur wheel! What is more, electronic graphics are easily transferable. Because the

source file, or original document file, can be created in Microsoft Word 2010, the tactile

graphics are easily sent and received. A file can be emailed to a braille reader who has a

ViewPlus Tiger Embosser, or perhaps an agency with whom you are contracted to work.

After completing this module, you will have the fundamental skills with which to create

electronic tactile graphics. Let’s get started!

ABBYY FineReader 10



Double click on the ABBYY FineReader 10 icon on your desktop.

A dialog box will appear with a few task selections. For the purposes of this lesson, you

will use two options within the dialog box:

Scan to Microsoft Word Scan to Image

Scan to Microsoft Word

To begin, right click on Scan to Microsoft Word. This function will be used to scan text

documents into a format that can be edited and processed through translation software.

After you select the task, another dialog box will appear with options for scanning. The

settings chosen are very important, as they affect the appearance of a document after it

has been scanned.



The first drop down menu is for document resolution. Resolution is the sharpness and

clarity of an image, and is listed in dpi (dots per inch). Three hundred “dots per inch”

means the scanner is capable of recognizing 300 distinct dots within a line that is one inch

long. Resolution also affects final file size; the higher the resolution, the larger the file.

ABBYY provides a suggested resolution for normal-sized text. Select 300 dpi on the drop

down menu.

The next drop down menu is Color Mode. The options for Color Mode are Black-and-white,

Grayscale, and Color. ABBYY defaults to Grayscale (optimal for OCR). OCR stands for

Optical Character Recognition. Optical character recognition is the identification of print

characters through computer means, as through a scanner. A scanner uses OCR to look at

and identify text on a page, so for example, when scanning a sheet of a textbook, the

print text is understood and retained by the computer. The text can then be manipulated

in braille translation software. Select Grayscale on the drop down menu.



Brightness can be automatically or manually determined for scanning. The brightness

affects how light or dark a scanned image appears on the screen. It is similar to adjusting

to a photocopy: adjust a setting to print a copy with more light or more dark than the

original image. For the purpose of this module, set Brightness at Automatic.



Next is the Paper Settings section. Select Entire Scanning Area.

If the scanner has an automatic document feeder (ADF), multiple pages, like a section of

a book, can be loaded as a stack into a dock, which will automatically pull them through

and scan sequentially (in order). This feature is particularly helpful if translating text from

multiple pages or even a book. Place the first page in the feeder dock as indicated by the

scanner (face down, face up, etc.). The scanner should detect and load the page. Select

the following options:

Detect page orientation: The scanner will detect the orientation of the page;

portrait or landscape.

Enable image enhancement: Scan for the best quality possible.

Use automatic document feeder (ADF)

Duplex Scanning: The scanner will look at both sides of your page. Simplex means

the scanner will only look at the front side of the page.



If working with a flatbed scanner, deselect the options for ADF and Duplex on the

scanning window. Place the first page face down on the scanning bed, and follow the

same procedures for previewing an image.

Select the Preview button. After the scanner has finished processing, an image of the

page should appear in the window. Use the cursor to bring the blue selector line around

the outside edges. The scanner will recognize only the area selected, and apply the

settings to that area. Ensuring that the area of text is accurately and closely selected also

helps the accuracy of the final OCR.



Sometimes the edges of a page are difficult to see in the preview image. Change the

Color Mode to color, and select the Preview button again. Then, bring the blue line around

the image. Remember to return the color mode to the original setting (Grayscale) before

selecting Scan.

When satisfied with the selection area for the image, select Scan. The scanned page will

appear in the Pages column on the right of the screen.

For a scanner with ADF, a set of pages can now be loaded for scanning. For a flatbed

scanner, turn the page over to scan the back of the sheet, or insert a new page as

needed.

When all scanning is complete, select Close on the window. ABBY OCR should

automatically read the text from the document, which may take a few moments. In the

Pages column, a small blue icon of a page will appear in the bottom left corner of each

sheet for which the text has been recognized.



A Microsoft Word file with the extracted text should then open, showing the extracted

text. Save the file for later use.

Optical character recognition can also be done manually. When ABBYY automatically

begins to read pages, select the Cancel button on the working dialog box. Go to the pages

column on the left, and click on the page. (To recognize multiple pages, hold down CTRL;

each page selected will be highlighted). Select the Read button on the toolbar. When

completed, the recognized text will appear in the window to the right.

Select the page or pages again. Click the menu arrow on the Save button to select the

format. Select Microsoft Word.



Scan to Image

Now that you can save text, let’s move on to images. Return to the main screen and

select Scan to Image. This task will be used for bringing images into other programs,

including Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.

Follow the steps already learned to Preview the image. Play around with resolution and

color settings, if desired. For example, to retain sharpness and true color, the resolution

should be changed to 600dpi and the Color Mode to “Color”. When satisfied with the

Preview image, select Scan. Often when working with images in a document, smaller

resolution can make printed images grainy or pixelated. For printing, scan images at the

highest possible resolution.

To save the images, go to the File menu and select Save Images. A dialog box will appear.

Select a directory and save images as picture files (JPEG or TIFF). The images can then be

manipulated in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or other image editor. For multiple

images, you may want to create a separate folder for saving. If there are too many

images, some may be difficult to find if saved in a directory with other files.

ASSESSMENT

Instructor: Distribute handouts Vocabulary Review for Scanning (3.A.1) and Sample

Scan (3.A.2). Instruct transcribers-in-training to complete the vocabulary review. Review

the answers as a group.

Each transcriber-in-training should have the opportunity to scan independently. However,

to conserve time and for the purpose of this objective, use the process provided in the

content to perform a scanning demonstration of handout 3.A.2.



B. How Do I Use Microsoft Word to Create Tactile Graphics? (2.5 hours)

Objective GD3.2: Configure the standard page layout of a graphic page using and become

familiar with the tools required for creating tactile graphics in Microsoft Word 2010.

PREINSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Review the following material thoroughly before instruction. Ask transcribers-in-training to

open a new workspace in Microsoft Word 2010, as they can follow the content as it is

discussed.




A Return to Points, Lines, and Textures

As you have learned, the primary components of a tactile graphic are points, lines, and

textures. As a transcriber-in-training, you have collaged a variety of materials to represent

these elements onto sheets of paper. Essentially, electronic graphics utilize the same

points, lines, and textures for a braille reader, but they are harnessed and produced via

different means. To begin creating electronic graphics, a working knowledge of the Insert

tab in Microsoft Word 2010 is critical. The function of each tool is important, but, much

like collage work, it’s the combination of tools and functions (the combination of points,

lines and textures) that convey a clear message to the tactile reader.

As you will see, shapes can be points, lines or textures; lines will be lines and will form

shapes; tables will be lines that create grids. Keeping in mind the lessons learned in the

first two modules, particularly around interpretation of print images, you will explore

functions that will take images from the print page to the computer to a tactile graphic.

The following lesson is simply an overview of the usable functions of Microsoft Word 2010.

Do not forget to explore and experiment independently. Let’s begin!

Page Layout

Double click on Microsoft Word 2010.



To set up the dimensions of the page for a ViewPlus Tiger Embosser, select the Page

Layout tab on the ribbon.

First, change the Page Size. Click the Size button on the ribbon. Move the cursor to the

very bottom of the menu and select More Paper Sizes…

A dialog box will appear, and will be defaulted to open on the Paper tab. Under Paper

Size, change the width of the page to 11.5”. Click anywhere outside the Width box and

the drop down menu directly under Paper Size should automatically change to Custom

Size. The page will change under Preview.

Next, in the same Page Setup dialog box, select the Margins tab. The margins should be

set up as follows:

Top: 0.5” Bottom: 0.4”

Left: 0.6” Right: 0.5”

Gutter: 0” Gutter Position: Left



The page will remain in Portrait Orientation. Click OK and the page layout will be modified

to the correct dimensions. Select the View tab on the ribbon and click the icon for One

Page. The workspace should look like this:



The Insert Ribbon

The Insert ribbon is all a transcriber-in-training requires to create electronic tactile

graphics in Word. The Illustrations, Tables, and Text sections of the ribbon contain

functions for creating a foundation for further collage, to designing an entire embossable

graphic from start to finish. Begin exploring the insert ribbon by rolling and pausing the

cursor at each icon. A pop up box will appear, briefly decribing the function of the icon.

Illustrations

The Illustrations group on the Insert tab is probably the most valuable set of tools in

creating Word tactile graphics. Place pictures, like photos and clip art, into a workspace.

Use automatic shapes and lines to create images. Produce embosser definition and texture

with color variation and line thickness. Crop, resize, and move objects individually or

together. The possibilities are endless!

Pictures

There are a few ways to places images into a document. First, simply place an image,

either scanned or saved, into document workspace.



To do this, click the Picture button, and the Insert Picture dialog box will appear. Navigate

to an image and select it to place into the document. Select the Clip Art button and a

sidebar will appear at the right of your workspace. The sidebar is a searchable clip art

library.

Automatically, if the picture is selected, a pink tab will appear, called Picture Tools. If you

click anywhere outside the picture within the workspace, the toolbar will disappear. To

reactivate Picture Tools, hover the cursor over the image until the Move icon appears.

Click and the image will be reselected, and the toolbar will reactivate.

There are several image editing functions in the Adjust and Picutre Styles groups. Because

they are not necessarily useful to tactile graphics, these groups should be explored

independently when designing a document that includes photos or other images.

The Arrange and Size groups contain helpful buttons, which are described briefly here.

The Position button arranges an image on a page so that it becomes surrounded by text

according to its position (much like a photo in a newspaper).

The Wrap Text button deploys options for wrapping text to an image, as shown by the

icons. By selecting Behind Text or In Front of Text, a floating image is created, allowing

movement of the image anywhere on the page without regard to the text. However, be

cautious when floating an image. There is the potential to block text or run text on top of

images that should be fully exposed.



If there are multiple objects within one page of a workspace, the Bring Forward and Send

Backward buttons arrange a selected object to appear in front of or behind others. The

Rotate button is one way to flip an image around. The Align menu is useful for situating

image to a space on the page, or distributing multiple images along the height or width of

a page. Selecting several images by holding down CTRL, and then selecting Group creates

a singular unit of images that can be moved together. The uses of Align and Group will be

discussed in detail later in this lesson.



Crop cuts an image to only the information required. Select the image, and select Crop.

Eight cropping points appear, which can be opened and closed based on what is needed.

Hit Enter and the image is trimmed, and can be moved around the workspace like any

other object.

Manual size boxes supply the freedom to select an object and shrink or enlarge to an

exact size. For instance, if working with a print image that needs to be measured for a

student to obtain an answer, manual sizing can expand or contract an object to exactly

the size required.

Using the right click on any selected object will deploy a quick task menu, in which many

of the editing functions are easily accessed.

Shapes

Of all the buttons in the Illustration group, Shapes is the button most frequented in

creating tactile graphics. To begin, select Shapes, which will deploy the Shapes Gallery

menu. Click on a rectangle, and use the cursor to click and hold down to drag open the

rectangle on your workspace.

Just as with placing an image, as soon as the shape is drawn, and orange Drawing Tools

tab appears on the ribbon. Every feature within the tab will be used to alter the

appearance of the object. As was mentioned before, you can roll the cursor over and

pause at each button to see a description of its function.

crop handles



The Drawing Tools tab showcases the Shapes Gallery, and Shape Styles group. When you

create an image, the image defaults to a style within the theme box (essentially quick

picks for the fast creation of images). Shape Fill is the color within a shape, and Shape

Outline is the line around the perimeter.

In creating electronic tactile graphics, all items should be colored within a gradient.

Gradient is the changing degree of darkness from white to black. Darkness translates into

a more pronounced texture from the ViewPlus Tiger Embosser. Select the Shape Fill or

Shape Outline button. Under Theme Colors, the first two columns of six colors (topped by

White, Background 1 and Black, Text 1) compose the gradient for electronic tactile

graphics.

White, Background 1 White, Background 1, Darker 5% White, Background 1, Darker 15% White, Background 1, Darker 25% White, Background 1, Darker 35% White, Background 1, Darker 50% Black, Text 1 Black, Text 1, Lighter 50% Black, Text 1, Lighter 35% Black, Text 1, Lighter 25% Black, Text 1, Lighter 15% Black, Text 1, Lighter 5%



To access all editing features within one window, for example, Shape Fill and Shape

Outline, select the small expansion arrow at the bottom right corner of the group box. A

dialog box containing editing functions will deploy.

Lines

Creating a line is very similar to creating shape, but there a few additional options. To

widen a line on an embossed graphic, for example, select Shape Outline, Weight. The

higher the the weight (or width), the thicker the embossed line. Dashes can also create

interesting patterns on embossed paper, for example, as a texture, if multiple lines are

placed over the span of an area.

There is an Arrows menu option under Shape Outline, but, unfortunately, the preexisting

arrows in Microsoft Word 2010 are too small to be identifiable tactually. Small triangles are

a great substitute. Simply draw and place one at the end of a solid line.

Moving, Sizing, Aligning and Grouping

As mentioned, you can select and move an image simply by dragging your cursor and

hovering over the object until the Move icon appears. Also, if an object is selected, use the

up, down, left, and right arrow keys to move the object in small increments. Holding CTRL

and moving an object will automatically copy it.



sizing handles

Resizing a image is also quite easy. Each object is surrounded by handles. Sizing handles

can be pulled in every direction to make an object larger or smaller. On a shape, the

corner handles will enlarge by height and width simultaneously, while the side handles

enlarge only by height or width. On a line, the handles make the line longer or shorter.

When resizing an object, often it makes sense to maintain proportions or work within the

same place on the page. To retain proportions, press and hold SHIFT while you drag the

sizing handle. The size will change but the ratio between height and width remains the

same. If the center of an object is to remain in the same position, press and hold CTRL

while you drag the sizing handle. To retain both proportion and centering, press and hold

both CTRL and SHIFT while you drag the sizing handle.

The green handle you see on the object is the rotation handle, which can be used to turn

shapes around and flip them upside down. As you move the rotation handle, a ghost

image of the previewed shape will appear.

rotation handle



Align and Group were mentioned earlier in this lesson, and are particularly useful with

multiple shapes. Use the Align tool on objects that need to be positioned along an edge or

equally across a page. Hold down CTRL to select more than one object. Select slowly and

do not click until the arrow cursor appears on the object.

Utilize the Group function when items must be moved as a unit. A picture or image placed

into the workspace from another source (not an object created using Microsoft Word

2010) must be changed to a floating image before it can be grouped.

ASSESSMENT

Instructor: Distribute handouts Create a Gradient Map (3.B.1) and Create a

Reference for Line Types (3.B.2) to transcribers-in-training. Ask them to follow the

step by step instructions to create reference sheets for use with future graphics. Reiterate

that the darker the color, the higher the embossing, and the higher the weight, the wider

the line. Each transcriber-in-training should have the opportunity to emboss his or her

individual document. Ask transcribers-in-training to compare and discuss the textures and

lines. They should also label the items after embossing with the correct color and/or line.



Tables

Tables are used as the basis for grids. Click on the Table icon. A drop down menu will

appear.

The grid seen can be used to automatically create a table based on the number of cells

needed in each column and row. For example, for a table or grid that is 4 columns

(vertical cells) by 2 rows (horizontal cells), simply drag the mouse cursor over the cells

required. An image of the table or grid automatically appears on the blank page. The table

will not be permanently placed on the page until the bottom right cell is selected.

bottom right cell selected

image of table



Create a table easily with the Insert Table… menu option. Select Insert Table… and a

dialog box will appear, prompting entry of the number of columns and rows, and also

offering some options for the fitting of the table on the screen.

Fixed column width allows setting of the dimension for columns in inches.

AutoFit to contents fits the cell to the text within the box.

AutoFit to window expands the cells to the margin edges of a page.

Selecting Remember dimensions for new tables will reference the same table size on

future pages.

The last function to explore is the Draw Table feature. By selecting this menu option, the

cursor will become a pen tool. Click and drag to draw the perimeter of a cell. After

completing the first cell, split the cells by using the pen tool on the Design tab.

drag cursor



Once a table is created, in any of the methods just described, another tab set named

Table Tools will appear in yellow on the top of the ribbon. Utilize this tab to edit to the

table.

Click outside the table and within the main body of the blank page, and the Table Tools

tab will disappear. Simply select the entire table with the move icon at the top left corner,

or click anwhere inside the table, and the tab will reappear. Selecting and holding the

Move icon at the top left of your table will also drag and place the table anywhere on the

page. Right clicking the same icon will drop a quick task menu, with access to many of the

functions just explored.

The Table Tools tab is divided into two sections. The Design tab changes the appearance

of cell borders. There is a collection of formatted Table Styles, each of which can be

previewed on the workspace by rolling over with the cursor.

Select the Move cursor at the top left corner to select the entire table. Use the Shading

and Borders buttons to modify the appearance of the table. Shading will fill in the cell

selected, or entire table if it is selected. The Borders button gives options to modify the

lines around the perimeter of an individual cell or throughout the entire table. For most

cases of tactile graphics or grids, All Borders should be selected.



In the Draw Borders group, make use of the pen tool. There a few different methods for

achieving a tactile. Like Shape Outlines, set the color and weight of the line in the same

way as was mentioned before. The darker the line, the more pronounced the embossing,

and the higher the weight, the thicker the line.

To change the appearance of a table already created, select the entire table with the

Move cursor. Then, select the desired line type, weight, and Pen Color. Hit the Borders

button, and the table will reappear with the changed settings.

If a table is drawn open, use the pen tool to split the large cell into multiple cells. Simply

select the Draw Table button and place the pen tool at any point to split a cell. Split

repeatedly, if desired. The Eraser will remove lines from cells. If, for example, a braille

label was needed on a grid to be embossed. Click on lines to erase, or drag the cursor to

erase multiple line segments. When the grid is embossed, lines will cut out at points of

erasure.

The second section of the Table Tools tab is Layout. For the purpose of this module, only

the groups Table, Rows and Columns, and Cell Size are relevant. At any time, select your

table with the Move cursor and hit the Properties button to activate a dialog box which will

show you the details for your rows and columns.

The Insert functions edit a table larger or smaller by rows and columns. Above and Below

will insert a row. Left and Right will insert columns. Use the Delete button to remove cells

in the same way. A dialog box will appear to ask the direction in which to shift cells. For

inserting rows and columns, be sure to only select one cell to Insert Above, Below, Left, or

Right. If the entire table is selected, the entire table will be repeated in the direction

chosen.



The Cell Size group can be used to adjust the exact height of cells. Select the entire table,

enter dimensions, and all cells will change to the height and width desired. The Distribute

Rows and Distribute Columns buttons neutralizes cell size across the grid so that each row

or column is exactly the same size.

Text Box

The final component required for creating tactile graphics in Word 2010 is the Text Box

feature. Using the text box allows a designer to place braille text right on the graphic for

embossing.

Creating a text box is quite simple. Select the Text Box button and the select either the

icon for Simple Text Box or the option Draw Text Box from the drop down menu. The

cursor will become a crossbar that can be placed and dragged across the page, similarly to

drawing a shape.

In fact, when creating a text box, the Drawing Tools tab will appear. Any edits can be

made with the same tools used for all other shapes. For inserting braille text, change the

Shape Fill to No Fill and the Shape Outline to No Outline. For braille, the font used is

ViewPlus Tiger Embosser Braille29 ASCII, which will emboss as braille characters. Change

the font and other formatting on the home tab, or by selecting the text box and right

clicking to deploy the quick task menu.

ASSESSMENT

Instructor: Review the following terms:

floating image- created by selecting Behind Text or In Front of Text, allowing

movement of the image anywhere on the page without regard to the text

gradient- the changing degree of darkness from white to black



C. How Can I Create This? Electronic Graphics (2 hours)

Objective GD3.3: Create simple shapes, grids, and graphs to emboss. Comprehend the

value of electronic tactile graphics, but realize the importance of interpretation and

judgment in the process.

PREINSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Instructor: Tactile Graphics Instructor




Now that you are familiar with the Microsoft Word 2010 functions used to design

electronic tactile graphics, put your knowledge to the test. Over the following pages, you

will find the instructions to create four different tactile graphics using the computer. Follow

the instructions carefully. Save each file after creation, as you will emboss them at

completion.



Let’s begin by creating a grid sheet, or graph paper. Open a new document and

format the page layout for embossing on a ViewPlus Tiger Embosser.

Go to the Insert tab and select Table. Choose Insert Table… on the drop down menu.

Enter the Number of columns as 19 and the Number of rows as 17. Select OK. A table

will be automatically created in your workspace. Select the table using the Move

cursor at the top left corner of the table.

On the Design tab in Table Tools, select Borders, All Borders. Then, ensure the

borders are set at a solid line, 1pt, and the pen color is Black, Text 1, Lighter 50%.

Remember that the darker the line, the higher and more pronounced the embossed

line. You may have to click the Borders button twice in order to see the changes

(essentially removing and replacing the borders, so that they disappear and

reappear). On the Layout tab in Table Tools, change the dimensions of your cells to a

height of 0.5” and a width of 0.5”.

Finally, you can use the Move cursor at the top left corner of the table to move it

around the workspace. Position it in the center of the page. Grid sheets, ready to be

embossed!



Let’s try using Shapes to create another image.

Open a new document and format the page layout for embossing on a ViewPlus Tiger

embosser.

Go to the Insert tab and select Shapes. From the Shapes Gallery, choose the open-

ended line tool. The left side of the shape we want to create is 2.5”. Begin by drawing

a straight vertical line in the workspace. Go to the exact size box and type in 2.5” for

the height. Next, let’s create the top and bottom pieces. Draw two more lines,

horizontal and straight. The top line will be 2.25” and the bottom should be 3.75”.

Drag the pieces so that they describe two right angles. Then, create the diagonal.

Start the cursor at the top line and drag to the bottom line. The pieces should snap

together easily. Press CTRL and select each line, and change the Shape Outline to 1pt

and black.

Next, let’s create the right angles. Use the rectangle tool to create a small box on the

workspace. Change the Shape Fill and Shape Outline to black, so that the entire right

angle will be raised when embossed. Drag the sizing handles if the rectangle needs to



be smaller or larger. Or, if you choose, manually input and exact size, for instance,

0.25”.

After you’ve placed the right angle indicator in the one corner, select and copy

(CTRL+C), and paste (CTRL+V) another to the workspace. Move the second right

angle indicator to the opposite corner. Group all lines and the two right angle

indicators.

Finally, let’s create the measurement lines. Select the top line of the shape you’ve

created. Copy and paste it. Do the same for the left and bottom lines. Then, return to

your Shape Gallery quick picks and select the open ended line again. Create a small

line to represent the hatch at the end of the measurement line. Copy that short line

five times. Then, for the horizontal measurement lines, place a hatch on both ends.

For the vertical measurement line, select each hatch and use the Rotate function to

move 90 degrees in either direction. Then attach the hatch marks. For each

measurement line, Group the main line and the hatch lines so the entire piece can be

moved as a unit.

Finally, place the measurement lines where you need them to be in relationship to the

shape. You may want to select all four pieces (the shape and the three measurement

lines) and select Group again. You will be able to easily move the piece around the

workspace.



Now, try creating a tactile graphic with multiple components.

First, let’s create a grid with the method used to create our grid sheets. Open a new

document and set up your page for embossing. Go to Insert, Table, and Insert Table.

Create a table that is 12 columns and 10 rows. Select the entire table, and navigate to

Table Tools. On the Design tab, ensure All Borders is selected under the Borders drop

down menu. Also, the borders should be solid line, 1pt, and Black, Text 1, Lighter 50%.

Next, on the Layout tab, change the Height and Width of your cells to 0.75”.

Next, create your axis lines. Select Shapes from the Insert tab, and then select the open-

ended line from the Shapes Gallery. Remember, the preset arrows in Word 2010 are too

small to be distinguishable by touch. Triangles are readable substitutes.

Draw a vertical line down the center of the grid you’ve created. Because the axes should

be more pronounced than the gridlines, select the line and change the Shape Outline to

3pt, Black, Text 1. Draw another line on the horizontal axis. Format the shape to match

the vertical line.



For the arrows, navigate to the Shapes Gallery again and select the triangle. Draw a small

triangle on the workspace, and change the color of the Shape Fill and Shape Outline to

Black, Text 1. Copy and paste this arrow three times, for a total of four triangles. Three of

the triangles must be rotated for their respective positions on the axis lines, so use either

the Rotate button on the ribbon, or simply utilize the Rotation Handle on the object itself.

Place in position at the end of the axis lines. Then, select both axis lines and all four

triangles, and select Group.

Finally, create the points on the grid. To create a point, draw a small circle, for example,

0.25”, and then ensure the Shape Fill and Shape Outline are set at Black, Text 1. Copy

and paste the point if needed, in this case, two times, and position on the grid where

shown.



For a final challenge, you will create a bar chart that explores most of the Microsoft Word

2010 functions discussed in this module.

Open a new document, and set up the page for embossing. Again, begin by creating a

grid. Navigate to the Insert tab, Table, and Insert Table. This table is one column and

seven rows. After you’ve created the table, select and navigate to the Design tab under

Table Tools. All Borders should be selected, with a solid line, 1pt, Black, Text 1.Refresh

the table with the Borders button. Then, select the Layout tab. Change the cell Height to

1” and the Width to 9”.

Next, create the bars. For the purpose of this tactile graphic, use the information given

below to place bars. The value of each bar and the corresponding height do not have to

be exact for the purpose of this exercise.

March: 50 June: 55

April: 40.5 July: 60

May: 53.5 August: 67.5



Start by drawing a single vertical bar on your workspace. Change the Shape Fill and

Shape Outline to Black, Text 1. Copy and paste the bar five times, for a total of six. Line

the bars up on the grid, placing one at the left of the grid and one at the right, each

approximately the same distance from the edge of the grid. Press CTRL and select all the

bars. Navigate to the Align button, and Align Bottom. Again, Align, Distribute Horizontally.

Then Group. Move the set to snap to the bottom of the grid, and then use the sizing

handles to raise each bar on the grid according to the data.

Next, create a text box. Navigate to the Insert Tab and select Text Box, Draw Text Box.

Create a small box, and modify the Shape Fill to No Fill, and the Shape Outline to No

Outline. Place the text “70” in this box. If this were a true tactile graphic, the correct font

to use is ViewPlus Tiger Embosser Braille29 ASCII. For the purpose of this activity, use

Arial 26pt. Copy and paste the box seven times, for eight text boxes. Change your text to

the text shown (0-70). Place the text box for 70 at the top line of the grid, and the box for

0 at the bottom line of the grid. Select all the number text boxes, and then navigate to

Align, Align Right. Then Align, Distribute Vertically. Group the boxes, and move the entire

unit so that each number is placed beside the corresponding line.

Use the same process for the months on the x-axis. Center the M for March under the first

bar, and the A for August under the last. Select all the letter text boxes, Align, Align

Bottom. Then Align, Distribute Horizontally. Group and move the unit so that each letter is

placed directly under the corresponding bar.

Lastly, create a text box for the title of the graph and for the page number. There you

have it.

Another Note on Quality

One of your duties as a transcriber-in-training is to experiment with different methods!

Talk to other transcribers in the industry, or agencies about preferred standards or

formats for electronic graphics.

As with all graphics, remember to keep the braille reader at the front of your mind. Trial

and error is crucial with computer generated graphics, as the screen can be deceiving.

Always, always, always test your graphics before you send them for use. Designating

priority for each piece of information is vital for the end embossing of them. And

sometimes, electronic graphics are just not enough. Be diligent in deciding what is

readable! Sometimes collage is absolutely necessary for tactile comprehension.



Instructional Aids & Supports

References:

ViewPlus Technologies Microsoft Online



Tactile and Advanced

Computer Graphics Module 3

Scanning and Tactile Graphics in Microsoft Word Handouts



Vocabulary Review for Scanning (3.A.1)

Directions: Draw a line from the vocabulary word to the correct definition.

automatic document feeder (ADF) computer generated tactile

graphics

dpi original, editable document file

simplex sharpness and clarity of an image

optical character recognition (OCR) capability of recognizing distinct

dots within a line that is one inch

long

duplex identification of print characters

through computer means, as

through a scanner

resolution how light or dark a scanned

image appears on the screen

source file a dock which automatically pulls

pages to scan sequentially

brightness scanner looks at both sides of a

page

electronic graphics scanner looks only at the front

side of a page

3.A.1



Sample Scan (3.A.2)

3.A.2



Create a Gradient Map (3.B.1)

1. Open a new document and format the page layout for embossing on a

ViewPlus Tiger embosser.

2. Go to the Insert tab and select Shapes. Chose the rectangle from the Shapes

Gallery.

3. Draw a rectangle anywhere on the workspace. Using the exact sizing boxes,

type in 1.75” for the height and 2.25” for the width.

4. Change the Shape Fill to No Fill.

5. Change the Shape Outline to the color black. Weight should be 1pt.

6. Select the rectangle. Press CTRL+C to copy. Press CTRL+V to paste. Paste the

rectangle 2 times (3 total rectangles).

7. Move each rectangle so that they snap together in a horizontal row. Hold

down CTRL and select each rectangle.

8. After all three rectangles are selected, on the Drawing Tools tab, select

Group, and Group. All three rectangles should be locked together.

9. Press CTRL+C to copy the set of three rectangles. Paste the set three times

(for four sets).

3.B.1



Create a Gradient Map (3.B.1 continued)

10. Organize the sets vertically so that they lock together in a large group.

11. Hold down CTRL and select each set. Again, use the Group tool so that you

are left with a block of 12 rectangles, or three columns of four rows.

12. Select the entire block, and then move your cursor to the first box until the

Move icon appears. Double click to select the first box within the block.

13. Click the expansion arrow at the bottom of the Shape Styles group to open

the Format Shape dialog box.

14. On the left hand menu, select the Fill tab.

15. Select the radial button for Solid Fill. The block should automatically fill with

a color.

16. Select the Color button, and choose white (first color above the first

column). Rolling the cursor over the color, it is labeled as “White, Background

1”. The block should change to that color.

17. Do not close the Fill window. Double click on the top edge of the second

rectangle. Populate it with the next color down in the column: White,

Background 1, Darker 5%.

18. Repeat the same process with all the colors in the first two columns. Solid

black should fill the final rectangle.

White, Background 1 Black, Text 1, Lighter 5%

White, Background 1, Darker 5% Black, Text 1, Lighter 15%




White, Background 1, Darker 50% Black, Text 1

3.B.1



Create a Reference for Line Types (3.B.2)

1. Open a new document and format the page layout for embossing on a

ViewPlus Tiger embosser.

2. Go to the Insert tab and select Shapes. Chose the an open ended line from

the Shapes Gallery.

3. Draw a vertical line anywhere on the workspace. Ensure that the line snaps in

a perfect vertical, not on a diagonal. Using the exact sizing box, type in 8” for

the height.

4. Change the Shape Outline to the color black. Weight should be 1pt.

5. Press CTRL+C to copy. Press CTRL+V to paste. Paste the line 10 times (11

total lines). Move the last line to the other side of the page, so that there is a

large amount of space between the first and last line.

6. Hold down CTRL and select each line. This may take some practice: go slowly

and don’t click to select until your arrow cursor appears on the object.

7. Select the Align button, and then Align Middle. Then select Align and

Distribute Horizontally. You should now have neat columns of the same

length line.

8. Select all the lines and Group.

9. Click the expansion arrow at the bottom of the Shape Styles group to open

the Format Shape dialog box



Create a Reference for Line Types (3.B.2)

10. Working from left to right, double click the Move cursor on the first line.

Change the weight (Width) to 10pt.

11. Repeat same step for the next three lines: 5pt, 3pt, 1pt.

12. For the fifth line, change the Width to 5pt and the Dash Type to the first

style below solid. Rolling over with the cursor it is described as “Round Dot”.

13. Repeat the process for the remaining Dash Types: Square Dot, Dash, Dash

Dot, Long Dash, Long Dash Dot, Long Dash Dot Dot.

3.B.2

Tactile and Advanced Computer Graphics Module 3 Scanning...

Documents

Transcript of Tactile and Advanced Computer Graphics Module 3 Scanning...