1 of 42

Mobile Base Sinhala �Book Reader For �Visually Impaired Individuals

Project ID : 2023-198

Supervisor : Prof. Koliya Pulasinghe

2 of 42

We are….

Jayathunga T.M.

IT20146238

Semini J.P.D.L

IT20241346

Godakanda P.G.S.

IT20129712

Bhagya H.D.M.

IT20254520

Prof. Koliya

Pulasinghe

Ms. Poorna Panduwawala

3 of 42

We are Pleased to present Mobile Base Sinhala Book Reader for Visually Impaired Individuals that will ease out the process of Reading Children Story Books for Blind Students.

4 of 42

1

2

4

3

Text-to-Speech (TTS) Synthesizer

Image Detection

Object Detection & Voice Navigation

Optical Character Recognition(OCR)

5 of 42

Problem….

How can the accessibility of the book reader be enhanced for visually impaired individuals?

What are the user requirements and preferences for a mobile base Sinhala book reader for visually impaired individuals?

What are the existing technologies and tools available for creating a mobile-based Sinhala book reader for visually impaired individuals?

6 of 42

The Solution

Mobile Base Sinhala Book Reader Application

Ensure accurate Sinhala text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities

The app must support the Sinhala language.

The app must support the Sinhala Voice Navigation System.

Integrate voice recognition for hands-free navigation and control.

Provide alt text for images and illustrations to describe visual content.

7 of 42

Solved…..

  • Multimodal Integration
  • Real-time Scanning
  • Educational Advancement
  • Easy Maintenance
    • Reliable
  • Easy Accessibility
  • Efficient
    • User friendly
  • More accessible to printed materials
    • Knowledge Transferring advancement
  • Personalization and Learning Analytics
  • Language Translation and Learning Support

8 of 42

Background

Visually impaired children can read Sinhala story books independently without external help.

9 of 42

Commercialization…

  • Identifying the Target Audience: In this case, the target audience would be visually Impaired Individuals who could benefit from the features of the Mobile Application.

  • Promotions: The target audience should be reached through targeted campaigns on social media and other channels. Collaboration with organizations that work with visually impaired individuals, such as libraries or schools, can also be an effective way to reach the target audience.

10 of 42

Overview

Child open the app using Voice command

Phone has been placed on the phone holder above the book

App gives the vocalized feedback to the child choose the option

When placed the book under the camera it starts reading line by line through camera

If Child uses book reading option, it opens the camera and load the models

Two Options are available as Book reading and voice navigation

11 of 42

Overview

The audio book, stores the results at the same time while reading the book for later review

When choose navigation option it opens the camera and loads navigation models interacts with TTS

App detects the objects surround the child and identify them in Sinhala

In book reading Child can use voice commands to stop or continuing the reading

And when there are images its basically describe what kind of image it is.

12 of 42

System Overview Diagram.

13 of 42

Mobile Application

App Design

14 of 42

Demo-Research Area PP-2

Proof of Fronted Application Working

15 of 42

Demo-Research Area PP-2

Proof of Backend API of Project

16 of 42

Demo-Research Area PP-2

Proof of Model Integrated

17 of 42

Text-to-Speech�(TTS)�Synthesizer

1

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Jayathunga T.M. – IT20146238

09-07-2023

Jayathunga T.M.

IT20146238

18 of 42

Background

The main purpose of using Text to speech (TTS) technology is to give a blind person the ability to access the printed text of a Sinhala book. This allows them to easily listen to the valuable content of Sinhala books. TTS technology allows the written text in a Sinhala book to be read out loud in a natural-sounding voice, which makes it easier for visually impaired people to understand the content.

Research Gap

Without the speech of an outside person, Sinhala text converts into clear speech and makes it easy for visually impaired students to here.

Given visually impaired students the opportunity to listen to the audiobook at the end of each book.

Research Problem

How can a Sinhala text-to-speech conversion system accurately handle the nuances of the language?

How to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile-based Sinhala book reader in enhancing the reading experience of visually impaired individuals?

How to create an audiobook for each book?

Objectives

Developing a highly accurate Sinhala text-to-speech conversion system. Evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile-based Sinhala book reader and integrating the Sinhala TTS into it. Assessing the Sinhala TTS conversion system for visually impaired individuals. Develop an audiobook for each story books.

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Jayathunga T.M. – IT20146238

09-07-2023

19 of 42

METHODOLOGY

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Jayathunga T.M. – IT20146238

09-07-2023

Methodology

The text-to-speech application's architecture has been carefully designed by analyzing existing literature, as shown in Image. This thorough investigation forms the foundation for future evaluations, working seamlessly with the recommendations in the system design guide to ensure a consistently reliable performance. The architectural framework is meticulously structured around four pivotal components, each of which serves an indispensable role in ensuring the seamless and consistent functionality of the system.

The architecture of the text-to-speech application was meticulously designed by analyzing existing literature, as displayed in the accompanying image. This thorough investigation forms the foundation for future evaluations, working in conjunction with the recommendations in the system design guide to ensure consistently reliable performance. The architectural framework is carefully organized around four pivotal components, each of which plays an indispensable role in guaranteeing the seamless and consistent functionality of the system.

20 of 42

Seq2Seq

Proofed of Model Create

Import Libraries and Load the Model Dataset

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Jayathunga T.M. – IT20146238

09-07-2023

Training Model Dataset

21 of 42

Backend Response

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Jayathunga T.M. – IT20146238

09-07-2023

TTS Response

22 of 42

Create Audio Book

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Jayathunga T.M. – IT20146238

09-07-2023

23 of 42

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

2

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Semini J.P.D.L. – IT20241346

09-07-2023

Semini J.P.D.L.

IT20241346

24 of 42

Background

Optical character recognition is the process of classification of optical patterns contained in a digital image. This turns images of typed of printed text into machine-encoded text that might be electronic or mechanical. This allows users to scan and recognize text from images or documents using the camera of their smartphone. With the help of OCR technology, the app can convert recognized text into spoken words, allowing visually impaired individuals to access and understand the content.

Research

Gap

One possible research gap in the OCR component is the need for a more accurate and efficient OCR engine specifically designed for the Sinhala language. This is specifically for the blind children who are unable to read, and this kind of existing OCR programs are designed for English and industrial use, so this application is mainly for the Sinhala language.

Research

Problem

Most visually impaired children in Sri Lanka doesn't have a proper platform to capture the texts they need and read it.

Identify the limitations of that visually impaired people while using a smart phone and their knowledge about the technology.

Objectives

Developing a reliable and accurate OCR system for identifying the Sinhala texts include in the children story books and send it to the TTS. Then integrate and evaluate the Sinhala OCR system for visually impaired individuals

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Semini J.P.D.L. – IT20241346

09-07-2023

25 of 42

Seq2Seq

Proofed of Model Create

Import Libraries and Load the Model Dataset

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Semini J.P.D.L. – IT20241346

09-07-2023

Training Model Dataset

26 of 42

METHODOLOGY

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Semini J.P.D.L. – IT20241346

09-07-2023

Developing a Sinhala OCR (Optical Character Recognition) system is a complex task that involves various stages of data collection, preprocessing, training, and evaluation for defining the scope of Sinhala OCR project. Determine the specific use cases and requirements, such as recognizing printed text .Overall here, the text is recognized from scanned printed images and gives the output of that recognized text through TTS.

27 of 42

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Semini J.P.D.L. – IT20241346

09-07-2023

OCR Response

Backend Response

28 of 42

Object Detection�&�Sinhala Voice Navigation

3

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Godakanda P.G.S. – IT20129712

09-07-2023

Godakanda P.G.S.

IT20129712

29 of 42

Background

Blind students encounter substantial hurdles in navigating their surroundings independently. In many countries, there is an absence of comprehensive assistive technologies in local languages, including Sinhala. These technologies typically rely on English for object recognition and navigation instructions. This linguistic barrier exacerbates the accessibility gap for Sinhala-speaking blind individuals.

Research

Gap

The primary issue at hand is the absence of a Sinhala-specific object detection and navigation system tailored to the needs of blind students. Existing solutions predominantly cater to English-speaking users, rendering them ineffective for Sinhala-speaking individuals who require navigation assistance in their native language.

Research

Problem

The overarching objective is to create a specialized object detection and navigation component for blind students, employing the Sinhala language. This component aims to empower visually impaired individuals by providing them with real-time information about their surroundings, object identification capabilities, and navigational instructions, all presented in Sinhala.

Objectives

The current research landscape lacks comprehensive Sinhala-language solutions for object detection and navigation for the visually impaired. The dearth of localized tools places Sinhala-speaking blind students at a significant disadvantage, hindering their ability to effectively perceive and interact with the environment. Bridging this gap is essential for promoting inclusivity and independence among this marginalized group.

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Godakanda P.G.S. – IT20129712

09-07-2023

30 of 42

METHODOLOGY

The methodology involves a comprehensive approach to address the research objective. Data collection comprises gathering a diverse dataset of objects with labels and recording corresponding audio descriptions. Model development utilizes computer vision techniques to train an object detection model with Sinhala labels. A voice-based navigation system is developed in Sinhala, incorporating text-to-speech technology. Integration into a user-friendly app interface follows, with usability testing and iterative refinement based on user feedback. Accessibility standards are upheld, and continuous improvement ensures the app remains up-to-date and effective. User education resources support blind students in utilizing the app for enhanced navigation and object recognition.

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Godakanda P.G.S. – IT20129712

09-07-2023

31 of 42

Proofed of Model Create

Import Libraries and Load the Model Dataset

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Godakanda P.G.S. – IT20129712

09-07-2023

32 of 42

Backend Response

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Godakanda P.G.S. – IT20129712

09-07-2023

Object Detection Response

Navigation Command Response

33 of 42

Image Detection

4

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Bhagya H.D.M. – IT20254520

09-07-2023

34 of 42

Background

Access to educational material for visually impaired students is a pressing concern. In Sri Lanka, a deficiency in Sinhala language image description technology hinders inclusive access to student books.

Research Gap

This study aims to address the accessibility gap by developing an image detection system capable of providing comprehensive and culturally relevant descriptions in Sinhala within a student book reading app, catering specifically to visually impaired students.

Research Problem

Current solutions primarily cater to English-language educational materials, leaving a substantial void in Sinhala student book accessibility. This research addresses this gap by proposing an image description framework tailored to Sinhala educational texts.

Objectives

The lack of a Sinhala image description tool within student book applications poses a significant hurdle for visually impaired students in Sri Lanka to access and comprehend local educational materials effectively. This research endeavors to mitigate this issue through innovative technology.

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Bhagya H.D.M. – IT20254520

09-07-2023

35 of 42

METHODOLOGY

This research employs a multi-phase approach, combining computer vision techniques with natural language processing. It involves dataset collection, training

deep learning models, and

integrating the image

description system into

the Sinhala student book

reading app, followed by

user testing and iterative

refinement

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Bhagya H.D.M. – IT20254520

09-07-2023

36 of 42

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Bhagya H.D.M. – IT20254520

09-07-2023

Proofed of Model Create

37 of 42

Backend Response

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Bhagya H.D.M. – IT20254520

09-07-2023

38 of 42

Task

Progress Presentation 1

Progress Presentation 2

Gathering Requirements

Complete Figma UI Design

Gathering Data

Complete Frontend Design

Data Set Training

Creating Models

Models Integration

Crete Backend API

Completed Integration Mobile Application

39 of 42

Work Breakdown

  • Create Text to Speech Model

  • Generate the Sinhala Audio Book Output

  • Create Frontend Home Screen Design

  • Model Integration

Jayathunga T.M.

IT20146238

  • Create Optical Character Recognition Model

  • Create Frontend Reading Book Design

  • Add Camera View Voice Guidance

Semini J.P.D.L.

IT20241346

  • Create Image Captioning Model

  • Add Voice instructions for Frontend User guidance

  • Model Integration

Bhagya H.D.M.

IT20254520

Godakanda P.G.S.

IT20129712

  • Create the Object Detection Model

  • Create the Voice Navigation Model

  • Create Frontend Navigation Design

  • Model Integration

40 of 42

Tools & Technologies to be used

Android Studio, Vs Code, TensorFlow, Google API, Flutter, Cloud, Dart, Postman, Npm

Python, HTML, CSS

41 of 42

Business Model

INITIAL

  • Provide visually impaired students in Sri Lanka with easy access to Sinhala language books through a mobile application.

FURTHER

  • Developing the mobile application.
  • Access to Sinhala Language Story Books.

FUTURE

  • Be the go-to solution for visually impaired individuals seeking Sinhala language content.
  • Partner with audiobook producers to offer a broader content library.

42 of 42