Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translator Version 2.2 User's Guide

Before Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä, there was no means available to print Nemeth Braille Math typed in Computer Braille in plain print such that parents, teachers or peers of visually-impaired mathematicians could read it. Without AccessiSoft's Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä, someone, typically a Braille Transcriber, must painstakingly inter-line every piece of math homework, project, paper, thesis or test created in Nemeth Braille. The Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä uses a unique process, for which a patent is pending, to examine the Computer Braille, identify the content as either Nemeth Braille Math or normal text, and convert it into LaTeX so it can be read by any standard LaTeX-based editing program, such as TeXnicCenter. The resulting file could, depending on the LaTeX program in use, then be hard-copy printed in normal printed math or saved to a Portable Document Format (PDF) file for electronic transfer via e-mail or posting/sharing with sighted users.

Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä Version 2.2 includes all mathematics through Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry and pre-Statistics and pre-Calculus, so it will accommodate the math work of students from the elementary to the high school level. Ultimately, AccessiSoft plans to expand the capabilities of the program into College and then Advanced Professional Editions. The Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä is also fully-compatible with JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò screen reader so that visually-impaired authors of math can use it by themselves or with the help of a sighted transcriber. Key benefits include:

· Runs on Windows-based PCs (no MAC version available)

· Screen-readable by JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò

· Runs on any Java-compatible PC

· Outputs in LaTeX so that files can be subsequently opened in or imported into any standard LaTeX-based publishing/editing software

· Converts a mix of Nemeth Braille Math and regular text in the same file

· Works with various types of six-key entry-capable Braille Notetakers

· Effectively handles various types of spatial mathematics such as matrices and multi-line comparisons

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Overall Nemetex Back-Translation Process

Figure 1 provides a Flow Chart which depicts the overall Nemetex Back-Translation Process.

Figure 1. Overall Nemetex Back-Translation Process

The process starts with math typed in Nemeth and text in Grade II Braille on a Notetaker. Then, on the notetaker, it is translated to “.txt” file (ASCII). The resulting .txt file is saved to a portable medium or otherwise transferred (hard cable, e-mail, etc.) to the PC on which Nemetex is loaded. Then the file is imported into Nemetex and Nemetex back-translates the file into LaTeX. The file is then saved as a LaTeX “.tex” file directly from Nemetex. The .tex file is then opened into a LaTeX Program (such as TeXnicCenter or Scientific Notebook), converted to .PDF and printed, saved or transferred electronically (depends on program).

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Requirements

The computer on which the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä is to be installed must also be equipped with the following software/hardware:

- Javaä Runtime Environment (1.5.0_01 or later), also known as the "Java Virtual Machine", "JVMä", "VM" or "Java VM" is required, and the latest version is recommended. The currently-installed version can be verified via the web site: http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp (firewall and/or security software settings may need to be adjusted to allow the verification process to work).

- While JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò is not required, the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä is compatible with JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò. If JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò is to be used, the Javaä Access Bridge For Windows Operating System must be installed. It is available for free download from http://java.sun.com/products/accessbridge/ (install most recent version). The Javaä Access Bridge For Windows Operating System must be installed, or re-installed if previously installed, after installing a Javaä RTE update as discussed above.

- If the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä program is to be delivered on a Compact Disk, the host computer must have a compatible CD-ROM drive.

- The source Computer Braille files which the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä converts are typically created on a portable Braille electronic notetaker such as a BrailleNote. Because the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä program runs on a personal computer, the user must have a means to transfer the Computer Braille file containing Nemeth Braille Math code to the host computer (Flash Card, Thumb Drive, hardwire, etc.).

- The final output of the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä program is a .tex file which is then readable by any standard LaTeX-based publishing software program such as TeXnicCenter (see http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:About for information about downloading both TeXnicCenter and MiKTex) or a commercial product such as Scientific Notebook (http://www.mackichan.com/). If the desired final output file format is .PDF, a free .PDF reader program can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Other readers may be available and/or required to view final output files from other LaTeX-based publishing software programs.

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Installation

To install the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä, follow the steps on either the Evaluation page or Purchase page of our web site, www.accessisoft.com. Repeated here:

1. Review the applicable Commercial or Evaluation Version User's Agreement.

2. Verify you have the most recent version of Java loaded on your computer by visiting http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp and following the on-screen instructions. Firewall and/or security software settings may need to be adjusted to allow the verification and update processes to work.

3 If JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò is to be used with Nemetex, the Javaä Access Bridge For Windows Operating System must be installed. It is available for free download from http://java.sun.com/products/accessbridge/ (install most recent version). The Javaä Access Bridge For Windows Operating System must be installed, or re-installed if previously installed, after installing a Javaä RTE update as discussed in step 2 above.

4. Install the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä main program by downloading or running directly the set-up file (≈ 2 MB). On the web site, when you signifying you have read and accept the User's Agreement by clicking on the associated radio button, you will be transferred to the download page. When asked whether to Open or Run the file, we recommend you chose to save it to "C:\Program Files", make a back-up copy, then open/run it from there. You may need to adjust firewall or security settings to successfully complete the download.

5. After running the setup file, the program will have been installed, but cannot be started without an evaluation license key, which will be e-mailed to you after (a) purchasing it via the web site for commercial versions, or (b) requesting a 30-Day Evaluation License using the information request form on the bottom of the Contact Us page.

6. When you receive the license, simply save it into the folder on your computer containing the program (normally "C:\Program Files\Nemetex"). Do not attempt to open and read the file (not required; Nemetex will read it automatically). We recommend you include the license key in the back-up copy you make of the program.

7. During installation, a Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä icon similar to the image found at the beginning of this guide should appear on your desktop and in the Start Menu. The Start Menu will also contain an "Uninstall" selection and a selection for the complete User's Guide. After installation, use either the desktop icon or Start Menu to launch the program.

Note: The first time Nemetex is run after initial installation, or after installing a new version of Javaä RTE, it will take up to a minute to open while Nemetex examines the Javaä files on your computer and copies any additional required files into the Javaä folder.

8. As discussed above, The final output of the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä program is a .TEX file which is then readable by any standard LaTeX-based publishing software program such as TeXnicCenter (see http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki/index.php/LaTeX:About for information about downloading both TeXnicCenter and MiKTex) or a commercial product such as Scientific Notebook (http://www.mackichan.com/).

Version 2.2 of this program requires a license key which allows the program to be opened and run. If you lose the license key file, you must re-build your computer, you cannot locate the license key, or the program will no longer open, please contact us at tech.support@accessisoft.com to request a new license key file be sent via e-mail. Upon receipt of any new license key, save it to the above mentioned Nemetex folder. If asked to replace the existing file by Windows, select Yes. If this does not restore unrestricted use of the program, please contact us at tech.support@accessisoft.com.

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Accessibility

Javaä Access Bridge For Windows Operating System must be installed in order for the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä to work correctly with JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò. The Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä has been tested with JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò, but has not been tested with any other screen readers. Here are a few notes and settings for use of the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä with JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò.

- In order for JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò to read the headings on the menu bar, screen echo must be set either to "Highlighted" or "All."

- To access the instructions box when the On Screen Instructions selection is enabled (see Translation Options below), press Control-Tab.

- Due to a known anomaly when using JAWS^Ò for Windows^Òin Javaä, in the open and save dialogs, JAWS^Ò for Windows^Ò sometimes reads the selected/not selected status of a file or folder incorrectly, especially if the space bar or Control-Space have been used to select or unselect a file or folder.

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File Preparation Methods

There are three different methods for preparing a file for conversion by the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä. If using a notetaker, such as the BrailleNote, that has a defined command to switch between Grade 2 Braille and Computer Braille within a Braille document, Method 1 is recommended. If a notetaker that recognizes the Computer Braille Begin (dots 4-5-6 and dots 3-4-6) and Computer Braille End indicators (dots 4-5-6, and dots 1-5-6), such as the BrailleLite and Braille Sense, Method 2 is recommended. If a notetaker that does not have either of these features is used, Method 3 is recommended.

Method 1

a. Create an electronic Braille document file. The document file does not need to be a .brf file, but can be a Braille file type specific to the notetaker. Words that do not contain Nemeth Braille Math symbols and numbers can be written in Grade 2 Braille.

b. Before writing Nemeth Braille Math symbols and numbers in the document, type the command to switch to Computer Braille. Switch back to Grade 2 Braille before writing any (non-math) text in Grade 2 Braille.

Note: Forgetting to switch back and forth between Grade 2 Braille and Computer Braille can have adverse consequences, such as "y > t" translating as "you know that."

c. Once finished writing in the file, translate it into a text-only file, typically by saving it as a .txt file.

Note: Simply changing the extension of a file from ".brf", ".doc", etc. to ".txt" will not result in a properly formatted Nemetex input file.

d. Transfer the file to the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä host computer.

Note: One option for file transfer using a BrailleNote is to use e-mail and translate the files upon attachment to the e-mail. Some text files that are translated and attached to e-mails on the BrailleNote may contain extra erroneous characters. To remove these characters, check the "Remove Extra Characters" option in the Translation Options. See Translation Options for more information.

Note: If a section of the document is not marked as computer Braille while writing the file, in some cases, such as when using a BrailleNote, it is possible to mark the entire section and specify it as computer Braille. However, in the conversion, all letters and symbols will be converted to uppercase, which will interfere with the Nemeth to LaTeX translation. Therefore it is recommended that either the section be rewritten or the capitalization is corrected. See Use with the BrailleNote for BrailleNote settings.

Method 2

a. Create an electronic Braille document file. The document does not need to be a .brf file, but can be a Braille file type specific to the notetaker. Words that do not contain Nemeth Braille Math symbols and numbers can be written in Grade 2 Braille.

b. Before writing Nemeth Braille Math symbols and numbers in the document, type the math begin indicator symbol (dots 4-5-6 and dots 3-4-6) to switch to Computer Braille. Switch back to Grade 2 Braille before writing any (non-math) text in Grade 2 Braille by entering dots 4-5-6 and dots 1-5-6. It is recommended that the text file be thoroughly proof-read before translation.

Note: Forgetting to switch back and forth between Grade 2 Braille and Computer Braille can have adverse consequences, such as "y > t" translating as "you know that."

Note: For notetakers requiring Method 2, the character mod setting re-sets are the end of each line and must be re-established at the beginning of each subsequent line. If this proves too cumbersome, Method 3 should be attempted.

c. Once finished writing in the file, translate it into a text-only file, typically by saving it as a .txt file.

Note: Simply changing the extension of a file from ".brf", ".doc", etc. to ".txt" will not result in a properly formatted Nemetex input file.

d. Transfer the file to the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä host computer.

e. In Translation Options, check the option "Using Translation Method 2." See Translation Options for more details.

Note: Method 2 will not work with the BrailleNote.

Method 3

a. Create a text only file.

b. Write all words that are not math in Computer Braille, write the Nemeth Braille Math as Nemeth Braille Math code, and do not use any Grade 2 Braille.

c. Transfer the file to the computer.

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File Format

The following input file format conventions, if followed, will make the back-translation process run smoother and reduce the number of translation errors.

a. Leave an empty line before and after each problem. This will help the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä identify to the user where typographical errors can be found based on problem numbers, if it finds errors.

b. Leave an empty line after any headings at the top of the file.

c. The Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä will insert line breaks where they are needed, but it will not split a word or an expression to insert a line break. Therefore, any expressions or words that are more than fifty characters long must have a line break inserted.

d. If the letter "a" or "i" is used as a mathematical variable within a sentence, and it is not immediately preceded or followed by a math symbol, the letter "a" or "i" should be preceded by the letter sign (dots 5-6) in order for it to be recognized as a mathematical variable.

e. See below for special considerations when using a BrailleNote to generate the Computer Braille file.

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Spatial Mathematics

This section covers formatting for matrices, sequences, parametric equations, multiplication, division and balanced equations. All of these should have a blank line before and after them, which is the only special formatting required for sequences and parametric equations.

Matrices

The Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä currently supports matrices in which each element is a single word. Elements in the same column in different rows should be vertically aligned to the maximum extent possible (no more than three spaces out of alignment). The Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä supports multiple matrices side by side, with and without symbols between them.

Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division expressions need to be properly aligned. Note that Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä does not currently fully align multiplication and division containing fractions.

Multi-line Comparisons

For a sequence of comparisons (=, <, >, etc.) on multiple lines, the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä will horizontally align the comparison signs so that they are in a vertical line. All comparison equations should be preceded and followed by an empty line. The "Align Comparison Signs" Option should be checked in this case.

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Use with the BrailleNote

The following BrailleNote conventions, if followed, will make the back-translation process run smoother and reduce the number of translation errors.

a. Ensure lines style instead of paragraph style is used such that the file will retain the line breaks when translated into text.

b. Set the BrailleNote Back-Translation Option "Revert to Paragraph Style After How Many Blank Lines" to a value greater than "1" such that switching back to lines style after every problem is not required.

c. Set the BrailleNote ASCII Translation Option "Use Line Or Paragraph Format" to "Lines" and set the "Use End of File Character" option to "Off."

d. File Preparation Method 2 above will not work with the BrailleNote, but Methods 1 and 3 will.

e. Multiplication and division problems must be numbered or lettered. Due to internal settings on the BrailleNote, the actual problem must start on the next line (no empty lines between the number/letter and the problem).

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Running the Program

When the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä opens, an empty input text window will appear. The file requiring conversion can either be cut and pasted directly into the window or an existing file can be opened into the window. To open a file, either select Open on the File Menu or press Control-O.

Note: If cutting and pasting is to be used, the input .txt file should be opened in a simple text reading file such as Notepad or Wordpad. If more capable word processing or publishing programs, such as Microsoft Word, are used to open, then copy/cut the data to be pasted into the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä, the program can insert hidden codes and symbols which will cause anomalies during translation.

To translate the text, select Translate on the Translation menu or press Control-T. A window will then pop-up showing translation progress as a percentage. File translation can take up to several minutes, depending on the length and complexity of the math file.

After the translation is complete, select OK to continue.

Save the translated file as a .tex file or copy and paste the text directly into a LaTeX-based compiler/publishing program such as TeXnicCenter. Some LaTeX-based programs, such as Scientific Notebook, require the converted file to be directly opened, vice cut and pasted. All required LaTeX headers and footers will already be included in the text.

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Translation Options

To access the Translation Options, either select Translation Options on the Translation Menu or press Control-P. The Translation Options are:

a. Display On-Screen Instructions. When checked, step by step instructions are displayed on the screen. The default setting is checked.

b. Using Preparation Method 2. Specifies that the user is using File Preparation Method 2 so that Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä takes the extra steps required for this method during translation. The default setting is unchecked.

c. Cut Extra Characters from the End of a BrailleNote File. Sometimes, a BrailleNote will add extraneous characters to the end of a translated text file that has been sent by e-mail. This option removes these characters. The default setting is not checked.

d. Number of Paragraphs to Skip at Beginning of Document. As part of the translation, Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä separates the math from the regular text such that regular text does not get inadvertently translated into math. If any headings at the beginning of a document do not contain math symbols or math text other than Nemeth Braille Math numbers, Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä can automatically specify that region as text and skip the demarcation process, reducing the overall translation time. For this setting, a paragraph is defined as a block of text preceded and followed by a blank line (except the first paragraph). The default setting is 0.

e. Number of Paragraphs to Center at Beginning of Document. Because all formatting is lost in text format, Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä can use the LaTeX language to center the text. The number in this option specifies the index of a paragraph, starting from the top. For example, a value of "2" will center only the second paragraph. To center more than one paragraph, separate the numbers by commas. For example, a value of "2,3" will center the second and third paragraphs. Note that this value cannot be greater than the number of paragraphs to skip at beginning of document (see d. above). See e. above for the definition of a paragraph. The default setting is 0.

f. Align Comparison Signs. This setting determines whether or not to align a sequence of comparisons (=, <, >, etc.) on multiple lines. See Spatial Mathematics above for more information. The default setting is unchecked.

g. Set Directory of Current File as Default Directory. This selection toggles between two states. Upon initial installation, the program defaults to the state. In this state, the program will return to the last visited directory when opening an open or save dialogue box. In this state, the toggle button on the Translation Options page will read "Set directory of currently open file to default directory." If this button is selected, the state will change to "Set directory of currently open file to default directory" and the button will then read "Set to no default directory" to offer the other state. The "Set directory of currently open file to default directory" state sets the directory of the currently-open file as the default directory into which Nemetex will look to save or open files the next time the program is started.

Note: Upon initial installation, or if the program has been previously set to the "Set to no default directory", if a file is not open, the toggle button will not appear and "Set directory of currently open file to default directory" will not be offered as a choice.

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Errors

Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä can detect and display certain errors in the original input file and report them to the user in an error dialog, which will pop-up only if errors are found. Such errors include: missing or double begin or end fraction sign, missing fraction slash, and missing begin or end matrix sign. Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä will attempt to determine the problem number in which the error is located. If no error is immediately evident in that problem number, it is likely the error is somewhere before that problem number. The input should be examined upward in the file, starting with the problem prior to the Braille section causing the error.

Note: Because Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä does not detect all possible input errors, it is recommended that input files are proof-read thoroughly before translation.

Some errors in the text can cause Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä to close. In this case, please send the original Braille file (if used File Preparation Method 1 or 2) and the text file to tech.support@accessisoft.com with the subject line of the Exit Error.

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Hot Keys

The following Hot Keys are available in Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä:

Control-A: Select All

Control-N: New file

Control-O: Open file

Control-P: Translation Options

Control-S: Save

Control-T: Translate File

Control-V: Paste

Control-X: Cut Selection to Clipboard

Control-F1: Display Help File

Control-F4: Close File

Control-F6: Switch to Next File

Shift Control-F6: Switch to Previous File

Control-Tab: Places cursor in instruction box

Control-F12: Save File As

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Supported Symbols

The following symbols are supported by Version 2.2 the Nemetex Nemeth Back-Translatorä.

absolute value

alpha

angle

approximately equal to

arccos

arcsin

arctan

arrow barbed at right end over text (contracted and un-contracted form)

asterisk

baseline indicator (also known as multi-purpose indicator)

beta

brace

bracket

capital sign

cents sign

choose

congruent

circle

circle with center

complex fraction begin

complex fraction end

complex fraction slash

complex fraction slash (linear)

corresponds

cosecant

cosine

cotangent

decimal

degrees

delta (capital and lowercase)

diamond

division dot

division slash

dollar sign

epsilon

equals

equivalent

eta

factorial

for all

fraction begin

fraction end

fraction slash

fraction slash (linear)

gamma (capital and lowercase)

greater than

greater than or equal to

hollow dot

horizontal bar over text (one character or more than one character)

hyperfraction begin

hyperfraction end

hyperfraction slash

hyperfraction slash (linear)

implies

infinity

integral sign

intersection

lambda (capital and lowercase)

less than

less than or equal to

letter sign

limits

log

mathematical comma

matrix begin

matrix end

mean

measure of angle

minus

mixed number begin

mixed number end

multiplication dot

multiplication cross

natural log

not

not congruent

not greater than

not greater than or equal to

not less than

not less than or equal to

not equal to

not parallel

not perpendicular

not similar

null set (empty braces)

null set (zero with slash)

number sign

omega (capital and lowercase)

omicron

parallel

parametric equations

parenthesis

percent

perpendicular

phi (capital and lowercase)

pi (capital and lowercase)

plus

plus minus

prime

proportional

psi (capital and lowercase)

punctuation indicator

ratio

remainder

reflection

rho

root

rotation

secant

sequences

sets

sigma (capital and lowercase)

similar

sine

square root

step functions

subscript (all level)

summation

superscript (all level)

tangent

tau

there exists

therefore

theta

transformation

triangle

union

upsilon (capital and lowercase)