Here at Pneuma Solutions, we’re always on the prowl for the latest technology that could redefine the way we interact with the world. Some of this technology we adopt into our own workflow for your benefit. At other times we have to stand back in admiration at the ingenuity other teams are leveraging to make the world more inclusive.
A student team at Johns Hopkins is developing a screen reader that takes a unique approach to rendering text. The prototype is called A Set of Eyes, and it seeks to provide an intelligent means of engaging with elements on environments like websites.
The Johns Hopkins student team: (left to right) Jonathan Edwards, David Calvo, Jada Campbell, Kavya Tumkur and Hannah Lynn.
According to one of the students, Jonathan Edwards: “The term “screen reader” is kind of a misnomer—it’s not really a piece of software that “reads” your computer screen. It actually scrapes the webpage’s underlying HTML code and reads back to you what that code is out loud. … Our approach involves using computer vision and machine learning to detach the screen reader from the underlying code and also provide users with a flexible user interface—meaning they can practically talk with our screen reader to get information on the page.”
David Calvo
Our very own David Calvo is spearheading the project. He adds: “Imagine constantly relying on other people to do things like pay your bills or schedule appointments online! ASoE is the screen reader that my dad can rely on to do all of these things himself.”
Design Day challenges students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to a real world application. This year’s demos will feature A Set of Eyes, and we are confident the project will stand out as one of the university’s most promising initiatives with tangible benefit to the millions of blind people who rely on technology to lead successful and independent lives.
This is an exciting glimpse into the future. Read the story in its entirety here.
Sasha K says
A Godsend. Thank you
Blind Barry says
I understand that you have to be circumspect, but I don’t think you’ve actually told us what I, as a user, would do to read a webpage with it. As a tester and screen reader user for decades, I can’t get excited without understanding the concept. I’d be very happy to trial it for you.
Dexter says
Sounds very interesting but I does not want to get too excited until I am sure how user friendly is the product. I will also like to sign up to test it.
Sandra says
I am also interested in testing it.
Ashley Breger says
I would be interested in beta testing this product for you.