Braille Math Graphics from Scientific Notebook

Presentation by Dave Skrivanek, Repro-Tronics, Inc.

This outlines the steps needed to create a plot of an equation in Scientific Notebook V5, convert it to a Braille graphic in TGD, then import it into a DBT Win 10.5 document.

Before starting please be sure that your embosser properties are properly set. If your embosser is capable of high resolution graphics (Braille dots closer together) then you must select the proper embosser, dot resolution, and paper size in the "setup" portion of TGD. You must select the corresponding embosser and settings in DBT.  This requires three different software programs: DBT Win V 10.5, TGD PRO V 3.1, Scientific Notebook V 5. 

For ease of use open all programs, a blank document or picture in DBT WIN, and SN. Also open the TRACE Me program of TGD PRO.

This example will generate the Nemeth code and the plot for Y=sin2x.

In Scientific Notebook

  1. Start by opening SN and a blank file where you can enter your equation properly.
    For example: CONTROL+M, this puts SN into math mode. CONTROL+T puts SN in text mode
  2. Type y=sin2x, the equation will type in RED (Black means text mode)
  3. Save this equation where you save your mathematical DBT Files (such as DBT.docs)
    Note: You must save your math equations in SN and then open it in DBT WIN10.5 to get the actual Nemeth mathematical expressions into DBT!
  4. Next generate the plot by left mouse clicking on the plot icon or via keystrokes (ALT+C, then 2 for a 2 d plot, then R for rectangular)
  5. Right mouse click on the plot and down arrow twice for properties, hit enter. Perform the following: 
    • Under Layout increase both x and y sizes by 1 - % (larger diagrams are easier to read tactually)
    • Under Axis check Disable tick labeling.

Diagram 1. Equation and modified plot as it appears in SN

Diagram of y=sin2x

  1. Shift+ Left arrow (to highlight the graph only)
  2. ALT+E, I to copy as picture
  3. ALT+F, I to export as a picture
  4. Name your file and choose file format "BMP" recommended. Note you will want to save it in the same location as you save your mathematical .sig files

In Trace ME

  1. ALT+TAB to TraceMe program
  2. ALT+T TO EDITING TOOLS, P setting OUT OF BOUNDS
  3. ATL+F, I (open/import) to open a file. Find and open the appropriate file. Choose the SN file you just created. You will be asked if you want the graphic to fill the screen, CHOOSE NO.  Cross hairs will appear, left click and hold the mouse button. When the graphic appears, hold the mouse button down and place the graphic where desired.

Graphic as it appears in TGD TraceME (still a smooth line graphic)

Diagram of y=sin2x

  1. ALT+T, E to open Editing Tools again and choose EDIT FOR EMBOSSING You will first be told that if your graphic is not dense enough parts will be missing (does not apply for this procedure provided you saved as a BMP) The graphic has been transformed from a smooth line drawing into Braille dots suitable for embossing.
  2. Edit by adding Braille dots with left mouse button and removing Braille bots with right mouse button (Big Dot editing makes this job easier). ALT+D, E provides a dialog box for adding Braille (grade one) Add Braille to your diagram as necessary. Braille Added at this stage is placed where desired only by using the mouse and the left button.
  3. ALT+M, S and save the file as a .sig file
  4. ALT+M, S and save the drawing where desired

An alternative method is to save the drawing in QikTac as follows:

  1. ALT+M, then G TO open the Menu and go to QikTac (QikTac is totally mouse driven. There are no keyboard commands) You can do more editing and put in Braille labeling here.
  2. Click on the LOAD or SAVE button.
  3. Click on NO to not load a drawing.
  4. Click on YES to save the drawing.
  5. Name it and save it where you want to find it in DBT

Diagram imported into QikTac

View of QikTac page with diagram y=sin2x


In DBT

  1. Alt+Tab to DBT WIN 10.5 or later
  2. Open the file that contains the equation and place it on the Duxbury page.
  3. Put you cursor on the line where you want the Braille graphic
  4. ALT+L to open the layout menu
  5. P to go to Pictures
  6. A then enter, to add a picture
  7. Select your Braille picture.
  8. CTL+T will translate the equation into Nemeth code and you will have the graphic placed directly after it.
  9. Send it to your embosser.

View of Duxbury window showing how the diagram of y=sin2x will look when embossed.


CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE JUST BROUGHT IN A BRAILLE GRAPHIC GENERATED IN SCIENTIFIC NOTEBOOK TO DBT WIN!

These instructions have been provided by:
Repro-Tronics Inc.
75 Carver Avenue
Westwood, NJ 07675
Phone: 201-722-1880
Fax: 201-722-1881
E-mail: info@repro-tronics.com