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Hagen Braille Software System (HBS)

HBS logo
Product Type: 
Device modifier
Manufacturer Name: 
FernUniversität in Hagen
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Product Description: 

Using a proprietary small document description language (HBS) built on and enhanced with the SBS instruction set, MS Word, HTML, and plain text files can be converted into high-quality braille output with relatively little effort. The document description language HBS serves both machine-based and human-controlled data conversion.

HBS can be used under all common Windows operating systems. The software has a special user interface that supports the working techniques of blind and sighted people on computers in equal measure. All functions can be conveniently triggered or operated with a mouse or keyboard. With the central control program HBSWIN all processes can be controlled, which somehow have to do with the task of the Braille conversion.

Main Features: 

  • It offers Braille translation modules for German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Greek (Old and Modern Greek) texts.
  • The translation behavior in each of these Braille systems can be changed by the user. HBS is thus capable of learning.
  • HBS sets itself the goal of producing quotable Braille outputs in the field of scientific literature.
  • Heading elements, paragraph formats, footnote texts, marginalia, tables and frames are reproduced in an optimized form in the sense of touch in braille.
  • As a valuable navigation aid for Braille readers, a so-called "Hagen Orientation Column" on the left margin can be generated automatically.
  • Spelling rules (orthography rules before or after 1998) can be checked during the braille conversion process or independently. Depending on the test result, HBS automatically switches on the intended translation module.
  • A second page counter in the Braille print edition ensures that blind readers are permanently informed as to which original page they are currently on.
  • Mathematical formula elements can be automatically translated into standard mathematics writing for the blind according to the rules of the "Marburg Systematics, Part 6".
  • HBS has three software circulatory systems:
    • DOC / RTF to HBS and vice versa,
    • HTML to HBS and vice versa,
    • "Pure text" after HBS and vice versa.
    • Add-ins (additional tools) for all MS Word versions for printing without leaving the word processing system. (Own tab in the menu ribbon.)
  • In addition to printouts in Braille and RTF, HTML and TXT files, HBS documents can also be used to create TEX files for further processing with the LATEX typesetting program.
  • A special VBA macro allows MS Word users to integrate HBS into their word processing system so that all HBS functionality is directly available directly from within MS-Word. Word does not need to be left.
  • There are eight HBS Braille fonts on the HBS program CDs, which every HBS user can install on their system through the installation routine. The HBS Braille fonts are then available under any application and can be used, for example, by graphics programs to appropriately label tactile graphics.
  • Starting in version 8.2, HBS offers a conversion system from HBS to DAISY for creating DAISY audiobooks with synthetic voice. Any voice installed on the computer system can be used as a synthetic voice.
  • Since 2014, the software system includes a so-called "HBS Validator", a program with the help of which HBS text files can be checked for various formal errors. Any application can be used as a possible correction program.

More Information: 

For more information on this product, please refer to the manufacturer's website.