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JSRs: Java Specification Requests
JSR 44: Braille API Specification

This JSR has been Withdrawn
Reason: Withdrawn at the request of the submitter. Community support was not sufficient to support an Expert Group.

Original Java Specification Request (JSR)

Identification ? | ? Request ?| ? Contributions

Original Summary: Braille API Specification provides an API to work with Braille lines making the use of these devices easier and allowing a faster introduction of new Braille lines in the JavaTM market by just writing a driver for Braille.

Section 1: Identification

Submitting Participant: ONCE (Organizaci?n Nacional de Ciegos de Espa?a)
Name of Contact Person: Ram?n Cabello
E-Mail Address: rcl@once.es
Telephone Number: +34 91 589 06 30
Fax Number: +34 91 589 90 49

List of other Participants who endorse this JSR:

Sun Microsystems

Section 2: Request

2.1 Please describe the proposed Specification:
This is a proposal to develop a set of Java API's that allow user aplications to connect to Braille Line devices (like an I/O device) enabling blind people to work with applications running in the Java platform.

The capabilities of the Braille Line devices could then be exploited by application developers so that information can be easily displayed on Braille Line displays and input from such devices could be readily accepted by more applications.
2.2 What is the target Java platform? (i.e., desktop, server, personal, embedded, card, etc.)
The inital target platform is J2SE but the APIs could be of use to any client device in the desktop and hand-held device space that interfaces with Braille Line devices.
2.3 What need of the Java community will be addressed by the proposed specification?
There are currently no APIs that allow for braille input/output devices (like the Braille Line device) to be utilized by Java platform applications in a standard way.
2.4 Why isn't this need met by existing specifications?
There is no current API specification that meets this need in the Java platform space. The only industry API for the Braille Line device has been developed specifically for the Microsoft WindowsTM environment.
2.5 Please give a short description of the underlying technology or technologies:
The Braille Line device allows blind users to read output from applications and to send input to the application. This device functions as an I/O device for the blind much like a CRT and keyboard combination provide I/O capability for a sighted person.
2.6 Is there a proposed package name for the API Specification? (i.e., javapi.something, org.something, com.something, etc.)
javax.braille or perhaps org.once.braille
2.7 Does the proposed specification have any dependencies on specific operating systems, CPUs, or I/O devices that you know of?
The API set will provide acces to Braille Line devices that will each need their own native code interface. That code will form the driver-level part of this API package and will be hidden from both the application and the device user.
2.8 Are there any security issues that cannot be addressed by the current security model?
No
2.9 Are there any internationalization or localization issues?
Both the Japanese Braille Code and Level-2 Braille Code will need to be accomodated.
2.10 Are there any existing specifications that might be rendered obsolete, deprecated, or in need of revision as a result of this work?
No

Section 3: Contributions

3.1 Please list any existing documents, specifications, or implementations that describe the technology. Please include links to the documents if they are publicly available.
Please see the attached document with a proposed starting point for this work: JBrailleSpecs.pdf
3.2 Explanation of how these items might be used as a starting point for the work.
The specification included with this submission can be used as a starting point because it provides the basic functionality required by any Braille Line device. The plan is to enhance those capabilies.