Abstract:
OCR plays a critical role in the field of assistive technology. It can help individuals with cognitive or reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, by converting printed materials into a readable digital format. This enables text-to-speech functionality, allowing users to listen to content they might struggle to read. Additionally, OCR can be paired with other assistive technology solutions, such as screen readers, magnification tools, and customizable font settings to support diverse user needs.
Introduction:
Future Goal of DaydreaminComics: is to enhance it’s technology advancement of Portable Document Formats(PDF .extensions) with OCR to enhance readers reading comprehension and tools to learn by being entertained by Comics and Other Literature under 508 Compliances .
The Purpose of Reading
According to Grabe and stoller (2011:11) there are six the purpose of reading, they are:
1. Reading to search for simple information
Reading to search for simple information is a common reading ability, though some researchers see
it as a relatively independent cognitive process. It is used so often in reading tasks that is probably
best seen as type of reading ability.
2. Reading to skim quickly
Reading to skim quickly is a common part of many reading task and a useful skill in its own right.
It involves, in essence, a combination of strategies for guessing where important might be in the
text, and then using basic reading comprehension skills on those segments of the text until a
general idea is formed.
3. Reading to learn from Texts
Reading to learn typically occurs in academic and professional contexts in which a person needs to
learn a considerable amount of information from a text, it requires abilities to remember main
ideas, recognize and build rhetorical frames and link the text to the reader base.
4. Reading to integrate information
Reading to integrate information requires additional decision about the relative importance of
complementary, mutually supporting or conflicting information and likely restructuring of a
rhetorical frame to accommodate information from multiple sources
5. Reading to write and reading to critique texts
Reading to write and reading to critique texts may be task variants of reading to integrate
information. Both require abilities to compose, select, and critique information from a text.
6. Reading for general comprehension
Reading for general comprehension when accomplished by a skilled fluent reader, require very
rapid and automatic processing of words, strong skills in forming a general meaning representation
of main idea, and efficient coordination of many processes under very limited time constraint.
Technique of Improving Reading Skill
To achieve the purpose of reading one should read effectively. States that effective reading means
being able to read accurately, efficiently and to understand as much of the passage as you read in order
to achieve your purpose.
To achieve one purpose of reading, you can apply some reading technique as follows Harmer in
Munawaroh S (2018:11). How to Teach English. England: Longman
a. Survey Reading
Surveying is specialized technique for getting a mountain top new of Article chapter content and it
helps to give a general point of view.
b. Skimming
Skimming is a kind of reading that make our eyes move quickly in order to get the main idea from
the reading material. Skimming enable people to select content that want to read and to discard that
which is in consequential for their purpose.
Bilingual : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Vol. 4 No.1 2022 e – ISSN : 2302 – 6596
DOI : 10.36985/jbl.v4i1.380
51
c. Scanning
Scanning is reading the text quickly to answer a specific question. This technique enables people to
locate specific information without reading all the material around it.
d. Pre-reading
Pre-reading is a technique that a reader uses before he began to read the material to improve his
comprehension and recall. Pre-reading involves only at those part of reading materials that will tell
you what it is about or how it is organize.
Comic
Definitions of Comic
According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) stated that comics are interpreted as an
illustrated story that is easily digested and funny (usually found in newspaper magazines or made in
the form of books). In general, comics can be interpreted as one of the media that serves to convey a
story through picture illustrations to describe the story. In addition, comics can also be interpreted as
literary works in the story there is leading figure. Comics generally contain fictional stories, as with
other literary works.
According to Kekkonen (2013: 6) stated that, comics can be defined as words and images
combined into a sequence. What is more important, usually they are words and images combined into
a sequence for a particular purpose, namely, to tell a narrative.
The Using of Comic Books in Teaching Reading
Most people like reading comics. The appealing of pictures and a sequence of story drawn are
interesting to read. They also find it easier to understand comics ‘content because comics are always
accompanied by visuals and use simple languages. Moreover because of the visuals, readers need less
cognition to understand the contents. English teachers may find that comics can be a potential source
to motivate students to read. This can be used as media applied in teaching English in the classroom.
By making sure that students enjoy reading, it is easier to teach them various materials to improve
their skills (Royanti: 2017:14).
The statements above are supported by Arikunto (2010: 123) who points out that comic book
usually liked by teenagers and young adults are seen to be effective used as media in language
teaching. Comic Books which are usually funny will amuse and interest L2 students in which it means
their motivation to read can be increased. She also states that with the characteristics of comic strips
which visuals, students will arebe able to learn better. Because if a word, expression, or concept is
accompanied by a picture (a visual image in one‘s mind), they tend to memorize and to recall them
more easily.
Droplet (2010: 40) says that it is better to implement authentic materials having real language use
but still bring the students to do extensive reading. If students enjoy reading, it will bring positive
results in the way of comprehending the text contents. Comics can be seen as a promising material to
implement because they are not only attractive for most learners in different ages and levels but also
contain real language use and also culture. The more students enjoy reading, the more their
comprehension skills improve.
Because comic books are dominantly visual, it can help students to comprehend the text and the
situation of comic strips easier. Visuals accompanying a text can help students to comprehend factual
information.
Comic books like intermediary to reading comprehension. Comics can scaffold to difficult
disciplines and concepts, can give reluctant readers the non-threatening practice and to experienced
onesinspiration and confidence for more challenging texts. And comic books popular in child.
Comic books provide the structure and the stimulus to which students respond, and, since stories
are universal, students from different cultures can understand their structure and identify themselves
with the characters. This helps them to acquire vocabulary, grammatical and communicative
competence and provides them with special cultural knowledge as well
Literature Review:
What is OCR (Optical Character Recognition)?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is the process that converts an image of text into a machine-readable text format. For example, if you scan a form or a receipt, your computer saves the scan as an image file. You cannot use ag text editor to edit, search, or count the words in the image file. However, you can use OCR to convert the image into a text document with its contents stored as text data.
Why is OCR important?
Most business workflows involve receiving information from print media. Paper forms, invoices, scanned legal documents, and printed contracts are all part of business processes. These large volumes of paperwork take a lot of time and space to store and manage. Though paperless document management is the way to go, scanning the document into an image creates challenges. The process requires manual intervention and can be tedious and slow.
Moreover, digitizing this document content creates image files with the text hidden within it. Text in images cannot be processed by word processing software in the same way as text documents. OCR technology solves the problem by converting text images into text data that can be analyzed by other business software. You can then use the data to conduct analytics, streamline operations, automate processes, and improve productivity.
How does OCR work?
The OCR engine or OCR software works by using the following steps:
Image acquisition
A scanner reads documents and converts them to binary data. The OCR software analyzes the scanned image and classifies the light areas as background and the dark areas as text.
Preprocessing
The OCR software first cleans the image and removes errors to prepare it for reading. These are some of its cleaning techniques:
- Deskewing or tilting the scanned document slightly to fix alignment issues during the scan.
- Despeckling or removing any digital image spots or smoothing the edges of text images.
- Cleaning up boxes and lines in the image.
- Script recognition for multi-language OCR technology
Text recognition
The two main types of OCR algorithms or software processes that an OCR software uses for text recognition are called pattern matching and feature extraction.
Pattern matching
Pattern matching works by isolating a character image, called a glyph, and comparing it with a similarly stored glyph. Pattern recognition works only if the stored glyph has a similar font and scale to the input glyph. This method works well with scanned images of documents that have been typed in a known font.
Feature extraction
Feature extraction breaks down or decomposes the glyphs into features such as lines, closed loops, line direction, and line intersections. It then uses these features to find the best match or the nearest neighbor among its various stored glyphs.
Postprocessing
After analysis, the system converts the extracted text data into a computerized file. Some OCR systems can create annotated PDF files that include both the before and after versions of the scanned document.
What are the types of OCR?
Data scientists classify different types of OCR technologies based on their use and application. The following are a few examples:
Simple optical character recognition software
A simple OCR engine works by storing many different font and text image patterns as templates. The OCR software uses pattern-matching algorithms to compare text images, character by character, to its internal database. If the system matches the text word by word, it is called optical word recognition. This solution has limitations because there are virtually unlimited font and handwriting styles, and every single type cannot be captured and stored in the database.
Intelligent character recognition software
Modern OCR systems use intelligent character recognition (ICR) technology to read the text in the same way humans do. They use advanced methods that train machines to behave like humans by using machine learning software. A machine learning system called a neural network analyzes the text over many levels, processing the image repeatedly. It looks for different image attributes, such as curves, lines, intersections, and loops, and combines the results of all these different levels of analysis to get the final result. Even though ICR typically processes the images one character at a time, the process is fast, with results obtained in seconds.
Intelligent word recognition
Intelligent word recognition systems work on the same principles as ICR, but process whole word images instead of preprocessing the images into characters.
Optical mark recognition
Optical mark recognition identifies logos, watermarks, and other text symbols in a document.
What are the benefits of OCR?
Data scientists classify different types of OCR technologies based on their use and application. The following are a few examples:
Simple optical character recognition software
A simple OCR engine works by storing many different font and text image patterns as templates. The OCR software uses pattern-matching algorithms to compare text images, character by character, to its internal database. If the system matches the text word by word, it is called optical word recognition. This solution has limitations because there are virtually unlimited font and handwriting styles, and every single type cannot be captured and stored in the database.
Intelligent character recognition software
Modern OCR systems use intelligent character recognition (ICR) technology to read the text in the same way humans do. They use advanced methods that train machines to behave like humans by using machine learning software. A machine learning system called a neural network analyzes the text over many levels, processing the image repeatedly. It looks for different image attributes, such as curves, lines, intersections, and loops, and combines the results of all these different levels of analysis to get the final result. Even though ICR typically processes the images one character at a time, the process is fast, with results obtained in seconds.
Intelligent word recognition
Intelligent word recognition systems work on the same principles as ICR, but process whole word images instead of preprocessing the images into characters.
Optical mark recognition
Optical mark recognition identifies logos, watermarks, and other text symbols in a document.
What are the benefits of OCR?
The following are major benefits of OCR technology:
Searchable text
Businesses can convert their existing and new documents into a fully searchable knowledge archive. They can also process the text database automatically by using data analytics software for further knowledge processing.
Operational efficiency
You can improve efficiency by using OCR software to automatically integrate document workflows and digital workflows within your business. Here are some examples of what OCR software can do:
- Scan hand-filled forms for automated verification, reviews, editing, and analysis. This saves the time required for manual document processing and data entry.
- Find the required documents by quickly searching for a term in the database so that you don’t have to manually sort through files in a box.
- Convert handwritten notes to editable texts and documents.
Artificial intelligence solutions
OCR is often part of other artificial intelligence solutions that businesses might implement. For example, it scans and reads number plates and road signs in self-driving cars, detects brand logos in social media posts, or identifies product packaging in advertising images. Such artificial intelligence technology helps businesses make better marketing and operational decisions that reduce expenses and improve the customer experience.
Content of Problem:
What are the benefits of OCR in assistive technology for students with disabilities?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology offers several benefits to students with disabilities. By converting printed text into digital format, OCR allows students with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, to access text through text-to-speech tools or screen readers. This technology also enables students with visual impairments to enlarge the text or adjust contrast settings for better readability. Additionally, OCR allows students to access learning materials in alternative formats, such as audio or Braille, thus enhancing their overall learning experience.
How does OCR technology improve accessibility in educational settings?
OCR technology plays a crucial role in facilitating accessibility in educational environments. It allows students with disabilities to access a wide range of printed and digital materials, which might otherwise be inaccessible. With OCR, textbooks, handouts, and other learning materials can be scanned and converted into formats that are compatible with screen readers, text-to-speech software, and devices that produce Braille output. This in turn promotes inclusive education and helps students reach their full potential by providing them with equal access to information.
Which OCR-based devices are commonly used for students with intellectual disabilities?
There are several devices available using OCR technology to support students with intellectual disabilities. Some of these devices include portable text-to-speech scanners, desktop OCR scanners, and mobile scanning apps. These tools allow students to access printed materials more easily, as they convert text into an accessible format like audio or enlarged text. By providing alternative ways to engage with learning materials, OCR technology helps students with intellectual disabilities succeed in their education.
How does OCR technology enhance the learning experience for students with visual impairments?
OCR technology greatly enhances the learning experience for students with visual impairments by providing access to printed materials in digital formats. By converting text into formats compatible with screen readers and Braille devices, OCR allows visually impaired students to access the same information as their peers. This technology also enables students to enlarge text, adjust contrast settings, and use audio outputs to help them understand and engage with content.
What are the main challenges in implementing OCR as an assistive tool for students?
Implementing OCR technology in educational settings can present some challenges. One of the main issues is the quality and accuracy of the scanned text, as errors in the OCR conversion can make it difficult for students to comprehend the material. Additionally, cost can be a concern, as some OCR devices and software might be expensive for schools or families. Training and support for educators, students, and their parents are also essential to ensure the successful implementation of OCR-based assistive tools.
Can OCR technology be integrated within existing assistive devices in the classroom?
Yes, OCR technology can be integrated with many existing assistive devices in the classroom. For example, there are OCR scanning apps available for smartphones and tablets, allowing these devices to be used as text-to-speech scanners. Similarly, OCR can be incorporated into existing desktop computer systems with screen readers and magnification software. Integrating OCR technology with existing assistive devices promotes a seamless and inclusive learning experience for students with disabilities.