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在线翻译:
szdaily -> Campus -> 
IBM researcher shares hi-tech invention at CUHK-SZ
    2016-05-18  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

    Zhang Qian

    zhqcindy@163.com

    A Japanese computer scientist and researcher from IBM, Chieko Asakawa, shared her experience of inventing devices that provided Internet accessibility for the blind at The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen on May 13.

    Asakawa delivered a speech and answered students’ questions regarding the inventions as a guest speaker.

    “I hope the technology can help the blind not only live independently, but also fulfill their dreams,” said Asakawa at CUHK-SZ.

    The computer scientist lost her sight at age 14, but has worked on information accessibility since the 1980s. Asakawa pioneered e-book technology that allows the blind to read by braille or listen to the e-book.

    In the 1990s, Asakawa developed an Internet browser that allowed the blind to access the Internet by audio-based technology. The web browser was first available only in Japanese and later in 11 languages, including Chinese.

    The computer scientist said that she is now working with other scientists from Carnegie Mellon University to further develop the system to incorporate more interactive technologies for the visually impaired to get in touch with the world.

    One of Asakawa’s blind clients said that the browser opened a window to the world for him. After more than two decades of effort, Asakawa said that the voice system in the browser has advanced and even can express emotions.

    Three years ago, Asakawa saw the potential of mobile devices, the Internet of Things and the development of computer vision. She collaborated with the robots research institution at Carnegie Mellon University and developed a multifunctional technology called NavCog that combines sensors, smartphones for the visually impaired. The technology is used in an app downloadable from app stores.

    The developers hope the invention will be used in public venues.

    Some programs developed by the team also help people who can see. For example, an application called “Take Me Home” was designed for the elderly who become lost.

    Asakawa did not study computer science for her bachelor’s degree. She majored in British literature during college. After working at IBM, Asakawa furthered her education at the University of Tokyo and obtained a doctoral degree in computer science.

    When asked how she overcame the difficulties of shifting from literature to computer science, Asakawa told the students that she never gave up.

    Asakawa said she studied from 9 p.m. until midnight and during weekends when she was not working for the company.

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