VERA: A Java-Based Voice Enabling Reading Assistant

ABSTRACT

In the modern digital age, much of the dissemination of knowledge is done through the screen-based platforms such as documentation, via email, web pages and e-learning systems. Although this spread has increased the availability of information, it has also created major problems to people with dyslexia and other reading complications. These people may often have an increased cognitive load, reduced understanding, and specific mental exhaustion when working with digital text. The current assistive technologies are either expensive, complicated, or require manual text extraction thus interfering with the reading process.  

Vera- Voice enabling Reading Assistant is a Java based desktop program that aims at offering an effective user friendly program.  

Assistive reading solution. The system will digitally read the text and turn it into a spoken voice, after which one can either type in the text manually or use Java to do the screen-capture feature to get the content on the screen. The text obtained is realised and read aloud by the text-to-speech engine, which therefore allows users to read and listen to information at a time instead of reading through the text continuously. 

Vera is developed based on the core Java technologies and guarantees platform independence, reliability and easy deployment. The application also includes the necessary controls, play, pause, and stop, and the adjustable speech rate to make users feel as comfortable as possible and customise the application. By focusing on simplicity, ease of use, and effectively connecting with and integrating with digital content, Vera will enhance reading comprehension, cognitive load, and inclusive and autonomous learning in persons with reading challenges.