WIPO中国：Access Infinity：将无障碍内容带给发展中国家的印刷品阅读障碍用户

塔塔咨询服务的Access Infinity平台为印刷品阅读障碍用户提供了对所需图书和信息的无缝获取。（图：FG Trade/E+）

The Access Infinity platform from Tata Consultancy Services offers users with print disabilities seamless access to the books and information they need. (Photo: FG Trade / E+)

当我们从DFI等处获悉，全球已出版的内容中仅百分之五以无障碍格式提供时，便萌生了Access Infinity举措的想法。我们开始研究这个问题。我们的目标是开发一个全国范围的数字生态系统，使印刷品阅读障碍者能够以自己需要的格式获取内容，过上充实、独立的生活。

The Access Infinity initiative was sparked when we learned from DFI and others that only five percent of the content published around the world is available in accessible formats. We started investigating the problem. Our aim was to develop a country-wide digital ecosystem that would enable people with print disabilities to access content in the format they need to live fruitful and independent lives.

在开发平台的过程中，您面临的主要挑战是什么?

What main challenges did you face in developing the platform?

平台的成功取决于其无缝部署和使用。为了实现这点，我们必须解决每个利益攸关方群体（出版商、内容创作者和发行商以及最终用户）的特定关切，同时不破坏他们的既定程序。在使用多种语言且人们的技术能力参差不齐的国家，这是一个巨大的挑战。

The success of the platform hinged on its seamless deployment and uptake. To achieve this, we had to address the specific concerns of each group of stakeholders (publishers, content creators and distributors, and end users), without disrupting their established processes. In a country where multiple languages are spoken and where people have varying technology competencies, it was a huge challenge. 

我们还必须确保开发的生态系统符合国家版权法，即确保仅有善意用户能够通过平台获取内容。只有防止内容进入主流渠道，避免损害利益攸关方的商业利益，我们才能建立出版商对该系统的信心。

We also had to ensure that the ecosystem we developed complied with national copyright law in terms of ensuring that only bone fide users can access content through the platform. Only by preventing content from entering the mainstream to avoid damaging stakeholders’ commercial interests, could we build publishers’ confidence in the system.

通过对印度数字出版格局的深入分析，我们提出了Access Infinity生态系统的想法，并在此过程中开发了一系列创新技术。

Through in-depth analysis of the digital publishing landscape in India, we came up with idea of the Access Infinity ecosystem, and in the process, we developed a variety of innovative technologies.

您开发了哪些类型的解决方案来处理利益攸关方的关切？

What types of solutions did you develop to address stakeholders’ concerns?

针对出版商，我们开发了一键式解决方案。在印度，出版商一般是家族企业，并且大多不愿转为制作“自始无障碍”图书。他们的关切从所需的资金投入和培训，到预计因与第三方组织共享内容以转换为无障碍格式产生的商业利益威胁不等。

For the publishers, we developed our one-click solution. In India, publishers are generally family-owned businesses, and many were reluctant to switch to “born accessible” book production. Their concerns ranged from the capital investment and the training it required, to the perceived threat to their commercial interests resulting from sharing content with third-party organizations for conversion into accessible formats.

我们的一键式解决方案在不影响安全性，也不强加大量培训要求或资本投入的情况下，解决了这些关切。内容以不同格式上传（文本、word、html、rtf、xml），点击一下即可转换为盲文、E-PUB3、Daisy或Daisy音频/文本同步格式。转换完成后，源文件将被删除。

Our one-click solution addresses these concerns without compromising security or imposing heavy training requirements or capital investment. Content is uploaded in different formats, (text, word, html, rtf, xml) and in one click is converted into braille, E-PUB3, Daisy, or Daisy audio/text synchronize formats. Upon conversion, the source file is deleted.

对于最终用户呢？

And for end users?

对于需求多样的最终用户，我们开发了多渠道分发系统，提供多种下载选项，包括通过专门的网络应用、手机或嵌入DAISY阅读器的API。我们保留了离线分发程序，这样图书可在需要时经图书馆下载并通过SD卡和光盘运送。

For end users, who have diverse needs, we developed a multi-channel delivery system with a variety of download options, including via a dedicated web application, a mobile phone or an API embedded in DAISY readers. We retained an offline distribution process so books can be downloaded and shipped through SD cards and CD via libraries when necessary.

我们还编制了无障碍格式的全国作品目录，以克服原有的无障碍格式图书制作和发行系统的相关局限，并消除重复浪费。

We also developed a national catalogue of works in accessible formats to overcome the crippling limitations and eliminate the wasteful duplication associated with the pre-existing system of producing and distributing books in accessible formats.

用户只需通过一个简单的登录系统即可访问目录，并可在印度任何地方以自己需要的格式寻求想要的图书。

Users access the catalogue through a simple log-in system and can request the books they want, in the format they need, from anywhere in India.

总体而言，Access Infinity平台是一个一站式解决方案。它解决了所有利益攸关方的关切；确保对所有各方的问责；提供对教育资源和服务的无缝获取；并且完全遵守印度国家版权法和《马拉喀什条约》。

In sum, the Access Infinity platform is a one-stop solution. It addresses the concerns of all stakeholders; ensures the accountability of all parties; offers seamless access to educational resources and services; and is fully compliant with India’s national copyright law and the Marrakesh Treaty.

开发用了多长时间？

How long did it take to develop?

这项工作始于2014年。我们在2016年正式推出该平台，并根据用户的反馈意见持续改进。例如，我们目前正在开发新的在线阅读功能，包括与Alexa和Google Home的接口，这样用户能够通过这些渠道搜索和下载内容。这些及其他增强功能将使我们的平台与时俱进。

Work began in 2014. We launched the platform officially in 2016, and we continue to enhance it in response to users’ feedback. For example, we are currently developing new online reading capabilities, including interfaces with Alexa and Google Home, so users can search and download content through these channels. These and other enhancements will enable us to future proof the platform.

使印刷品阅读障碍者能够无障碍获取内容为什么如此重要？

Why it is so important to make content accessible for people living with print disabilities?

以无障碍格式获取信息是一项基本需求，也是个人发展不可或缺的一部分。当印刷品阅读障碍者无法获取所需的信息时，他们生活的方方面面都会受到影响，并且变得更加困难。他们无法阅读小说、报纸、菜单和医疗处方等。

Access to information in accessible form is a fundamental need and an integral part of an individual’s development. When people with print disabilities are unable to access the information they need, every aspect of their life is compromised and made more difficult. It’s impossible to read a novel, a newspaper, a menu, a medical prescription and more.

获取信息对个人接受教育、获得就业、实现经济赋能和独立性以及社会融入的能力影响巨大。

Access to information has a tremendous impact on an individual’s ability to get an education, secure employment, achieve economic empowerment and independence and to integrate socially.

Access Infinity帮助创造出一个环境，让印刷品阅读障碍者能够获取所需的内容，在平等条件下竞争，并为社会和经济做出有意义的贡献。

Access Infinity helps create an environment where people with print disabilities can access the content they need, compete on equal terms, and make a meaningful contribution to society and the economy.

自Access Infinity在印度部署以来，您看到了哪些影响？

Since the deployment of Access Infinity in India, what impact are you seeing?

截至目前，已有约70多万册图书通过平台以无障碍格式提供。无障碍格式的教育内容如今在印度33个邦教育委员会中的18个，以及许多大学本科和研究生项目，包括选定的博士项目中提供。参加竞争激烈的公务员考试和最严苛的MBA项目的学生现在也能获取无障碍格式内容。

To date, around 700,000 more titles are now available in accessible format through the platform. Educational content in accessible format is now available in 18 of India’s 33 State Education Boards, as well as many undergraduate and postgraduate university programs, including selected doctoral programs. Students entering the highly competitive Civil Service exams and MBA programs, which are among the toughest, also now have access to content in accessible format.

我们还看到越来越多的出版商，包括媒体机构，使用平台将内容转换为无障碍格式。这意味着印刷品阅读障碍者现在能够与视力正常的读者同时获取特定日报。

We are also seeing a growing number of publishers, including media houses, using the platform to convert their content into accessible formats. This means that people with print disabilities can now access selected daily newspapers at the same time as sighted readers.

在开发平台的过程中，TCS与DFI及其合作伙伴还开发了各种外围技术，为最终用户的需求提供支持，并使他们尽可能独立。因此，我们如今看到更多印刷品阅读障碍用户在使用更多的内容并寻求教育机会。

In developing the platform, TCS and DFI and its partners have also developed various peripheral technologies to support the needs of end users and make them as independent as possible. As a result, we are now seeing more users with print disabilities consuming more content and pursuing educational opportunities.

Access Infinity为印度的印刷品阅读障碍者获取所需的知识和信息以过上充实而独立的生活奠定了坚实基础。

Access Infinity lays a strong foundation for people with print disabilities in India to access the knowledge and information they need to live fulfilling and independent lives.

TCS和DFI三年内的目标是吸引十亿用户使用平台，并以无障碍格式提供一百万册图书。Access Infinity让这些宏伟目标近在咫尺。

Within three years, at TCS and DFI, our aim is to attract a billion users to the platform and to make a million titles available in accessible format. Access Infinity puts these ambitious goals well within reach.

“我们改变了观念，树立了无障碍出版的风尚，如今这已是印度的一个优先事项。”Charudatta Jadhav在赞赏TCS与印度Daisy论坛的合作时说道。（图：Charudatta Jadhav提供）

Having lost his sight at a young age, chess gave Charudatta Jadhav the self-confidence to believe he could make something of his life. (Photo: Courtesy of Charudatta Jadhav)

印度Daisy论坛在这项事业中发挥什么作用？

What role did the Daisy Forum of India play in the venture?

DFI在开发Access Infinity平台并在印度成功部署的过程中发挥了关键作用。DFI是一个重要合作伙伴，因为他们汇集了超过200个利益攸关方，包括学校、制作无障碍内容的非政府组织、图书馆、出版商、大学以及隶属社会正义和赋权部的国家视力障碍者赋权研究所（NIEPVD）。通过与DFI和NIEPVD合作，TCS得以重塑印度数字出版业，并改善数百万印刷品阅读障碍者的生活质量。

DFI has played a pivotal role in developing and successfully deploying the Access Infinity platform in India. DFI was a key partner because they bring together more than 200 stakeholders, including schools, non-governmental organizations who produce accessible content, libraries, publishers, universities, as well as the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), which is part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In partnership with DFI and the NIEPVD, TCS has been able to reshape digital publishing in India and improve the quality of life of millions of people with print disabilities.

知识产权在Access Infinity的开发中发挥什么作用？

What role does intellectual property play in developing Access Infinity?

Access Infinity是TCS推出的集合创新理念、综合研究和技术开发的产物，其中包括人工智能技术的广泛使用。因此，我们申请了多项专利来保护这些知识资产，主要是因为其应用不仅限于Access Infinity平台。这些技术也嵌入了我们的其他商业解决方案中。

Access Infinity is the product of innovative ideas, comprehensive research, and technology development, including extensive use of AI technologies, undertaken by TCS. As such, we have filed multiple patents to protect these intellectual assets, primarily because their application is not limited to the Access Infinity platform. These technologies are also embedded in our other commercial solutions.

Access Infinity的下一步是什么？

What next for Access Infinity?

TCS正在将Access Infinity与ABC的全球平台整合，以确保为50多个发展中国家的印刷品阅读障碍用户带来惠益。这将使无缝跨境获取（无需人工干预）在这些国家成为现实，同时可能克服出现的任何技术挑战。

TCS is in the process of integrating the Access Infinity with the ABC’s global platform to ensure it benefits users with print disabilities in more than 50 developing countries. This will make seamless cross border access (without human intervention) a reality in these countries, while making it possible to overcome any technological challenges that may arise.

参与这个项目对您个人意味着什么？

What does it mean to you personally to have been part of this project?

从职业角度讲，我非常自豪能够为创建这一平台发挥关键作用。作为一名印刷品阅读障碍者，我也受益于平台。我在生活中经历过许多坎坷，但得益于科技，我能够获得新技能，将面临的挑战降至最低，并且完全独立地生活。

Professionally, I am very proud to have played a key role in creating this platform. And as a person with print disabilities, I also benefit from the platform. I have faced many ups and downs in my life, but thanks to technology, I have been able to gain new skills, minimize the challenges I face and live completely independently.

Charu博士的个人经历

Dr. Charu's personal journey

我在13岁时失去了视力。当时我正坐在教室里，眼前突然出现黑点，我无法看见黑板。后来医生告诉我，我左眼的视网膜已完全脱落。我的右眼仍有有限的视力。那是在1980年，没有任何补救措施。

I lost my sight when I was 13 years old. I was sitting in the classroom and suddenly dark spots appeared in my eyes and I was unable to see the blackboard. The doctors subsequently told me my retina had detached completely in my left eye. I still had limited vision in my right eye. That was in 1980 and there was no remedy.

Charudatta Jadhav幼年时失明，是国际象棋给了他自信，让他相信自己可以成就一番事业。（图：Charudatta Jadhav提供）

Having lost his sight at a young age, chess gave Charudatta Jadhav the self-confidence to believe he could make something of his life. (Photo: Courtesy of Charudatta Jadhav)

Charudatta Jadhav幼年时失明，是国际象棋给了他自信，让他相信自己可以成就一番事业。（图：Charudatta Jadhav提供）

Having lost his sight at a young age, chess gave Charudatta Jadhav the self-confidence to believe he could make something of his life. (Photo: Courtesy of Charudatta Jadhav)

八十年代末，我的视力完全丧失。我以为我的人生完蛋了。我不知道作为一个盲人如何能够独立生活。就连我的父母也认为失明使我在今后的人生中什么也做不了。

By the late 80s I lost my eyesight completely. I thought my life was over. I couldn’t see how as a blind person I could live an independent life. Even my parents thought my blindness would stop me from doing anything with my life.

再三思索后，我决定追求学业，在朋友们的帮助下，我做到了。但真正的转折点是在1985年，我接触了国际象棋。

After a lot of introspection, I decided I need to pursue my education, which I did, thanks to the help of my friends. But the real turning point came in 1985, when I discovered chess.

在国际象棋比赛中，盲人可以与视力正常的棋手同台竞技，无需任何特殊待遇。我花时间学会了国际象棋，很快便开始击败视力正常的朋友。我在各地区锦标赛中也取得了好成绩，随后参加了国际比赛。这给了我信念和信心，让我敢于梦想自己的人生能有所作为。之后80年代末和90年代初，在印度的计算机大热潮期间，我接触了计算机。

Chess is a game where a blind person can compete on a par with sighted players, without any special treatment. I spent hours learning the game and soon began defeating my sighted friends. I also did well in various district tournaments and then went on to compete in international competitions. This gave me the self-belief and confidence to dare to dream that I could do something with my life. Then, in the late 80s and early 90s, during India’s big computer boom, I discovered computing.

长话短说，我学习了软件编程，从此一发不可收拾。我辞去了银行的舒适工作，加入了一家小型IT公司，并很快成为项目负责人。后来我转到TCS，这让我有机会与世界上最聪明的人竞争，探索新想法，研究非常复杂的任务。我现在的首席技术官Ananth Krishnan是我职业生涯中非常重要的角色。他指派给我的非常复杂且具有挑战性的任务让我能够成长并取得成功。

To cut a long story short, I studied software programming and have never looked back. I left a comfortable job in a bank and joined a small IT company where I soon became a project leader. Then I moved to TCS, which gave me the opportunity to compete with the best brains in the world, explore new ideas, and research very complex tasks. My current CTO, Ananth Krishnan, has played a very important role in shaping my career. The very complex and challenging assignments he has sent my way have enabled me to grow and succeed.

技术在我的生活中发挥着至关重要的作用。这就是为何我希望确保它对其他人有相同影响。这一路很艰辛，我遇到过许多挑战。我从未想过自己会抵达现在这一阶段。但是，凭借诚实、勤奋和支持我的朋友和同事，我取得了成功。

Technology has played a critical role in my life. That’s why I want to ensure it has the same impact for others. It has been tough, and I have faced many challenges. I never thought that I would reach this stage. But with honesty, hard work, and supportive friends and colleagues, I have been able to succeed.

我坚信，当你相信自己时，一切皆有可能，尤其是将问题视作机遇时。

I strongly believe that nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself, especially when you look at problems as opportunities.

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