StudyBridge - AI-Powered PDF Learning Companion

StudyBridge is a comprehensive web application that converts inaccessible PDF documents into multiple accessible formats using AI, specifically designed for students with disabilities.

🌟 Features

Core Functionality

• PDF Processing: Upload and extract text from both text-based and scanned PDFs
• AI Content Simplification: Google Gemini-powered content adaptation for different disabilities and reading levels
• Text-to-Speech: Web Speech API integration with adjustable speed and voice selection
• Visual Accessibility Controls: Customizable fonts, sizes, contrast modes, and spacing
• Study Tools: AI-generated flashcards, summaries, key terms, and quizzes

Accessibility Features

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliant
• Screen reader compatible
• Keyboard navigation support
• High contrast modes
• Dyslexic-friendly fonts
• Adjustable text spacing and sizing
• Multi-disability support (Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Visual/Hearing/Motor impairments)

🚀 Quick Start

1. Get Your Gemini API Key

Important: This app requires a Google Gemini API key for AI-powered content simplification.

1. Visit Google AI Studio
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Click "Get API Key" or "Create API Key"
4. Copy your API key

2. Add API Key to Backend

Edit /app/backend/.env and add your key:

GEMINI_API_KEY="your_gemini_api_key_here"

3. Restart Backend

sudo supervisorctl restart backend

4. Access the App

Open your browser and navigate to the app URL. The application is now ready to use!

📖 How to Use

1. Set Up Profile: Click "Profile" button → Select your accessibility needs → Save
2. Upload PDF: Drag & drop or browse for a PDF file
3. Simplify Content: Click "Simplify Content" to process with AI
4. Explore Tools:
   • Adjust visual settings (font size, spacing, contrast)
   • Use Text-to-Speech for audio playback
   • Generate study aids (flashcards, quizzes, summaries)

🎯 Key Benefits

• Free Alternative: Saves $2000+/year vs. commercial assistive technology
• AI-Powered: Google Gemini adapts content for different disabilities
• Multi-Modal: Text, audio, and visual accessibility options
• Privacy-Focused: All processing done securely, no data stored

🔧 Technical Details

Tech Stack

• Frontend: React 19, Tailwind CSS, Shadcn UI
• Backend: FastAPI, Python 3.11
• AI: Google Gemini Pro
• PDF: pdfjs-dist, PyPDF2
• TTS: Web Speech API
• Storage: localStorage (profile), MongoDB (optional data)

API Endpoints

• POST /api/extract-pdf - Extract text from PDF
• POST /api/simplify-content - Simplify with AI
• POST /api/generate-study-aids - Generate study materials

🐛 Troubleshooting

Gemini API Issues

• "API key not configured": Add key to /app/backend/.env and restart backend
• "Failed to simplify": Check API key validity and quota limits

PDF Processing

• No text extracted: File may be image-based (OCR coming soon)
• Slow processing: Large PDFs take time to process

Text-to-Speech

• Use Chrome, Edge, or Safari for best TTS support
• Check browser permissions if audio doesn't work

📊 Accessibility Features

• Visual: Font controls, contrast modes, spacing adjustments
• Cognitive: Content simplification, chunking, reading level adaptation
• Auditory: Text-to-speech with speed/voice controls
• Motor: Large touch targets, keyboard navigation
• Screen Readers: Full ARIA support, semantic HTML

🎨 Design Philosophy

Accessibility-first design with:

• High contrast colors (Ocean Blue, Emerald Green)
• Modern, readable fonts (Manrope, Inter)
• Large touch targets (48px minimum)
• Clear visual hierarchy
• No gradient overload
• Smooth transitions

📝 Project Structure

/app/
├── backend/
│   ├── server.py          # FastAPI app with Gemini integration
│   ├── requirements.txt   # Python dependencies
│   └── .env              # Configuration (ADD GEMINI KEY HERE)
├── frontend/
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── components/   # React components
│   │   ├── services/     # API services
│   │   └── utils/        # Helper functions
│   └── package.json      # Node dependencies
└── README.md            # This file

🤝 Support

For issues or questions:

1. Check this README
2. Verify Gemini API key configuration
3. Check browser console for errors
4. Ensure backend and frontend services are running

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Built for accessible education • Powered by Google Gemini AI