Accessibility Metadata Negotiation in Information Processing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems lack protocols to support accessibility for individuals with disabilities in mixed topology environments, particularly in multi-sink and multi-source scenarios, where consistency and compatibility of data transmission are challenging, especially for those with visual, hearing, or physical disabilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of an information processing device capable of operating in accessibility mode, which includes a communication system that negotiates and adapts accessibility metadata transmission, using protocols like Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast, to ensure compatible data exchange between devices in normal and accessibility modes, accommodating various disabilities through metadata conversion and operation mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication system uses standard protocols for normal persons, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but accessibility for persons with disabilities is not supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility supportVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication protocol is segmented into two distinct parts: a standard protocol portion for normal operation and an accessibility metadata portion for disability support. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing devices while adding accessibility capabilities without requiring all devices to implement the full complexity of both protocols simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Accessibility metadata acts as an intermediary layer between the standard communication protocol and accessibility requirements. This metadata carries accessibility-related information (such as preferred interaction methods, accessibility features available) that enables persons with disabilities to communicate effectively without modifying the core protocol, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining protocol simplicity and supporting accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a source device connects to multiple sink devices in a multi-sink topology, then service coverage is expanded, but consistency of data transmission format is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-sink connectivityVSAvoiddata format consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Each sink device is assigned local quality characteristics through accessibility metadata that describes its specific accessibility capabilities and preferences. The source device uses this metadata to adapt the transmitted data format locally for each sink device, ensuring that each receives data in an optimal format for its accessibility requirements while maintaining overall system consistency through standardized metadata structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If different user interfaces are provided for normal persons and persons with disabilities, then accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface adaptabilityVSAvoidinterface management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface dynamically adapts based on accessibility metadata exchanged during connection establishment. Rather than providing completely separate static interfaces for normal persons and persons with disabilities, the system uses the accessibility metadata to dynamically adjust interface characteristics (such as enabling voice control, screen reader compatibility, or simplified navigation) based on the user's accessibility needs, thereby reducing the complexity of managing multiple fixed interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3253066B1Information processing device
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3253066B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3253066B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3253066B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an information processing device capable of operating in accessibility mode of guaranteeing browsing corresponding to disability or functional degeneration of a body of an operator. A source device checks whether each sink device is in accessibility mode at the time of connection, and determines whether or not metadata for supporting disability (for example, audios, videos, texts, vibration information, or the like) is added to the sink device in the accessibility mode at the time of transmission of original image/audio data. The source device changes a metadata transmission method in accordance with whether the accessibility mode of each sink device is turned on or off.