Accessibility Plugin Selection for Automatic Web Access Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with disabilities face limited or no web accessibility due to non-WCAG-compliant websites and the high cost of assistive devices like screen readers, preventing them from interacting with websites effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically selects and installs accessibility plugins based on user profiles and machine learning models, facilitating seamless interaction with websites without user intervention, using a distributed processing system to match accessibility requirements with appropriate plugins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If assistive devices like screen readers are used to provide web accessibility, then accessibility for users with disabilities is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitive and devices are not readily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent assistive devices like screen readers with free, temporary accessibility plugins that are injected into the browser only when needed. These plugins are lightweight, easily distributed, and can be removed or updated without permanent installation, making accessibility affordable and accessible to all users regardless of economic status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a plugin repository, injection service, and machine learning model that mediates between the user's accessibility needs and the website content. This intermediary automatically selects and injects appropriate accessibility plugins based on the user's profile and the target website, eliminating the need for users to directly select or install complex assistive devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and installation of accessibility plugins is required, then user control over accessibility features is improved, but the process requires user intervention which is not feasible for users lacking cognitive or physical capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the accessibility plugin selection and injection process occurs automatically without user intervention. The machine learning model analyzes the user's accessibility profile and the target website characteristics to autonomously select the most appropriate plugin, which is then automatically injected into the browser. This eliminates the need for users to manually search, select, or install plugins, making the system accessible to users with limited cognitive or physical capabilities while still providing personalized accessibility features.
3Ease of operation
If accessibility plugins are provided without user intervention, then ease of operation is improved, but the system must automatically determine accessibility requirements which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring users to provide their accessibility profile information in advance, before they need to access any websites. This profile contains pre-defined accessibility requirements and preferences. When a user needs to access a website, the system retrieves this pre-stored profile and uses it to automatically select appropriate plugins, eliminating the need for real-time analysis of user needs and reducing the complexity of the automatic selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by transforming the complex problem of automatic plugin selection into a simpler parameter-matching task. The machine learning model compares parameters from the user's accessibility profile (such as visual impairments, motor limitations) with parameters characterizing different plugins (such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation support) to automatically determine the best match. This parameter-based approach simplifies the decision-making process while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selecting accessibility plugins for disabled users is disclosed. In one example, the method includes determining accessibility requirements of a user to access a website. The method then selects, without user intervention, one of many accessibility plugins to satisfy the accessibility requirements of the user to access the website. Here, each one of the accessibility plugins has an accessibility requirement different from that of another accessibility plugin. The method then installs, without user intervention, the selected accessibility plugin to facilitate use of the website by the user.