Audible Transaction System for Visually Impaired Consumers

Solution Overview

Problem

Point-of-sale transactions often present challenges for consumers with visual impairments or distractions, as well as those who prefer not to read information displayed on video screens, due to difficulties in viewing or accessing transaction information.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that provides transaction information in an audible format through a connection between a consumer device and a payment terminal, using sound waves to communicate information such as product identification, pricing, and balance owed, via personal or public listening devices like headphones or speakers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a shared video display is used at the point of sale, then both the cashier and consumer can view transaction information, but consumers with visual impairments or distractions cannot access the information effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility to transaction informationVSAvoidAbility to view display

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile device or listening device) that mediates between the payment terminal and the consumer. This intermediary converts visual transaction information into audible format, allowing consumers with visual impairments or distractions to access transaction information through hearing rather than sight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the visual display mechanism with an auditory output mechanism. Instead of relying on the consumer to read visual information from a screen, the system uses speakers or headphones to convert and output the same transaction information as audible speech, substituting one sensory modality for another.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a separate video display is provided for the consumer, then transaction information can be viewed more clearly, but viewing remains difficult or impossible for consumers with visual impairment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveClarity of transaction informationVSAvoidAccessibility for visually impaired consumers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual display mechanism with an auditory output mechanism. Instead of relying on the consumer to read visual information from a screen, the system uses speakers or headphones to convert and output the same transaction information as audible speech, substituting one sensory modality for another.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of information presentation from visual to auditory. By converting the output modality from light-based display to sound-based speech, the system makes transaction information accessible to consumers with visual impairments while maintaining the completeness and accuracy of the information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If visual display information is used at the point of sale, then transaction details can be presented comprehensively, but consumers who prefer not to read or are distracted cannot effectively receive the information

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCompleteness of transaction informationVSAvoidAbility to receive information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual display mechanism with an auditory output mechanism. Instead of relying on the consumer to read visual information from a screen, the system uses speakers or headphones to convert and output the same transaction information as audible speech, substituting one sensory modality for another.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8738450B2Audible transaction process and system

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer in an audible format. The system includes a consumer device and a payment terminal located proximate the point of sale. The consumer device, either a mobile device carried by the consumer or an immobile device also located proximate the point of sale, communicates with the payment terminal and receives transaction information such as product identity or amount information. The consumer device then produces sound waves audible to the consumer based on the communicated transaction information using one or more private and/or public listening devices. This audible transaction process can be performed automatically during a transaction or can be implemented based on consumer preference.