Aural Guidance for Document Imaging Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for electronically depositing negotiable instruments, such as checks, using scanning and imaging techniques are inefficient for visually impaired users, as they rely on visual feedback to ensure proper alignment and capture of the instrument, lacking assistance for accurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates an alignment guide on the mobile device's screen, superimposed on the image of the negotiable instrument, performs edge analysis to determine proper placement and provides aural directions to assist users in positioning the instrument correctly within the camera's field of view, allowing for accurate image capture without visual reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual feedback is used to guide alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but accessibility for visually impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual feedback mechanism with an acoustic feedback mechanism. The system uses audio signals to guide users on aligning the negotiable instrument within the capture area, substituting the mechanical/optical visual display system with an acoustic field-based guidance system that is accessible to visually impaired users while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion layer that translates visual alignment information into acoustic signals. The system processes the spatial position of the instrument and converts it into audible feedback that indicates whether the instrument is properly aligned, serving as a mediator between the visual capture system and the user.
2Ease of operation
If aural directions are provided for positioning, then ease of operation for visually impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the system to serve both visually impaired users through acoustic feedback and visually capable users through the existing visual interface. The same hardware components (camera, processor, output device) are utilized to provide multiple types of feedback, reducing the need for additional specialized components and mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating and providing appropriate feedback based on the user's needs and the instrument's position. The processor autonomously determines whether to provide visual or acoustic feedback and generates the appropriate signals without requiring additional external control systems, thereby managing complexity through intelligent automation rather than additional hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing aural guidance in imaging a document is disclosed. Visually impaired people may have difficulty when imaging a document with a mobile computing device. The system and method may analyze the image of the document in the imaging device, and output one or more aural directions in order for the user to move the document and/or camera for proper imaging of the document. In that regard, those with visual impairments may be assisted in imaging documents using a mobile computing device.