Automaton Interface Switching Between Visual and Audio Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distribution or control automatons with graphic interfaces are not accessible to visually impaired or blind users, limiting their ability to benefit from automated services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes a touch screen interface with voice synthesis and tactile keys, allowing users to navigate and interact with the automaton through sound elements and simplified key configurations, enabling both normal and visually impaired users to control the automaton.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a graphic interface is provided for the automaton, then the ease of operation is improved for normal users, but the accessibility for visually impaired or blind users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automaton dynamically switches between a first control mode (graphic interface with visual elements) and a second control mode (tactile interface with audio feedback and Braille). The controller detects user presence and automatically transitions between modes, allowing the same device to adapt its interface characteristics based on the user's needs without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means are designed to serve multiple functions: they can operate as a graphic interface for visually able users and as a tactile/audio interface for visually impaired users. The same physical interface elements (buttons, display area) support both visual interaction and tactile/audio interaction, making the automaton universally accessible to different user groups.
2Device complexity
If a touch screen interface is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for visually impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a graphic display area for visual information and a tactile input area with physically distinct buttons for tactile interaction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a relatively simple overall structure while providing specialized interaction zones that accommodate visually impaired users without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Audio feedback serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the simple touch screen interface and the needs of visually impaired users. The speaker provides auditory information about the state of the automaton and confirms user actions, allowing visually impaired users to interact with the relatively simple touch screen interface without requiring a completely complex alternative interface system.
3Productivity
If visual elements are provided for user interaction, then the productivity is improved, but the accessibility to visually impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automaton employs periodic action by alternating between presenting visual information and providing audio feedback based on user interaction patterns. When a visually impaired user activates the tactile mode, the system periodically provides audio confirmations and information updates, maintaining productivity by allowing continuous interaction while adapting to the user's sensory capabilities through rhythmic feedback cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic distribution or command machine (10), comprising the steps of: emission of a set of sound elements by the automatic machine (10), the sound elements relating to the selectable graphical elements (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) of the graphical interface (12); and control of the graphical interface (12) using at least one command of the plurality of auxiliary command means (18, 20, 22, 24) of the graphical interface (12).