Dynamic Braille Display Partitioning for Contextual Footnotes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refreshable braille displays currently disrupt the flow of primary content when displaying ancillary alphanumeric content, such as footnotes, by either embedding it within the primary text or providing it out of context, limiting the reading experience for visually impaired users.
Innovation Solution
A software-based method dynamically partitions a refreshable braille display to simultaneously output primary and ancillary alphanumeric content by allocating braille cells into separate partitions, allowing users to navigate both independently and contextually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If ancillary content is displayed after primary content, then all braille cells can be allocated to primary content, but the footnote is provided out of context and may lose its pertinence
Solution Approach 1:
The braille display is segmented into multiple independent partitions, with at least a first partition for primary content and a second partition for ancillary content. This allows simultaneous display of both content types without disrupting the reading flow, as each partition can be navigated independently while maintaining contextual relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The display transitions from a single-dimensional linear display to a multi-dimensional partitioned display. By introducing spatial partitions that can be independently navigated, the system provides contextual information in a different dimensional space while preserving the natural reading sequence of primary content.
2Loss of information
If ancillary content is embedded into primary text, then contextual information is preserved, but the natural order of reading is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into separate partitions for primary and ancillary content, allowing users to access contextual information without interrupting the linear reading flow of primary content. Users can switch between partitions as needed, maintaining reading speed while accessing contextual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioned display structure acts as an intermediary between primary and ancillary content, allowing contextual information to be accessed without directly embedding it in the primary text flow. This mediator enables efficient navigation between content types.
3Loss of information
If the display is partitioned to show ancillary content, then contextual information is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning configuration is dynamic rather than static. The display can automatically transition between partitioned and unpartitioned modes based on content type, and users can dynamically switch between partitions. This dynamic approach reduces the perceived complexity by adapting to content needs rather than requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The braille display is designed to perform multiple functions through partitioning - it can display primary content alone, ancillary content alone, or both simultaneously in different configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved through software control of the existing hardware, avoiding additional physical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically partitioning a refreshable braille display based on presence of pertinent ancillary alphanumeric content. In an unpartitioned configuration, every braille cell of the refreshable braille display is used to output the primary alphanumeric content. When the refreshable braille display outputs a segment of the primary alphanumeric content having associated ancillary alphanumeric content, such as a footnote or a comment, the braille display is automatically partitioned into a first partition and a second partition. The braille cells of the first partition are allocated for outputting the primary alphanumeric content, while the braille cells of the second partition are allocated for outputting the ancillary alphanumeric content.