Cloud-Based Augmented User Interface Configuration for Public Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Special needs users face challenges in accessing augmented user interfaces (AUIs) on various computers, as traditional computing paradigms require software installation, which is often restricted in public or unfamiliar environments, limiting their ability to utilize cloud computing benefits.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system that stores user preferences and AUI settings on a remote server, allowing users to access and configure AUIs on any cloud-enabled computer, including public devices, by downloading necessary components and settings, such as screen readers and magnifiers, through a web browser or API plug-ins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If augmented user interface software is installed on local computer, then special needs users can access enhanced functionality, but software installation is restricted in public or unfamiliar environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user needs and configures AUI components without requiring manual installation or setup. The server autonomously manages software deployment, configuration, and updates based on user profile information, enabling seamless access across different computers.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized server acts as an intermediary between users and multiple computers. The server stores user profiles, manages AUI software components, and delivers appropriate software configurations to any computer the user accesses, eliminating the need for local installation on each device.
2Ease of operation
If special needs software is installed on personal computer, then users with special needs can access augmented user interfaces, but cloud computing benefits are not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The AUI software is extracted from local computer environments and centralized on remote servers. Users access the software through web browsers or thin clients, transforming it from a locally-installed application into a cloud-delivered service that provides all cloud computing benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal access mechanism that works across any computer with internet connectivity. By delivering AUI functionality through standard web browsers and centralized server infrastructure, the system enables the same enhanced accessibility features on diverse devices without requiring device-specific installations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If AUI software is locally installed, then consistent user experience is achieved, but configuration cannot be easily transferred between devices
Solution Approach 1:
User configurations, preferences, and profile information are pre-stored and maintained on the centralized server. When users access any computer through the cloud-based system, their personalized AUI configuration is automatically retrieved and applied, ensuring consistent user experience without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and maintains digital copies of user profiles and configurations on the centralized server. These configuration copies can be instantly replicated and delivered to any number of devices, ensuring that users receive identical personalized settings regardless of which computer they access.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing augmented user interface (AUI). AUI is provided in response to a request. AUI configuration information is received, stored in preference file, and sent to remote server. Remote server receives request from computer to login user. Remote server authenticates user, retrieves and sends preference file to computer. Preference file contains information that allows computer to implement and configure AUI by directing output to AUI component. Remote server sends computer web-based API to enable browser to interface with an AUI application. API can include target callable by event handler to respond to HTML document browsing event by invoking AUI application. Remote server can send computer web-based, native, or browser plug-in AUI application. Computer can provide content rich navigation via API, AUI application and content navigation rules that define plural navigation paths through HTML document. Navigation paths providing AUI functionality to particular type of special needs user or user task.