DEAF-core XML Processing System for Universal Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with disabilities face barriers in communication due to limited accessibility of information in modern technology, particularly in electronic communication systems, and existing solutions like closed captioning and TTY/TDD devices are either not universally available or impractical for real-time interactions.
Innovation Solution
The DEAF-core technology converts various inputs into accessible outputs using XML-based software that supports multiple input methods such as text, speech, and sign language, enabling communication through instant messaging, offline closed captioning, and real-time communication on devices like computers and cell phones, utilizing Galvanic Skin Response and Automatic Speech Recognition for sign language and speech conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If closed captioned text is provided for television presentations, then accessibility for hearing impaired people is improved, but availability is limited to specific networks and not universally accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides closed captioning functionality across multiple platforms and devices (televisions, computers, mobile devices, set-top boxes) through a universal XML-based format that can be processed by any device in the system, making the service universally accessible regardless of the specific network or venue
2Ease of operation
If TTY/TDD devices are used for communication, then accessibility for deaf individuals is improved, but the number of people who can be called is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary translation service that converts between different communication formats (TTY text, speech, sign language video) through a common XML platform, allowing deaf users to communicate with anyone regardless of their communication device or method
3Adaptability or versatility
If relay services are used for TTY-to-speech conversion, then communication between hearing impaired and hearing people is enabled, but privacy is eliminated and mistakes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated translation where TTY users can directly communicate with speech users through automated speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion without human intermediary involvement, preserving privacy and eliminating human error while maintaining communication versatility
4Productivity
If videophone devices are used to transmit sign language, then real-time communication between hearing impaired persons is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses software-based video processing and XML encoding to create digital copies and representations of sign language video that can be transmitted and displayed on standard devices, eliminating the need for expensive specialized videophone hardware while maintaining real-time communication capability
5Ease of operation
If Braille format is used for blind users, then accessibility to information is improved, but production cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical Braille printing with electronic Braille display devices that use refreshable Braille cells controlled by XML data, eliminating the need for physical Braille printing materials and reducing production costs while maintaining full accessibility for blind users
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
DEAF-core technology enhances communication accessibility for people with disabilities by providing efficient and effective means to input and output information in multiple formats, including text, Braille, virtual sign language, and synthesized speech, enabling seamless interaction across different platforms and environments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing Galvanic Skin Response and Automatic Speech Recognition for sign language and speech conversion
Implementation Method 2
utilizing Galvanic Skin Response and Automatic Speech Recognition for sign language and speech conversion
Data Source
AI summary
DEAF-core technology converts inputs to outputs accessible to people with disabilities. Communication is improved with DEAF-core technology by using data storage and transmission format that includes both semantic information and content. User-defined input, responsible for conveying semantic information, and raw analog input, such as text, are converted into a unique XML format (“gh XML”). “gh XML” includes standard XML encoded with accessibility information that allows a user to communicate both verbal (text) and non-verbal (semantic) information as part of the input. “gh XML” is a temporary format which is further converted using XSLT (extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) into individual versions of XML specific to each output. After the “gh XML” is converted into the desired XML format, custom rendering engines specific to the desired output convert the individual version of XML into a viable analog format for display.