Dynamic TTS Engine Installation for Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for visually impaired users face challenges with incompatibility of auditory interface objects and routines in application programs with computer systems, and rely on prerecorded auditory presentations during installation, limiting flexibility and options.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic auditory user interface is provided using Text to Speech (TTS) protocols, which automatically checks for and installs or modifies a compatible TTS engine during application program installation, offering users the choice between auditory and conventional display interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prerecorded auditory presentation is used during installation, then visually impaired users can receive installation instructions, but flexibility and presentation of options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for visually impaired usersVSAvoidflexibility and presentation of options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static prerecorded auditory interface into a dynamic Text-to-Speech system that can adapt its output in real-time. The TTS engine generates speech dynamically based on the installation state and user interactions, allowing flexible presentation of options and instructions rather than being constrained by pre-recorded fixed scripts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of auditory output from fixed prerecorded audio to dynamically generated speech. By controlling TTS parameters such as speech rate, pitch, and content selection based on installation progress and user needs, the system provides both accessibility and flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If application program includes auditory interface object, then visually impaired users can interact with the program, but incompatibility with auditory engines in receiving computer system occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauditory interface for visually impaired usersVSAvoidcompatibility with auditory engines

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Text-to-Speech technology as an intermediary layer between the application program and the computer system's auditory output capabilities. Rather than requiring direct compatibility between the application's auditory interface objects and the system's auditory engine, the TTS system translates installation instructions and interface elements into speech, mediating the interaction and ensuring compatibility across different systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If special computer operating systems are set up for visually impaired users, then accessibility is improved, but complexity of system setup and limited software availability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for visually impaired usersVSAvoidsystem setup and software availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the standard computer system universal by integrating TTS capabilities into the installation process itself. Instead of requiring separate specialized operating systems or pre-configured accessibility environments, the system provides auditory interface functionality dynamically during installation, allowing the same system to serve both visually impaired and able-bodied users without additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8577682B2System and method to use text-to-speech to prompt whether text-to-speech output should be added during installation of a program on a computer system normally controlled through a user interactive display

Publication Date: 2013.11.05 CERENCE OPERATING CO

AI summary

An auditory user interactive interface to an application program being installed in the computer controlled system. A routine in an object, in an application program being installed in the computer controlled system for providing an auditory user interface to the program in combination with auditory means for offering the user of the computer controlled system the auditory user interface during installation of said application program, and responsive to the selection of the auditory interface provides the auditory user interface during said installation of the application program. The functional object in the application program being installed includes the routine for providing the auditory interface preferably implemented in Text to Speech (TTS) functions together with an implementation for determining whether the computer controlled system receiving the application program includes a TTS engine compatible with the TTS functions in the application program and a routine for installing a TTS engine compatible with the routine when the computer controlled system does not include the TTS engine.