Motion Gesture Selection for Visually Impaired Voting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current online voting systems exclude visually impaired users as they require reading ballot information displayed on a screen, preventing them from independently casting votes or participating in surveys.

Innovation Solution

A device and method enabling users to select options through motion gestures, utilizing a motion sensor, control module, audio unit, and vibration unit to announce and confirm selections without viewing the display, allowing visually impaired individuals to navigate and select options using auditory and haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual display is used for option presentation, then information delivery is clear and direct, but accessibility for visually impaired users is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for visually impaired usersVSAvoidInformation delivery clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces audio output as an intermediary medium to convey option information to visually impaired users. The system converts visual ballot information into audible form through speakers, allowing users to perceive options without visual contact. This intermediary solution bridges the gap between the visual display system and the auditory perception capability of visually impaired users, enabling independent ballot completion while maintaining information delivery clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If motion gesture recognition is implemented, then accessibility for visually impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent option selection capabilityVSAvoidSensor and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual input methods (such as physical buttons or touch screens requiring visual guidance) with motion gesture recognition. By using motion sensors to detect and interpret body movements, the system substitutes a more sophisticated sensing mechanism for simpler physical interfaces. This substitution enables visually impaired users to interact with the device through natural gestures, improving accessibility despite the increased complexity of the sensing and processing subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If audio feedback is added for gesture confirmation, then user experience for visually impaired users is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSelection confirmation feedbackVSAvoidPower consumption for audio output
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements audio feedback as a periodic rather than continuous function. The audio output is activated only at specific moments when gesture recognition occurs and confirmation is needed, rather than operating continuously. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous audio output, while still providing timely feedback to visually impaired users during the ballot completion process. The system activates audio feedback on-demand during gesture detection and selection confirmation events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables visually impaired users to independently select options in voting or surveys by interpreting motion gestures, enhancing accessibility in various environments, including low-light conditions or when the display is disabled.

Implementation Method 1

a motion sensor configured to detect a motion gesture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS8949745B2Device and method for selection of options by motion gestures
Publication Date: 2015.02.03 KONNECH
  • US8949745B2 patent drawing
  • US8949745B2 patent drawing
  • US8949745B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for selection of an option on a device is provided where the device is enabled for option selection through motion gestures by a user. The method comprises providing at least one option for a first input request and announcing the first input request and at least one option of the first input request. A first motion gesture is detected, and the device determines whether the first motion gesture corresponds to a positive selection or a negative selection, wherein a control module of the device determines whether the first motion gesture meets a threshold for a positive gesture selection or a negative gesture selection. The device advances to a second option and announces the second option upon the determination of a negative selection as the first motion gesture. The selected option for the first input request is stored in a memory of the device after a positive selection.