NFC Accessibility Tag for Visually Impaired Signage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for visually impaired accessibility, such as braille signs and auditory information, are limited in the amount of information they can provide and can be disturbing to others, particularly indoors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an accessibility tag that attaches to signage or nearby surfaces, communicates with mobile devices via NFC, and prompts the display of information from a database, allowing visually impaired individuals to access detailed information without disturbing others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If braille signs are used to provide information to visually impaired people, then accessibility is improved, but the amount of information that can be provided is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides information delivery into two segments: braille signs provide tactile identification and basic information, while a separate digital component (mobile device) provides comprehensive detailed information. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - braille for accessibility and identification, digital for information capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary component - a mobile device with NFC capability - that mediates between the braille sign and the comprehensive information database. The mobile device acts as a bridge, receiving identification from the braille sign and retrieving detailed information from external databases, thereby overcoming the information capacity limitation of braille alone.
2Ease of operation
If audial information is used to provide information to visually impaired people, then accessibility is improved, but it becomes disturbing to others particularly indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the harmful auditory output from the signage itself and relocates it to the user's personal mobile device. The sign only provides silent tactile braille information, while audio output is generated only by the user's device when needed, thereby eliminating disturbance to others while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary that handles the audio output function. Instead of the sign directly producing audible information that disturbs others, the system uses the mobile device as a mediator to provide audio only to the user who initiated the request, isolating the harmful effect to a private channel.
3Ease of operation
If comprehensive information is provided to visually impaired individuals, then accessibility is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by utilizing the user's existing mobile device, which already possesses NFC capability, processing power, and display functions. Rather than providing a complex dedicated device, the system leverages what the user already has, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it serves as an NFC receiver, a database interface, an information display, and potentially an audio output device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing system complexity while providing comprehensive accessibility support.
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
The system provides comprehensive and non-disturbing information access to visually impaired individuals, enhancing their independence and accessibility in both indoor and outdoor settings while adhering to accessibility regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the accessibility tag is configured to communicate with the mobile device by near field communication (NFC)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a visually impaired accessible signage, the system comprising: an accessibility tag configured to attach to a signage or to a surface near the signage, store communication information, communicate with a mobile device and prompt display of information by the mobile device, wherein the information is gained from an information file, and a database configured to store at least one information file. Additional embodiments of the system and methods for use thereof are described herein.