Peripheral Device Audio Interface for Impaired User Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many printers and multi-function peripheral (MFP) devices rely on touch screen user interfaces that require visual interaction, limiting impaired users' ability to select functions and attributes, which contradicts accessibility requirements such as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling peripheral devices using key-value pair inputs, where alphanumeric characters represent desired features and attributes, with audio feedback for valid or invalid inputs, allowing users to operate devices without visual interaction, utilizing an operation panel with signaling devices like audio speakers and keypads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a touch screen UI is used, then the device provides visual interaction capabilities, but impaired users cannot access the device functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for impaired usersVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual touch screen interface with an audio-based interaction system. Users communicate with the device through audio commands and receive feedback through audio signals, eliminating the need for visual display and touch interaction. This substitution enables impaired users to operate the device independently without requiring visual capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an audio intermediary layer between the user and the device functions. The audio interface acts as a mediator that translates user intentions into device commands and presents device status information through auditory channels, making the device accessible to users who cannot interact with the traditional visual touch screen interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a touch screen UI is used, then the device provides visual feedback, but impaired users cannot discern information on the UI

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoiduser interaction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes visual information display with audio information delivery. Instead of showing information on a touch screen, the system provides auditory feedback and information presentation, ensuring that all information necessary for device operation is accessible through audio channels alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements audio feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about device status, function availability, and operation results through auditory signals. This feedback system ensures that impaired users receive complete information about device states without needing to see visual displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8185957B2Peripheral device

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A method for an impaired user to control a peripheral device including receiving key-value pair input from the user, determining whether the received input is valid and executing a job generated from the valid received key-value pair input.