Platform-Level Tagging for Application Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer applications lack effective platform-level accessibility features, as the operating system cannot interface with applications to provide enhanced accessibility options beyond rudimentary enhancements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing platform-level tagging of application features, where features are associated with tags, and tags are translated into actions by the operating system, allowing for enhanced accessibility enhancements without requiring extensive programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If accessibility features are implemented within each application, then accessibility functionality is provided, but development time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility functionalityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal accessibility service at the operating system level that can be shared across multiple applications. The accessibility service receives tagged feature information from applications and provides standardized accessibility enhancements (such as text-to-speech, alternative color palettes, and subtitles) through a common interface, eliminating the need for each application to implement its own accessibility features from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operating system provides accessibility features, then platform-level enhancement is achieved, but the features are limited to rudimentary enhancements only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform-level enhancementVSAvoidaccessibility feature usefulness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments accessibility features into two distinct components: (1) tagged feature information provided by individual applications (such as game-specific elements like characters, items, or events), and (2) standardized accessibility enhancements provided by the operating system's accessibility service. This segmentation allows the system to combine application-specific context with platform-level capabilities, moving beyond rudimentary enhancements to provide tailored accessibility support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If operating system interfaces with applications for accessibility, then enhanced accessibility options are provided, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility optionsVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an accessibility service as an intermediary component between applications and the operating system's accessibility features. Applications tag their features with metadata that the accessibility service processes, and the service then requests appropriate enhancements from the operating system. This intermediary layer simplifies the interface for applications while maintaining sophisticated accessibility capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250147770A1Platform-level tagging of objects for accessibility
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US20250147770A1 patent drawing
  • US20250147770A1 patent drawing
  • US20250147770A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, system, and computer readable medium for enhancing accessibility for an application, comprising associating a feature with a tag and associating the tag with an action. When the feature associated with the tag is detected triggering a device to implement the action based on the detected tag.