Remote Control Audio Feedback for Blind Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blind individuals face challenges in navigating complex remote controls with numerous buttons, as there is no standardization, making it difficult to identify and locate functions without prior learning.
Innovation Solution
A system where a display device receives wireless commands from a remote control and announces the name of each key without executing the command initially, allowing users to confirm the key's function by pressing it again within a threshold period, enabling execution of the command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control has dozens of buttons to provide comprehensive functionality, then the device can perform more operations, but it becomes difficult for blind users to identify and locate button functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements audio feedback by announcing the name and function of each button when pressed. This allows blind users to identify button functions through auditory confirmation, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive functionality and ease of operation for visually impaired users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by announcing the button function before executing the command. This allows users to confirm the intended function is correct before it is carried out, making operation easier while maintaining full functionality.
2Productivity
If the remote control immediately executes commands upon button press, then the operation is efficient, but blind users cannot confirm the function before execution
Solution Approach 1:
The system announces the button function before executing the command, performing the confirmation action preliminarily. This allows users to verify the intended function is correct before execution, while still maintaining efficient operation through the threshold period mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts command execution based on timing. Commands are executed only when the same button is pressed again within a threshold period, creating a dynamic confirmation mechanism that balances efficiency and user confirmation needs.
3Reliability
If the system waits for user confirmation before executing commands, then accuracy is improved, but the operation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic threshold period that automatically times out if no confirmation is received. This ensures accurate command execution through confirmation while limiting the time delay, as the system will proceed after the threshold period elapses if no second press is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state based on timing parameters. By setting and monitoring the threshold period, the system transitions from waiting for confirmation to executing or cancelling the command, balancing reliability and time loss through parameter control.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled device receives a command from a remote control (RC) but does not execute the command. Instead, the remotely controlled device accesses an audio file pertaining to the command and announces what the command is, so that a vision-impaired person can hear the command caused by the key that was just pressed. If the person wishes the command to be executed, he presses the key again within a threshold period. In another embodiment, the RC receives a press of a key but does not send the associated command. Instead, the RC announces the command. If the user wishes to send the command to a remotely controlled device, he presses the key again.