Screen Reader Activation via Gesture and Sensor Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional screen reading programs on electronic devices often require physical or virtual buttons for activation, which can be inconvenient, especially when these buttons are not available, such as on devices without physical interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows activation of screen reading programs through user-initiated actions such as swiping gestures, shaking the device, covering a proximity sensor, or tapping the display, with optional time limits and audible notifications for confirmation, enabling activation without the need for specific buttons or menus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical or virtual buttons are used to activate screen reading programs, then the activation method is simple and direct, but it becomes inconvenient when buttons are not available on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple alternative input methods (voice commands, gestures, head movements, eye tracking) that can serve as substitutes for traditional buttons. This multi-functionality approach allows the screen reading program to be activated across various device types regardless of whether physical or virtual buttons are present, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary detection mechanisms (microphones for voice, sensors for gestures and head movements, cameras for eye tracking) that mediate between the user and the screen reading program activation. These intermediaries enable button-less activation methods, allowing users to activate the program on devices without traditional buttons while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative activation methods like gestures or voice commands are used, then device compatibility improves, but the activation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the activation process based on device capabilities and user preferences. Different activation methods (voice, gestures, head movements, eye tracking) are available as dynamic alternatives rather than a single fixed process. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain device compatibility while managing complexity by offering multiple pathways to activation rather than one complex unified process.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation process is segmented into multiple independent methods (voice command segment, gesture recognition segment, head movement detection segment, eye tracking segment). Each segment can operate independently, allowing the system to use only the necessary segment for a given device type, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If confirmation prompts are required before activation, then accidental activation is prevented, but the activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and recognition of activation intents through voice commands, gestures, or other input methods before requiring confirmation. By preliminarily identifying the user's activation intent, the system can then present a targeted confirmation prompt rather than a generic one, reducing the time needed for confirmation while maintaining reliability and preventing accidental activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and processes for activating a screen reading program are disclosed. One process can include receiving a request to activate the screen reading program and prompting the user to perform an action to confirm the request. The action can include a making swiping gesture, shaking the device, covering a proximity sensor, tapping a display, or the like. In some examples, the confirming action must be received within a time limit or the input can be ignored. In response to receipt of the confirmation (e.g., within the time limit), the screen reading program can be activated. The time limit can be identified using audible notifications at the start and end of the time limit. In another example, a device can detect an event associated with a request to activate a screen reading program. The event can be detected at any time to cause the device to activate the screen reading program.