Symbolic Expression Accessibility via Segmented Aural Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current text-to-speech systems are cumbersome and difficult to use for presenting symbolic expressions like mathematical, scientific, or chemical formulas, creating a significant cognitive burden for users with impaired vision.
Innovation Solution
A computing device method that displays and aurally presents symbolic expressions by selecting and transitioning between portions of the expression based on user input, using touch-sensitive surfaces and gestures to navigate and map areas for accessible interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If text-to-speech systems present symbolic expressions using conventional linear reading methods, then the system can provide audio output, but the cognitive burden on users with impaired vision increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The symbolic expression is divided into multiple selectable regions, each corresponding to a specific portion of the expression. Users can navigate between these segmented regions using touch gestures, allowing them to access different parts of the expression systematically rather than attempting to process the entire expression at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to navigation by mapping touch gestures on the display surface to specific regions of the symbolic expression. This transforms the one-dimensional linear reading approach into a two-dimensional spatial navigation approach, where users can directly interact with different parts of the expression through touch movements.
2Loss of information
If text-to-speech systems attempt to present entire symbolic expressions at once, then complete information is provided, but precision of navigation and presentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The symbolic expression is divided into multiple selectable regions, each corresponding to a specific portion of the expression. Users can navigate between these segmented regions using touch gestures, allowing them to access different parts of the expression systematically rather than attempting to process the entire expression at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Each region of the symbolic expression is assigned specific properties and can be independently selected and presented. This allows the system to provide detailed, precise information about specific portions of the expression when needed, rather than providing a generic overview of the entire expression.
3Productivity
If conventional text-to-speech reading methods are used for symbolic expressions, then the system can operate with simple controls, but the efficiency of information access decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both the visual display and the navigation control interface. Users interact with the expression by touching and gesturing on the same surface that displays the content, eliminating the need for separate controls and improving access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to directly interact with the symbolic expression through touch gestures on the display surface. The display itself becomes the control mechanism, where touch movements and gestures directly navigate and select regions of the expression without requiring additional buttons or controls.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for presenting symbolic expressions such as mathematical, scientific, or chemical expressions, formulas, or equations are performed by a computing device. One method includes: displaying a first portion of a symbolic expression within a first area of a display screen; while in a first state in which the first area is selected for aural presentation, aurally presenting first information related to the first portion of the symbolic expression; while in the first state, detecting particular user input; in response to detecting the particular user input, performing the steps of: transitioning from the first state to a second state in which a second area, of the display, is selected for aural presentation; determining second information associated with a second portion, of the symbolic expression, that is displayed within the second area; in response to determining the second information, aurally presenting the second information.