Tactile Feedback Array Control for Visually Impaired
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphical representations of data and other visually represented content provide limited value to visually impaired users, as audio descriptions often fail to convey a full understanding of the content, leaving users to construct mental images inadequately.
Innovation Solution
A tactile feedback array system integrated with computing devices, using a mapping data structure and machine learning to trigger tactile feedback devices based on object information within user interfaces, providing haptic feedback that corresponds to visual elements, allowing users to perceive information through touch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio descriptions are used to convey visual content to visually impaired users, then accessibility is improved, but the completeness and accuracy of information transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tactile feedback devices as an intermediary medium between the visual display and the visually impaired user. These devices convert visual information into tactile sensations, serving as a mediator that preserves more information than audio alone while remaining accessible to visually impaired users. The tactile feedback array acts as a bridge that translates graphical representations into touchable forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the visual display into discrete elements that can be individually mapped to tactile feedback devices. By segmenting the visual content into identifiable components (such as data points, graphical elements, or specific regions), the system can provide targeted tactile feedback for each element, enabling users to reconstruct the overall visual information through sequential or simultaneous tactile sensations.
2Productivity
If graphical representations are used to convey data, then information density and comprehension speed are improved, but accessibility for visually impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a tactile copy or representation of the visual graphical data. By mapping visual elements to corresponding tactile feedback devices, the system generates a touchable replica of the visual information. This tactile copy allows visually impaired users to perceive data patterns, trends, and relationships through touch, achieving similar comprehension speed and information density as visual users experience.
3Measurement precision
If tactile feedback devices are triggered based on object location mapping, then accuracy of information transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mapping system that can handle multiple types of visual elements, data formats, and display configurations through a single framework. The mapping data structure is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the same system to accurately represent various graphical representations without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each case. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high mapping accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods for controlling a tactile feedback array are provided. For example, object information of objects displayed within a user interface rendered on a display screen of a computing device is extracted. The object information is evaluated to identify a target object. A location of the target object within the user interface relative to the tactile feedback array is determined. One or more tactile feedback devices of the tactile feedback array are triggered to activate based upon the location of the target object.