Touch-Screen Accessibility Interface Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessibility interfaces on devices with touch-sensitive surfaces are cumbersome and inefficient for users with impaired vision, leading to a significant cognitive burden and energy wastage, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of two distinct user interface element types and corresponding accessibility modes within electronic devices, allowing for customizable audible feedback to enhance navigation efficiency, where users can switch between direct touch and exploratory modes based on their interaction needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing accessibility interfaces are used on touch-sensitive surfaces, then users with impaired vision can navigate the device, but the navigation process becomes cumbersome and creates significant cognitive burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation easeVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into two distinct types of user interface elements: focusable elements (first accessible-response type) and non-focusable elements (second accessible-response type). This segmentation allows the system to provide differentiated audible feedback - detailed focus information for focusable elements and minimal non-focus information for non-focusable elements, thereby reducing cognitive burden while maintaining navigation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different audible feedback characteristics are applied to different regions or types of interface elements. Focusable elements receive audible feedback with focus information that enables precise navigation, while non-focusable elements receive audible feedback with non-focus information that provides minimal guidance. This local differentiation optimizes the accessibility experience for each element type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If existing accessibility interfaces provide continuous audible feedback for all user interface elements, then navigation is possible, but energy is wasted particularly in battery-operated devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments audible feedback delivery based on element type. For non-focusable elements (second accessible-response type), the system provides minimal non-focus audible information only when initially encountered, rather than continuous feedback. This selective feedback approach maintains navigation reliability for essential elements while significantly reducing energy consumption from unnecessary audio output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by providing reduced audible feedback (non-focus information) for non-focusable elements compared to the full feedback (focus information) provided for focusable elements. This partial feedback approach is sufficient for basic navigation needs while conserving energy in battery-operated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing accessibility interfaces require multiple interactions to activate user interface elements, then all elements can be accessed, but the process takes longer than necessary and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility coverageVSAvoidnavigation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of interaction steps required based on element type. For non-focusable elements (second accessible-response type), the system enables direct activation with fewer interactions after initial encounter, while maintaining multiple-step access for focusable elements. This dynamic adaptation increases navigation efficiency without sacrificing comprehensive accessibility coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8751971B2Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for providing accessibility using a touch-sensitive surface

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device presents a first user interface element of a first type and a second user interface element of a second type. In a sighted mode, the device detects a first interaction with the first user interface element, and performs an operation in accordance with sighted-mode gesture responses for the first user interface element. The device detects a second interaction with the second user interface element, and performs an operation in accordance with sighted-mode gesture responses for the second user interface element. In an accessible mode, the device detects a third interaction with the first user interface element, and performs an operation in accordance with accessible-mode gesture responses for the first user interface element. The device detects a series of interactions with the second user interface element; and, for each interaction, performs an operation in accordance with the sighted-mode gesture responses for the second user interface element.