Touch Screen Passenger Information Module Accessibility Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch screen passenger information modules (PIMs) in taxicabs are not effectively usable by blind or low vision passengers due to inadequate visual and audio accessibility, leading to concerns about fare accuracy and navigation reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a low vision mode in the PIM interface, which provides audio prompts and visual adjustments, allowing blind or low vision passengers to interact with the system by touching the screen at any point, adjust audio volume and tempo, and receive real-time fare information, vehicle location, and driver details, enabling secure credit card payments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard touch screen interface is used in the PIM, then the device can display various functions and information, but blind or low vision passengers cannot effectively use the system for fare payment and navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The PIM interface dynamically adapts its display characteristics based on the user's vision capability. The system detects whether the user is blind or low vision and automatically adjusts visual parameters such as contrast, font size, and display brightness to make the interface accessible. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to serve both sighted and visually impaired users effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the standard touch screen and the visually impaired user. This intermediary includes audio output devices and screen readers that translate visual information into auditory signals, enabling blind and low vision passengers to perceive and interact with the PIM interface without requiring visual display capabilities.
2Loss of information
If the PIM provides detailed visual information on the touch screen, then sighted passengers can see fare information and navigation details, but blind or low vision passengers cannot access this information
Solution Approach 1:
The PIM interface is designed to be universal, serving both sighted and visually impaired passengers through a single multi-functional system. The interface can display visual information for sighted users while simultaneously providing audio feedback and screen reader compatibility for blind and low vision users. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems while ensuring information accessibility for all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that provide information to the user through multiple sensory channels. When a user interacts with the PIM, the system provides visual feedback for sighted users and auditory feedback for blind and low vision users. This multi-channel feedback ensures that all users receive appropriate information about their interactions and the current fare/navigation status without requiring separate interface systems.
3Ease of operation
If the PIM interface uses standard visual display parameters, then the interface is simple and easy to operate for sighted users, but blind or low vision passengers cannot interact with the system
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically adjusts its parameters based on the user's needs. For sighted users, the interface maintains standard visual parameters for simplicity. For blind or low vision users, the system automatically switches to enhanced accessibility modes with adjusted visual parameters and activates audio output. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to maintain simplicity for sighted users while providing accessibility for visually impaired users without requiring manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system utilizes an interface for the blind and low vision passengers in a touch screen passenger information module (PIM). The PIM is enabled to operate in at least two modes. A low vision mode provides different user input framework on the touch screen as well as appropriate audio prompting. The interface enables a blind or low vision person to interact with the PIM easily, including using the PIM to pay for the fare. The low vision mode can be initiated by the passenger.