Visually Impaired Payment Application Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payment systems and methods are not adequately designed to facilitate transactions for visually-impaired individuals, leading to difficulties in interacting with Point-of-Sale (POS) devices and an unpleasant shopping experience.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that enables visually-impaired transactions by starting a payment application on a cardholder's device, activating visually-impaired functionality, transmitting payment credentials, and receiving visually-friendly communications, such as enlarged text and auditory messages, to assist visually-impaired cardholders during transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing payment systems are used, then transactions can be processed, but visually-impaired individuals cannot adequately communicate or interact with POS devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of interactionVSAvoidadaptability to visually-impaired users

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a payment application as an intermediary between the visually-impaired user and the POS device. This application translates visual interface elements into audible descriptions and provides voice control capabilities, enabling the user to interact with the payment system without direct visual contact with the POS device interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces visual interaction mechanisms with auditory and voice-based mechanisms. Instead of requiring the user to see and manually operate the POS interface, the system uses audio feedback and voice commands to enable interaction, substituting the visual channel with auditory channels for communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If payment applications are designed for general use, then they can serve all users, but they are not designed to facilitate the needs of visually-impaired individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidease of use for visually-impaired

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a payment application that serves multiple functions: it provides standard payment capabilities for sighted users while simultaneously incorporating accessible features such as audible descriptions, voice control, and high-contrast display modes for visually-impaired users. This multi-functionality allows a single application to universally serve diverse user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates dynamic accessibility features that can be activated or adjusted based on user needs. The application can switch between different interface modes (standard visual mode and accessible mode with audio/voice options), allowing it to adapt its functionality to match the specific requirements of different users during the payment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11335209B2System and methods for performing a visually-impaired transaction

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 MASTERCARD INT INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for facilitating transactions by visually-impaired cardholders are provided herein. In particular, a method for performing a transaction using a visually-impaired payment system is provided that includes a payment application with a visually-impaired functionality, which may be activated so as to provide auditory instructions and/or enlarged text instructions to a visually-impaired cardholder.