Wearable Impairment Data Wireless Detection for Public Device Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Public devices in public spaces often lack practical accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, as existing adaptations require manual adjustment and are impractical for communal use.

Innovation Solution

A system where a disabled individual wears a device that transmits impairment data via a wireless message, allowing public devices to automatically adjust settings based on detected impairments when the individual enters a designated accessible area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of accessibility features is provided, then accessibility accommodations can be made, but the system requires user intervention and is impractical for public devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility accommodationVSAvoiduser intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects impairments through wireless messages from wearable devices and adjusts device settings without requiring manual user intervention. The public device serves itself by receiving impairment data and autonomously configuring accessibility features such as volume, font size, and contrast settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system receives and processes impairment data in advance before the user needs to use the public device. By detecting the impairment type through wireless communication before interaction, the system pre-configures appropriate accessibility settings, eliminating the need for adjustment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If personalized accessibility settings are implemented, then usability for disabled individuals is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized accessibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication intermediary (wearable device) transmits impairment data to the public device, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction. This intermediary carries pre-configured impairment information, allowing the public device to automatically retrieve and apply appropriate settings without complex configuration interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If automatic detection of impairment is implemented, then accessibility mode transition is seamless, but loss of information about impairment occurs without wireless communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic accessibility activationVSAvoidimpairment data

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with an electronic wireless communication system. Instead of physically adjusting settings or using complex interfaces, the system uses wireless messages to transmit impairment data electronically, enabling automatic detection and configuration without information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9915936B2Transition to accessibility mode

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An approach is disclosed that provides assistance to disabled individuals when utilizing public spaces. In the approach, a wireless message is received at a detector of the system with the wireless message being from a device worn by a disabled individual. The wireless message includes impairment data pertaining to the disabled individual. In addition, reception of the wireless message indicates that the disabled individual has entered a physical area that provides accommodations to disabled individuals. The approach identifies an impairment pertaining to the disabled individual and adjusts a device setting of a device in the physical area based on the identified impairment of the disabled individual.