User interface device and method for the visually impaired
First Claim
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1. A method of user interfacing a visually impaired user with a multifunction device, comprising the steps of:
- assigning a predetermined function to a predetermined surface area of a touch panel;
placing a template over the touch panel, a partial template area of the template corresponding to the predetermined surface area of the touch panel, the partial template area providing a non-visual cue for identification;
inputting an inquiry about the partial template area based upon the non-visual cue;
outputting a voice message about the partial template area in response to the inquiry; and
selecting the predetermined function by making a contact ultimately with the predetermined surface area.
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Abstract
The user interface is provided for the visually impaired to operate a multifunction devices. The user interface is based upon a combination of tactile sensation, tactile position, and sound. The tactile sensation includes the Braille expressions as well as any marker on a template. The tactile position includes the relative position of the user hand on a touch panel. In combination with the tactile sensation or tactile position, the sound interface offers additional information to help the operation of the multifunction machine.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1. A method of user interfacing a visually impaired user with a multifunction device, comprising the steps of:
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assigning a predetermined function to a predetermined surface area of a touch panel;
placing a template over the touch panel, a partial template area of the template corresponding to the predetermined surface area of the touch panel, the partial template area providing a non-visual cue for identification;
inputting an inquiry about the partial template area based upon the non-visual cue;
outputting a voice message about the partial template area in response to the inquiry; and
selecting the predetermined function by making a contact ultimately with the predetermined surface area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of user interfacing a visually impaired user with a multifunction device, comprising the steps of:
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dividing a touch panel into predetermined surface areas that resemble a piano keyboard;
assigning a predetermined function to each of the predetermined surface areas;
touching one of the predetermined surface areas in a first predetermined manner indicative of an inquiry;
outputting a sound output about the one of the surface areas in response to the inquiry; and
touching one of the predetermined surface areas in a second predetermined manner to select the predetermined function. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A user interface system for facilitating a visually impaired operator to use a multifunction device, comprising:
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a touch input unit for non-visually indicating predetermined functions and for receiving a tactile input;
a control unit connected to said touch input unit for determining a control signal based upon the tactile input; and
a sound generating unit connected to said control unit for outputting a sound in response to the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification