Method and apparatus for website navigation by the visually impaired
First Claim
1. A method for accessing and navigating a computer network without visual clues, the method comprising:
- a) creating one or more audio files from the text and non-text content of one or more original files on the computer network, the audio files having a navigation hierarchy substantially similar to that of the original files;
b) playing a sound through an audio interface upon opening one of the original files indicating that the content of the original files is accessible audibly;
c) opening the audio files;
d) playing the audio files through the audio interface; and
e) navigating the audio files using a keystroke navigation system.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a server-side method and apparatus that enables visually-impaired users to navigate websites and hear high-quality streaming audio of narration and descriptions of each website. The system involves creating an audible website corresponding to an original website by utilizing voice talent to read and describe web content and create audio files for each section within an original website, then assigning a hierarchy and navigation system based on the original website design. To implement the system, a small program is installed on the home page of an original website which plays a tone upon a user'"'"'s visit indicating that the website is accessible with the present invention. Upon hearing the tone, a user presses a key on the keyboard to exit the original website and enter the audible website. Audible narration is played through the user'"'"'s computer, reading text and describing non-text information. The narration includes menus for navigating the site which have a hierarchy substantially similar to that of the original website. Users navigate the website menus and move from website to website by making keystroke commands.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for accessing and navigating a computer network without visual clues, the method comprising:
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a) creating one or more audio files from the text and non-text content of one or more original files on the computer network, the audio files having a navigation hierarchy substantially similar to that of the original files;
b) playing a sound through an audio interface upon opening one of the original files indicating that the content of the original files is accessible audibly;
c) opening the audio files;
d) playing the audio files through the audio interface; and
e) navigating the audio files using a keystroke navigation system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for accessing and navigating a computer network without visual clues, the method comprising:
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a) creating an audible website by;
i. reading aloud in audible speech text that is visible on one or more files of an original website;
ii. describing aloud in audible speech content other than text on one or more files of an original website;
iii. recording the speech;
iv. recording other sounds on one or more files of an original website;
v. creating one or more audio files from the recordings of speech and sounds, vi. assigning a hierarchy and navigation system to the audio files based on the original website design;
b) playing a sound upon a user'"'"'s visit to the original website indicating that the original website is accessible audibly;
c) exiting the original website and entering the audible website;
d) playing the audible website through an audio interface; and
e) navigating the audible website using a keystroke navigation system.
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6. A method for accessing audio files comprising:
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a) playing a sound through an audio interface upon a user'"'"'s visit to an original file indicating that the original file is accessible audibly;
b) pressing a key to exit the original file and enter an audio file;
c) playing the audio file through the audio interface. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A device for accessing an audible website comprising:
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a) a computer network having an original website;
b) a program on the original website which plays a sound through an audio interface upon a user'"'"'s visit to the original website indicating that the original website is accessible audibly;
c) a key which, when pressed, causes the user to exit the original website and enter an audible website residing on the computer network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A keystroke navigation device comprising:
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a) at least ten keys marked 0-9;
b) at least four arrow keys, one of the four marked with up, down, left, and right arrows respectively; and
c) a spacebar;
d) a home key; and
e) a left bracket key and a right bracket key. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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- 16. A method for navigating an audible website comprising pressing one or more keys of a toneless keystroke navigation system.
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18. A method for creating an audible website comprising:
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a) reading aloud in audible speech text that is visible on one or more files of an original website;
b) describing aloud in audible speech web content other than text on one or more files of an original website;
c) recording the speech;
d) recording other sounds on one or more files of an original website;
e) creating one or more audio files from the recordings of speech and sounds, f) assigning a hierarchy and navigation system to the audio files based on the original website design. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. An apparatus for accessing and navigating a computer network without visual clues, the apparatus comprising:
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a) a data input device;
b) audio files created according to the method;
i. reading aloud in audible speech text that is visible on one or more files of an original website;
ii. describing aloud in audible speech web content other than text on one or more files of an original website;
iii. recording the speech;
iv. recording other sounds on one or more files of an original website;
v. creating one or more audio files from the recordings of speech and sounds, vi. assigning a hierarchy and navigation system to the audio files based on the original website design, wherein the audio files reside on the computer network;
c) an audio interface;
d) wherein the audio files are played at the audio interface in response to data input on the data input device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification