Talking remote appliance-controller for the blind
First Claim
1. A remote control apparatus, comprising:
- a user input module;
a wireless transmitter module coupled to the user input module, the transmitter operable in response to user operation of the user input module to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the user operation; and
a speech module coupled to the user input module, the speech module operable to generate a speech signal indicative of the user operation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A remote control for the visually impaired provides improved control over televisions and other appliances. The remote control has an input module, which may be a keypad, for receiving user inputs. The remote control further has a wireless transmitter module for sending control signals to an appliance being controlled. The remote control further has a speech module for uttering speech signals indicative of the user input. In an optional learning mode, the remote control only utters commands as they are entered, and does not transmit the commands. In another optional mode, the remote control only transmits control signals, and does not utter the corresponding speech signals. By the remote control providing both training and also feedback, blind users become better able to operate their complicated appliances independently, with fewer mistakes, and with less intervention.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A remote control apparatus, comprising:
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a user input module;
a wireless transmitter module coupled to the user input module, the transmitter operable in response to user operation of the user input module to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the user operation; and
a speech module coupled to the user input module, the speech module operable to generate a speech signal indicative of the user operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of remotely controlling an appliance, the method comprising:
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receiving user input; and
in response to the user input;
wirelessly transmitting a remote control signal corresponding to the user input, and generating a speech signal indicative of the user input. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. Apparatus for remotely controlling an appliance, the apparatus comprising:
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a user input module;
a wireless transmitter module;
a speech module; and
control means, coupled to the user input module, the transmitter and the speech module, for receiving user input from the user input module and, in response to the user input, for causing the transmitter to transmit a remote control signal corresponding the user input and for causing the speech module to generate a speech signal indicative of the user operation. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A remote control apparatus, comprising:
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an array of user-operable switches;
an infrared transmitter;
an audio transducer; and
electronic storage;
wherein;
associated with each of the switches and stored in the electronic storage is a respective speech signal and a respective control signal capable of controlling an appliance, and operating one of the switches causes the speech signal associated therewith to be uttered by the audio transducer to provide aural confirmation as to the switch that was operated, and causes the control signal associated therewith to be transmitted by the infrared transmitter. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification