Method and Apparatus for Website Navigation by the Visually Impaired
First Claim
1. An apparatus for providing media content to a user over a computer network, the apparatus comprising a server in communication with the user'"'"'s computer over the computer network, the server being configured to:
- a) convert the media content of one or more original files into one or more audio files prior to the user requesting the audio files; and
b) provide access to the audio files to the user over the computer network.
2 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.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for providing media content to a user over a computer network, the apparatus comprising a server in communication with the user'"'"'s computer over the computer network, the server being configured to:
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a) convert the media content of one or more original files into one or more audio files prior to the user requesting the audio files; and b) provide access to the audio files to the user over the computer network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for providing an audio website to a user over a computer network, the apparatus comprising:
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a) an original website comprising text and non-text content, the original website being accessible by the user with a computer connected to the computer network; b) a computer program installed on the original website, the computer program configured to play a sound when the user accesses the original website, the sound indicating that the audio website is available; and c) a server connected to the user'"'"'s computer through the computer network, the server configured to convert the text and non-text content of the original website into audio files comprising the audio website prior to the user requesting the audio website, the audio files residing on the server and the converting comprising; 1. assigning a hierarchy to the audio files, the hierarchy being substantially similar to that of the original website; and 2. assigning a keystroke navigation system to the audio files, the keystroke navigation system comprising assignments of keys on the user'"'"'s input device to menu options of files in the original website.
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Specification