Touch-based exploration of maps for screen reader users
First Claim
1. A method for presenting map information to a user, the method comprising:
- accessing a map, the map including a set of paths;
receiving, via a touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of an electronic device, an input from the user;
determining an input-space point within an input space corresponding to the input;
associating the input-space point with a geographic location identified by the map;
receiving, via the touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of the electronic device, an input trajectory from the user that is initiated at the input-space point; and
providing, via an output component of the electronic device, non-visual output that characterizes a degree to which the input trajectory tracks a path of the set of paths, wherein the non-visual output indicates whether the input trajectory is veering off of the path, the path being associated with a previous input.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic device can provide an interactive map with non-visual output, thereby making the map accessible to visually impaired users. The map can be based on a starting location defined based on a current location of the electronic device or on a location entered by the user. Nearby paths, nearby points of interest, or directions from the starting location to an ending location can be identified via audio output. Users can touch a screen of the electronic device in order to virtually explore a neighborhood. A user can be alerted when he is moving along or straying from a path, approaching an intersection or point of interest, or changing terrains. Thus, the user can familiarize himself with city-level spatial relationships without needing to physically explore unfamiliar surroundings.
9 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for presenting map information to a user, the method comprising:
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accessing a map, the map including a set of paths; receiving, via a touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of an electronic device, an input from the user; determining an input-space point within an input space corresponding to the input; associating the input-space point with a geographic location identified by the map; receiving, via the touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of the electronic device, an input trajectory from the user that is initiated at the input-space point; and providing, via an output component of the electronic device, non-visual output that characterizes a degree to which the input trajectory tracks a path of the set of paths, wherein the non-visual output indicates whether the input trajectory is veering off of the path, the path being associated with a previous input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A mobile electronic device comprising:
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a touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse configured to receive inputs from a user; an output component configured to provide outputs to the user; a processor coupled to the touchscreen and the output component; and a computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions, that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute a method comprising; accessing a map, the map including a set of paths; receiving, via the touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse, an input from the user; determining an input-space point within an input space corresponding to the input; associating the input-space point with a geographic location identified by the map; receiving, via the touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of the electronic device, an input trajectory from the user that is initiated at the input-space point; and providing, via the output component of the electronic device, non-visual output that characterizes a degree to which the input trajectory tracks a path of the set of paths, wherein the non-visual output indicates whether the input trajectory is veering off of the path, the path being associated with a previous input. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the following operations:
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accessing a map, the map including a set of paths; receiving, via a touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of an electronic device, an input from the user;
determining an input-space point within an input space corresponding to the input;associating the input-space point with a geographic location identified by the map; receiving, via the touchscreen, touch pad, or computer mouse of the electronic device, an input trajectory from the user that is initiated at the input-space point; and providing, via an output component of the electronic device, non-visual output that characterizes a degree to which the input trajectory tracks a path of the set of paths, wherein the non-visual output indicates whether the input trajectory is veering off of the path, the path being associated with a previous input.
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Specification