Systems and Methods for Aiding Computing Users Having Sub-Optimal Ability

• US 20120141970A1
• Filed: 12/20/2011
• Published: 06/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Simplec, LLC
• Original Assignee: Simplec, LLC
• Inventors: Pompilio, Daniel V., Zamer, Jason P.
• Granted Patent: US 10,599,451 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/362
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/453 Help systems

Abstract

Computer-implemented systems and methods create a user environment tailored to a user'"'"'s computer abilities. A series of baseline tests are administered to new users for accumulating user metric data, and a database collects and stores the user metrics. Program logic is responsive to data from the data base, where the program logic is programmed to adapt the user environment to correspond to abilities measured through the baseline tests. The program logic is further programmed to adapt user interface controls to compensate for user dexterity abilities.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of adaptive controlling a user computer experience, comprising:

administering, using one or more data processors, a test to record user metrics;

wherein the test measures a user'"'"'s cognitive ability; and

adapting a user visual interface to correspond to the user'"'"'s cognitive ability measured through the testing using the one or more data processors.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein testing is periodically repeated to update the user metrics and the user interface is adapted according to updated user metrics.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the repeating of the testing is in response to an increase in user errors or a decrease in user computer usage.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the test is designed to detect reduced cognitive abilities in elderly computer users.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein user visual interface settings are stored remotely on a server enabling application of the user visual interface settings on different computers.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing a third party interface configured to allow a third party to upload content and modify user settings for use and display in the user computer experience.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the third party interface enables a third party to upload content selected from the group consisting of:

email addresses, pictures, video, music, audio recordings, financial information, schedule information, biographical information, health information, behavioral information, and favorite websites.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the third party interface enables a third party to manage a user calendar for display in the user computer experience;

wherein reminders related to entries in the user calendar are displayed in the user computer experience.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein a third party must provide access credential information to access the third party interface.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein users or groups of users are granted permissions upload types of content or modify types of user settings.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein a group is defined by a criteria selected from the group consisting of:

nuclear family, extended family, caregiver, geographic location, financial management personnel, medical management personnel, users having common interests.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein users, groups, relationships among users or groups, and permissions associated with users and groups are stored in a database.

13. The method of claim 1,

wherein the test further includes an eye test;

wherein a user visual interface minimum text size is set based on results of the eye test;

wherein the visual interface minimum text size is applied throughout the user computer experience.

14. The method of claim 13,

wherein a minimum icon size is set based on results of the eye test;

wherein the minimum icon size is applied throughout the user computer experience.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the testing, including the eye test is periodically repeated.

16. The method of claim 1,

wherein the test further includes a mouse dexterity test;

wherein mouse function parameters are adjusted based on results of the mouse dexterity test.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mouse dexterity test includes:

displaying a visual element on the screen;

instructing the user to click on the displayed visual element;

receiving user mouse input; and

estimating a mouse proficiency for the user based on the received user mouse input.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the estimated mouse proficiency includes:

a mouse pointing proficiency;

wherein the mouse pointing proficiency indicates an ability of the user to accurately point to a desired location;

wherein a click-footprint size is adjusted based on the mouse pointing efficiency;

wherein a mouse speed attribute is adjusted based on the mouse pointing efficiency.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the estimated mouse proficiency includes:

a mouse clicking proficiency;

wherein the mouse clicking proficiency indicates an ability of the user to successfully single-click or double-click while holding a mouse pointer on a screen element.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the test further includes a touch screen dexterity test;

wherein touch screen function parameters are adjusted based on results of the touch screen dexterity test.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein adapting the user visual interface includes adapting functionality of the user visual interface to correspond to the user'"'"'s cognitive ability measured through the testing.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein adapting the user visual interface includes adapting timing associated with the user visual interface to correspond to the user'"'"'s cognitive ability measured through the testing.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein adjusting the timing includes adjusting a rate of repetition of information on the user visual interface or adjusting a time period before a change is manifest on the user visual interface.

24. A computer-implemented system for adaptive controlling a user computer experience, comprising:

one or more data processors;

one or more computer-readable mediums encoded with instructions for commanding the one or more data processors to execute steps including;

administering, using one or more data processors, a test to record user metrics;

wherein the test measures a user'"'"'s cognitive ability; and

adapting a user visual interface to correspond to the user'"'"'s cognitive ability measured through the testing using the one or more data processors.

25. A computer-readable medium encoded with instructions for commanding one or more data processors to execute a method that includes:

administering, using one or more data processors, a test to record user metrics;

wherein the test measures a user'"'"'s cognitive ability; and

adapting a user visual interface to correspond to the user'"'"'s cognitive ability measured through the testing using the one or more data processors.