Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention resides in the technical field of assistive
technology and accessibility solutions, specifically focused on enhancing the
quality of life and capabilities of visually impaired individuals.
5 BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
10 [0003] In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we interact,
communicate, and access information. However, for visually impaired individuals,
the rapid advancement of technology has presented both opportunities and
challenges. While digital platforms offer unprecedented access to a wealth of
information and social interactions, they can also create barriers for those with
15 visual impairments. The inability to perceive visual content, navigate digital
interfaces, and interact seamlessly with technology can lead to isolation and limited
participation in various aspects of modern life.
[0004] Visually impaired individuals often encounter difficulties in accessing
visual content, such as images, videos, and graphical interfaces, which constitute a
20 significant portion of digital communication. While text-based content can be
accessed using screen readers, the dynamic and visual nature of many online
interactions presents a formidable barrier. Furthermore, the proliferation of social
media platforms and online communities has further underscored the need for
inclusive technologies that empower visually impaired individuals to fully engage
25 and express themselves.
[0005] The invention of the Accessibility System for Visually Impaired Users
addresses these challenges head-on, aiming to bridge the digital divide and
empower visually impaired individuals to participate more actively and
meaningfully in the digital world. The system is designed to offer a comprehensive3
and integrated solution that leverages state-of-the-art technologies to enhance
accessibility, interaction, and communication for visually impaired users.
[0006] The system's underlying principles are grounded in inclusivity and usercentered design. It recognizes that every individual, regardless of their visual
5 abilities, should have equal access to digital content, social interactions, and online
platforms. By combining hardware, software, and sensory technologies, the
invention strives to provide a holistic and user-friendly approach that empowers
visually impaired users to navigate, engage, and contribute in various digital
environments.
10 [0007] The system is engineered to convert visual content, such as images and
videos, into alternative formats that are accessible to visually impaired users. By
utilizing advanced image recognition and processing algorithms, the system can
provide audio descriptions, tactile representations, or other sensory cues that
convey the visual information in a meaningful way.
15 [0008] A pivotal feature of the system is its ability to offer voice assistance and
interaction. Visually impaired users can communicate with the system using natural
language and receive audio feedback, enabling them to navigate menus, access
information, and perform tasks with ease.
[0009] To address the challenges of spatial awareness and navigation, the
20 system employs spatial sensors, auditory cues, and haptic feedback to provide realtime orientation information. This enables visually impaired users to navigate
indoor and outdoor environments confidently and independently.
[0010] The invention is uniquely tailored to facilitate social media engagement
for visually impaired users. It can convert social media posts, comments, and
25 interactions into auditory or tactile forms, allowing users to actively participate,
express their thoughts, and connect with others in the digital realm.
[0011] Personalization and Adaptability: Recognizing the diverse needs of4
visually impaired users, the system offers personalization options. Users can
customize the system's settings, preferences, and interaction modes to align with
their individual requirements and preferences.
[0012] The accessibility system for visually impaired users stands apart from
5 existing solutions through its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. While
there are assistive technologies that address specific aspects of accessibility, such
as screen readers or tactile interfaces, the invention aims to provide an allencompassing solution that integrates various technologies into a seamless and
intuitive user experience. It is this holistic approach that distinguishes the invention,
10 making it a transformative tool for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for
visually impaired individuals in the digital age.
[0013] In the following sections of this patent specification, we will delve
deeper into the components, functionalities, and technical details of the
Accessibility System for Visually Impaired Users. By providing a detailed
15 description and analysis, we aim to elucidate the novelty, innovation, and potential
impact of this groundbreaking invention in the realm of assistive technology and
accessibility solutions.
[0014] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent
as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and
20 individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of
a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of
that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and
the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
25 [0015] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an accessibility
system for visually impaired users.5
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to enables visually impaired
users to navigate indoor and outdoor environments confidently and independently.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to convert social media posts,
comments, and interactions into auditory or tactile forms, allowing users to actively
5 participate, express their thoughts, and connect with others in the digital realm.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an elegant, reliable
and precise approach towards the accessibility system for visually impaired users.
[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process of
improving functionalities of the accessibility system for visually impaired users.
10 SUMMARY
[0021] The present invention resides in the technical field of assistive
technology and accessibility solutions, specifically focused on enhancing the
quality of life and capabilities of visually impaired individuals. The invention
combines hardware, software, and sensory technologies to create a comprehensive
15 accessibility system that enables visually impaired users to interact with digital
content, navigate their surroundings, and access information in a more intuitive and
efficient manner.
[0022] The accessibility system for visually impaired users, comprising: a
visual content conversion module configured to process visual content, extract
20 relevant information, and generate alternative formats that are perceivable by
visually impaired users, wherein said alternative formats include audio descriptions,
tactile representations, or sensory cues, a voice assistance and interaction module
operable to receive natural language input from visually impaired users, provide
audio feedback, and facilitate seamless communication between the user and the
25 system, a digital navigation and orientation module equipped with spatial sensors,
auditory cues, and haptic feedback mechanisms to provide real-time orientation
information to visually impaired users, enabling indoor and outdoor navigation and
enhancing spatial awareness, a social media engagement module adapted to convert6
social media posts, comments, and interactions into auditory or tactile formats,
enabling visually impaired users to actively participate, comprehend, and contribute
within digital social platforms, and a personalization and adaptability module
allowing visually impaired users to customize system settings, preferences, and
5 interaction modes according to individual requirements and user preferences.
[0023] According to an aspect, the visual content conversion module employs
advanced image recognition algorithms and processing techniques to generate
accurate and contextually relevant alternative formats for visual content. The voice
assistance and interaction module utilize natural language processing and voice
10 recognition technologies to provide intuitive and fluid communication between
visually impaired users and the system. The digital navigation and orientation
module employs a combination of spatial sensors, global positioning systems
(GPS), and haptic feedback devices to provide real-time guidance, navigation cues,
and environmental context to visually impaired users.
15 [0024] According to an aspect, the social media engagement module utilizes
machine learning algorithms to convert textual social media content into auditory
or tactile representations, enabling visually impaired users to comprehend and
participate in social interactions. The system further comprising a sensory interface
module configured to convey alternative formats of visual content, voice assistance,
20 navigation cues, and social media interactions through auditory, tactile, or haptic
feedback mechanisms. The personalization and adaptability module includes a user
interface that allows visually impaired users to configure system preferences,
interaction modes, and accessibility settings based on individual needs and
preferences.
25 [0025] A method for enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users in
digital environments, includes converting visual content into alternative formats,
including audio descriptions, tactile representations, or sensory cues, to enable
perceivability by visually impaired users, providing voice assistance and
interaction, including receiving natural language input and delivering audio7
feedback to facilitate seamless communication between visually impaired users and
digital platforms, offering real-time digital navigation and orientation information
through spatial sensors, auditory cues, and haptic feedback mechanisms to
empower visually impaired users with indoor and outdoor navigation capabilities,
5 enabling social media engagement by converting social media posts, comments,
and interactions into auditory or tactile formats, allowing visually impaired users to
actively participate and engage within digital social platforms, and allowing
personalization and adaptability by enabling visually impaired users to customize
system settings, interaction modes, and preferences to align with individual
10 requirements and user preferences.
[0026] According to an aspect, the step of converting visual content into
alternative formats utilizes advanced image recognition algorithms to extract
relevant information and generate contextually relevant alternative representations.
The step of providing voice assistance and interaction employs natural language
15 processing and voice recognition technologies to facilitate intuitive and efficient
communication between visually impaired users and the digital environment.
[0027] These and other features will become apparent from the following
detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings. While the invention has been
20 described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent
that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present
25 invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention,
briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the
appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to8
other equally effective embodiments.
[0029] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like
reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein: Figures
5 attached: N.A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] While the present invention is described herein by way of example
using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings
10 described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components.
Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be
illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit
the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings
and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the
15 particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0031] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a
permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory
20 sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and
the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned.
Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for
descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language
such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and
25 variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed
thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended
to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term
"comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing"
for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices,9
articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of
providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that
any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general
knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
5 [0032] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of
elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that
we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with
transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of
consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition,
10 element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0033] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in
the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the
description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms
15 and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather,
the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete
and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the
following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various
aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated
20 as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition,
several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations.
[0034] The present invention resides in the technical field of assistive
technology and accessibility solutions, specifically focused on enhancing the
quality of life and capabilities of visually impaired individuals. The invention
25 combines hardware, software, and sensory technologies to create a comprehensive
accessibility system that enables visually impaired users to interact with digital
content, navigate their surroundings, and access information in a more intuitive and
efficient manner.
[0035] The accessibility system for visually impaired users, comprising: a10
visual content conversion module configured to process visual content, extract
relevant information, and generate alternative formats that are perceivable by
visually impaired users, wherein said alternative formats include audio descriptions,
tactile representations, or sensory cues, a voice assistance and interaction module
5 operable to receive natural language input from visually impaired users, provide
audio feedback, and facilitate seamless communication between the user and the
system, a digital navigation and orientation module equipped with spatial sensors,
auditory cues, and haptic feedback mechanisms to provide real-time orientation
information to visually impaired users, enabling indoor and outdoor navigation and
10 enhancing spatial awareness, a social media engagement module adapted to convert
social media posts, comments, and interactions into auditory or tactile formats,
enabling visually impaired users to actively participate, comprehend, and contribute
within digital social platforms, and a personalization and adaptability module
allowing visually impaired users to customize system settings, preferences, and
15 interaction modes according to individual requirements and user preferences.
[0036] According to an aspect, the visual content conversion module employs
advanced image recognition algorithms and processing techniques to generate
accurate and contextually relevant alternative formats for visual content. The voice
assistance and interaction module utilize natural language processing and voice
20 recognition technologies to provide intuitive and fluid communication between
visually impaired users and the system. The digital navigation and orientation
module employs a combination of spatial sensors, global positioning systems
(GPS), and haptic feedback devices to provide real-time guidance, navigation cues,
and environmental context to visually impaired users.
25 [0037] According to an aspect, the social media engagement module utilizes
machine learning algorithms to convert textual social media content into auditory
or tactile representations, enabling visually impaired users to comprehend and
participate in social interactions. The system further comprising a sensory interface
module configured to convey alternative formats of visual content, voice assistance,
30 navigation cues, and social media interactions through auditory, tactile, or haptic11
feedback mechanisms. The personalization and adaptability module includes a user
interface that allows visually impaired users to configure system preferences,
interaction modes, and accessibility settings based on individual needs and
preferences.
5 [0038] A method for enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users in
digital environments, includes converting visual content into alternative formats,
including audio descriptions, tactile representations, or sensory cues, to enable
perceivability by visually impaired users, providing voice assistance and
interaction, including receiving natural language input and delivering audio
10 feedback to facilitate seamless communication between visually impaired users and
digital platforms, offering real-time digital navigation and orientation information
through spatial sensors, auditory cues, and haptic feedback mechanisms to
empower visually impaired users with indoor and outdoor navigation capabilities,
enabling social media engagement by converting social media posts, comments,
15 and interactions into auditory or tactile formats, allowing visually impaired users to
actively participate and engage within digital social platforms, and allowing
personalization and adaptability by enabling visually impaired users to customize
system settings, interaction modes, and preferences to align with individual
requirements and user preferences.
20 [0039] According to an aspect, the step of converting visual content into
alternative formats utilizes advanced image recognition algorithms to extract
relevant information and generate contextually relevant alternative representations.
The step of providing voice assistance and interaction employs natural language
processing and voice recognition technologies to facilitate intuitive and efficient
25 communication between visually impaired users and the digital environment.
[0040] The core of the system lies in its ability to convert visual content into
alternative formats that are perceivable by visually impaired users. This includes
the transformation of images, graphics, and other visual elements into audio
descriptions, tactile representations, or sensory cues. By providing multiple12
alternative formats, the system ensures that visually impaired users can access and
comprehend visual information with ease.
[0041] The system incorporates an advanced voice assistance and interaction
module that facilitates natural language communication between visually impaired
5 users and digital platforms. Users can provide voice commands, queries, or
prompts, and the system responds with accurate and contextually relevant audio
feedback. This feature enables visually impaired individuals to navigate and engage
with digital content effortlessly.
[0042] Navigating both indoor and outdoor spaces can be challenging for
10 visually impaired individuals. The system integrates spatial sensors, auditory cues,
and haptic feedback mechanisms to provide real-time navigation guidance and
orientation information. This empowers users to confidently move through various
environments, enhancing their independence and mobility.
[0043] An integral aspect of the system is its ability to convert social media
15 content into formats that are accessible to visually impaired users. Whether it's
posts, comments, or interactions, the system transforms textual content into
auditory or tactile representations, enabling visually impaired users to actively
participate, comprehend, and contribute within digital social platforms.
[0044] Recognizing that individual accessibility needs vary, the system
20 includes a personalized user interface that allows visually impaired users to tailor
system settings, interaction modes, and accessibility preferences according to their
specific requirements. This ensures a customized and user-centric experience.
[0045] The uniqueness and distinctiveness of this "Accessibility System for
Visually Impaired Users" lie in its comprehensive approach to addressing multiple
25 challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in the digital realm. Unlike
existing solutions, which may offer specific functionalities in isolation, this system
provides an all-encompassing solution that spans visual content conversion, voice
interaction, navigation assistance, social media engagement, and personalization.13
[0046] Furthermore, the system's integration of various technologies, such as
image recognition, natural language processing, spatial sensors, and machine
learning, sets it apart from similar products. This holistic approach ensures that
visually impaired users are not only able to access digital content but also actively
5 engage, navigate, and contribute to the digital landscape, thereby fostering a more
inclusive and accessible online environment.
[0047] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention,
other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing
from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims
10 that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or
examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to
make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge
available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0048] Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended
15 claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various
features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof,
which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. , Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An accessibility system for visually impaired users, comprising:
a visual content conversion module configured to process visual content, extract
5 relevant information, and generate alternative formats that are perceivable by
visually impaired users, wherein said alternative formats include audio
descriptions, tactile representations, or sensory cues;
a voice assistance and interaction module operable to receive natural language
input from visually impaired users, provide audio feedback, and facilitate
10 seamless communication between the user and the system;
a digital navigation and orientation module equipped with spatial sensors,
auditory cues, and haptic feedback mechanisms to provide real-time orientation
information to visually impaired users, enabling indoor and outdoor navigation
and enhancing spatial awareness;
15 a social media engagement module adapted to convert social media posts,
comments, and interactions into auditory or tactile formats, enabling visually
impaired users to actively participate, comprehend, and contribute within digital
social platforms; and
a personalization and adaptability module allowing visually impaired users to
20 customize system settings, preferences, and interaction modes according to
individual requirements and user preferences.
2. The accessibility system of Claim 1, wherein the visual content conversion
module employs advanced image recognition algorithms and processing
techniques to generate accurate and contextually relevant alternative formats for
25 visual content.
3. The accessibility system of Claim 1, wherein the voice assistance and
interaction module utilizes natural language processing and voice recognition15
technologies to provide intuitive and fluid communication between visually
impaired users and the system.
4. The accessibility system of Claim 1, wherein the digital navigation and
orientation module employs a combination of spatial sensors, global positioning
5 systems (GPS), and haptic feedback devices to provide real-time guidance,
navigation cues, and environmental context to visually impaired users.
5. The accessibility system of Claim 1, wherein the social media engagement
module utilizes machine learning algorithms to convert textual social media
content into auditory or tactile representations, enabling visually impaired users
10 to comprehend and participate in social interactions.
6. The accessibility system of Claim 1, further comprising a sensory interface
module configured to convey alternative formats of visual content, voice
assistance, navigation cues, and social media interactions through auditory,
tactile, or haptic feedback mechanisms.
15 7. The accessibility system of Claim 1, wherein the personalization and
adaptability module includes a user interface that allows visually impaired users
to configure system preferences, interaction modes, and accessibility settings
based on individual needs and preferences.
8. A method for enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users in digital
20 environments, comprising:
converting visual content into alternative formats, including audio descriptions,
tactile representations, or sensory cues, to enable perceivability by visually
impaired users;
providing voice assistance and interaction, including receiving natural language
25 input and delivering audio feedback to facilitate seamless communication
between visually impaired users and digital platforms;
offering real-time digital navigation and orientation information through spatial
sensors, auditory cues, and haptic feedback mechanisms to empower visually
impaired users with indoor and outdoor navigation capabilities;16
enabling social media engagement by converting social media posts, comments,
and interactions into auditory or tactile formats, allowing visually impaired
users to actively participate and engage within digital social platforms; and
allowing personalization and adaptability by enabling visually impaired users
5 to customize system settings, interaction modes, and preferences to align with
individual requirements and user preferences.
9. The method of Claim 8, wherein the step of converting visual content into
alternative formats utilizes advanced image recognition algorithms to extract
relevant information and generate contextually relevant alternative
10 representations.
10. The method of Claim 8, wherein the step of providing voice assistance and
interaction employs natural language processing and voice recognition
technologies to facilitate intuitive and efficient communication between
visually impaired users and the digital environment.