Abstract: An input apparatus includes: a motion signal output section to detect a movement of an object for controlling a movement of an image displayed on a screen and output a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the object; a control command generation section to generate a control command corresponding to the motion signal for controlling the movement of the image; an operation signal output section to detect a user operation unintended for the control of the movement of the image and output an operation signal based on the operation; an operation command generation section to generate an operation command based on the operation signal; and a control section to control the control command generation section to generate, in temporal relation with a generation timing of the operation command, the control command with a sensitivity of the movement of the image with respect to the movement of the object changed.

Abstract: Techniques for increasing accessibility of touch-screen devices are disclosed. In one aspect, container regions on a touch-sensitive user interface of a touch screen device are defined. A touch event corresponding to a location on the user interface is received, and it is determined that the location corresponds to a particular container region. When another touch event is received, content is determined according to a context of the particular container region. The content is then presented. In another aspect, data specifying locations of user interface items on a user interface is received. The data is modified to enlarge an area for a particular item. A touch input event corresponding to a particular location on the user interface is received. It is determined that the location is within the enlarged area for the item, and input is provided to an application indicating that the item was selected.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a device with a touch screen display is disclosed. In the method, an electronic document is displayed at a first magnification. A gesture is detected on or near the touch screen display corresponding to a command to zoom out by a user-specified amount. In response to detecting the gesture, the electronic document is displayed at a magnification less than the first magnification. If a document length or a document width is entirely displayed while the gesture is still detected on or near the touch screen display, the electronic document is displayed at a magnification wherein areas beyond opposite edges of the electronic document are displayed. Upon detecting termination of the gesture, the electronic document is displayed at a magnification wherein the areas beyond opposite edges of the electronic document are no longer displayed.

Abstract: A contact position detecting unit 122 detects the position on the touch panel touched by a controlling object. A rendering unit 104 determines the layout of a document file including a link and display the document in the layout thus determined. A link position specifying unit 106 specifies the position of the link in the screen. A detection area setting unit 114 sets an object detection area for determination that the link is selected by the user as a result of contact with the controlling object associated one-to-one with the link, such that the object detection area occupies a range different from that of the link and is spaced apart from an adjacent object detection area by a predefined minimum distance, that the display mode of the link is maintained, and that the object detection area is superposed on the link.

Abstract: An aid for developmentally disabled individuals takes the form of a mobile terminal having software capable of creating graphical schedules, graphical countdown timers, and graphical choice selections. A caregiver may dynamically program and save schedules which present a graphical sequence of events to the disabled individual to assist the disabled individual in adjusting the changing events of the day. Likewise, the countdown timer may assist the individual in preparing for an upcoming transition in environment or activity. Still further, the graphical choice selections may help a nonverbal individual express themselves to a caregiver.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for providing a virtual probe, associated with an avatar, which enables blind or sightless navigation of an avatar through a virtual world. The system outputs tactile information and/or audible information that depict the presence of an object in the virtual world, in association with the avatar. When the virtual probe encounters an object in the virtual world the distance between the object and the avatar, a velocity of the object, and the dimensions of the object are determined. The tactile information, such as one or more vibrations, is output proportional to the distance between the object and the avatar and/or the dimension of the object. Audible information is also output in response to the detection of the object. Audible information, such as an audible voice, outputs one or more of the distance between the object and the avatar, the velocity of the object, and the dimensions of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for synchronizing virtual and physical documents. The system can be used in conjunction with screen reading software for synchronizing the screen reader's virtual representation of a component to components that are visually displayed to a sighted user.

Abstract: A method and system of utilizing a game console with motion sensing technology is provided. The present invention, in various implementations, provides for a method for generating one or more symbols in response to one or more gestures using an input device of a gaming system. The method comprises providing the input device being capable of generating one or more gesture signals in response to one or more gestures and being operable to select a mode of one or more operational states. The method also provides for generating one or more gesture signals corresponding to the one or more gestures, respectively; mapping the one or more generated gesture signals in relation to one or more symbols, respectively; and, transmitting the one or more symbols corresponding to the respective one or more gesture signals to an output.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are present for generating audio cues. New content is requested for a live region in a number of live regions displayed on a display device from a server. In response to receiving the new content for the live region in the number of live regions in the webpage, the live region in the number of live regions in the webpage is updated to form an updated live region displayed on the display device. An audio cue is generated on a sound generation device. The audio cue identifies the live region in the number of live regions in the webpage for which the new content has been received.

Abstract: A system and method for training a user to perform a flick gesture is described. A flick gesture is a simple gesture that may be easily detected and is characterized by minimal interference with other applications or gestures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a browser safe for use by individuals with epilepsy. Embodiments of the invention include retrieving content in response to a request from a user, identifying one or more unsafe portions of the retrieved content, modifying the one or more unsafe portions to be epileptic safe portions, and displaying the modified content to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for automated accessibility checking of Web pages. The method includes the step of accessing a Web page using a parser to generate data corresponding to the components of the Web page. The data is analyzed using an analysis engine to determine compliance of the components of the Web page with a set of accessibility standards. The results of the analysis performed by the analysis engine are subsequently stored. The results are then provided to indicate a degree of compliance with the set of accessibility standards. The method for automated accessibility checking can be implemented as a hosted application residing on a network connected server.

Abstract: A method of magnifying text across a computer operating system platform, the method including the steps of loading a background text viewer process on a computer operating system, the background text viewer process having access to internal operating system messaging relating to text sent to a graphics display driver for presentation to an end-user on a GUI, drawing a text viewer on a portion of the GUI whereby the text viewer and a third party application that displays text are shown on the GUI concurrently, intercepting text originating from the third party application and sent to the graphics display driver, the interception performed by the background text viewer process, selecting a substring of intercepted text associated with an end-user focus on the third party application and displaying the substring on the text viewer according to end-user defined settings.

Abstract: A magnifier panning system is described that creates a panning region at the edges of a magnified view. When a user moves the cursor into the panning region, the system pans the magnified view. When the user is not in the panning region, the user can interact with objects in the magnified view without the view shifting around. The objects appear magnified, but they do not behave or move any differently than they would if they were not magnified, providing the user with a familiar and comfortable user experience. Thus, the magnifier panning system provides the user with a much more natural view for interacting with the displayed objects while still allowing an efficient way to pan the view to move the magnified view to a different area of the screen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for displaying closed-captioning content on a display device. In response to determining that closed-captioning is desired, a display area of the display device is partitioned into non-overlapping portions. A first portion of the display area is configured to display the closed-captioning content and a second portion of the display area is configured to display a computer desktop. The closed-captioning content may be transformed by replacing at least some text in the closed-captioning content with at least one symbol based, at least in part, on a context of the at least some text in the closed-captioning content.

Abstract: The apparatus and method help physically-disabled persons perform point-and-click activities or input text or control characters, which typically require the user to simultaneously control two independent dimensions to select options presented on a computer display. Computer users operate a control in a single dimension (i.e., two directions—first embodiment) or in just one direction (second embodiment). Different input strategies allow a person using the one- or two-directional control method to emulate pointer functions and input characters or character strings. An embodiment augments antagonistic muscle groups for persons exhibiting adequate control in one direction but not the other. An additional embodiment uses available two-dimensional pointers but restricts their operation to one dimension. The output of existing sensors is converted to a form that can be input directly to a computer to be used with a one-dimensional control strategy.

Abstract: A system for providing preselected data to a human user who is a patient in a healthcare facility. The data can feature therapeutic audio content, informational content, and instructional content. The system can include a portable cart or other mobile platform on which a computer and touch screen display connected to the computer are installed. The computer can include a memory device capable of storing the therapeutic audio content. The touch screen display can feature control icons sized so as to be easily selected by manual manipulation by a user who is ill, impaired, or at least partially incapacitated. The touch screen display may also include a detachable transparent film affixed over a display surface. A method of the invention can include the step of decreasing audio volume to permit two-way communication between the user and a healthcare professional using the system.

Abstract: Systems and method which allow for control of televisions and other media device are disclosed. A television set is provided with a gesture capture device configured to receive a gesture input directed to at least one of a plurality of predefined areas related to the television set. The television set further includes a user interaction interface configured to generate data indicative of the gesture input directed toward the at least one of the predefined areas and control the television based at least in part on the generated data.

Abstract: There is described a method, to a program and to a system for graphically displaying and projecting at least one network of devices of an automation system, a high density of information usually occurring at the user interface. To allow a user to selectively display devices in a network, in addition to a large quantity of overview information, a solution is proposed in which a user can display individual devices in more detail in an overview. The user can therefore select a device, the instantaneously non-visible details of which he wishes to access, and change the appearance of the device from a not very detailed display to a very detailed display by way of further interaction. This applies to any desired number of devices which can be simultaneously displayed in detail. One advantage is that the network interfaces of devices may also be displayed which cannot be displayed with all network interfaces in the overview without the user being forced to have to change to a different, detail-oriented view.

Abstract: Provided is a method in a wireless mobile terminal for inputting characters. The method includes computing a probability value for each character which may be entered after a user inputs a particular character from among characters assigned to each button on a key input section by pressing a button and, storing the probability value in a memory of the mobile terminal, the probability value being based on a detection frequency of each character to be detected after a particular character in preset words. A character, as a first input character, having been inputted by the user according to the number of times a first button has been pressed in character input mode, based on a first character arrangement preset on the first button, is displayed on a display section.

Abstract: An Electronic Media System is disclosed herein. The system preferably comprises a terminal, stored electronic data and an accessory unit. The terminal is located in a public location and includes stored electronic data such as downloadable historic and current electronic newspapers and magazines or movies which may be purchased via a slidable magnetic payment means and which may be connectably uploaded to the accessory unit. The hand held accessory unit is purchasable by users and may be used to store and display the downloaded data.

Abstract: A method of visually presenting a message includes detecting that a screen reader application is being used in a computer system having a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI presents messages of a first type by displaying a popup window and presents messages of a second type in a predefined field of the GUI. The screen reader application is configured to detect display of the popup window but not configured to detect presentation of the messages of the second type in the predefined field. The method includes detecting a system event that causes a first message to be presented in the predefined field, the system event resulting from evaluating user input information. The method includes presenting, in response to detecting the system event, a second message in the popup window, the second message being associated with the first message. The predefined field may relate to a message log.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method of selecting a layout for a user interface for generation on a display of an electronic device. The method comprises the steps of: a) obtaining a representation of the interface; b) generating a plurality of parses of the interface; c) measuring the suitability of each parse; and d) choosing a parse with high suitability.

Abstract: A computer program for facilitating operation of a screen reader with legacy programs whose user interface definitions do not conform to the design guidelines expected by the screen reader program. A graphical user interface is analyzed to identify a logical sequence of user interface elements within the interface. The sequence of user interface elements within a definition of the user interface is compared with the identified logical sequence to identify any required reordering of the elements to conform to the identified logical sequence. One or more lists or tables are generated for each separable user interface component to (1) specify the required sequence for reordering incorrectly-sequenced user interface controls within the definition and to (2) identify a new static text control which is dynamically generated for use with an edit control which does not have a required static text control.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and program product comprises a behavior processing system for capturing a three-dimensional movement of a user within a particular environment, wherein the three-dimensional movement is determined by using at least one image capture device aimed at the user. The behavior processing system identifies a three-dimensional object properties stream using the captured movement. The behavior processing system identifies a particular defined behavior of the user from the three-dimensional object properties stream by comparing the identified three-dimensional object properties stream with multiple behavior definitions each representing a separate behavioral signal for directing control of the document. A document control system selects at least one document element to represent the at least one particular defined behavior and inserts the selected document element into the document.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium that facilitate software configuration of assistive computer devices by automatically assessing a user's capabilities through questions and tasks are provided. The analysis results of the user's capabilities are then available to assistive computer software applications which may subsequently update their interfaces accordingly. A mapping mechanism from an external input device into a target software application is facilitated for software applications that do not include assistive technology features.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for conveying a core section of a web page to a user. The core section may be identified based on citations of other web pages. Further, the core section may be conveyed to the user in a distinctive manner relative to other sections of the web page. For a web page with a plurality of core sections, a user may cycle through the plurality of core sections via a cycling mechanism. Information about a citing web page may also be conveyed to the user. Further, core sections may be customized by predefining criteria for identifying citations and core sections.

Abstract: An audio user interface that generates audio prompts that help a user interact with a user interface of a computing device is disclosed. The audio prompts can provide audio indicators that allow a user to focus his or her visual attention upon other tasks such as driving an automobile, exercising, or crossing a street, yet still enable the user to interact with the user interface. As examples, the audio prompts provided can audiblize the spoken version of a user interface selection, such as a selected function or a selected (e.g., highlighted) menu item of a display menu. The computing device can be, for example, a media player such as an MP3 player, a mobile phone, or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: The present invention allows mobile users to send replies to, or to forward, truncated electronic mail messages, and yet still send the entire body of the original electronic mail message, without having to download the entire body of the mail message locally to the mobile device and then re-transmit the entire message from the mobile device.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for providing a virtual probe, associated with an avatar, which enables blind or sightless navigation of an avatar through a virtual world. The system outputs tactile information and/or audible information that depict the presence of an object in the virtual world, in association with the avatar. When the virtual probe encounters an object in the virtual world the distance between the object and the avatar, a velocity of the object, and the dimensions of the object are determined. The tactile information, such as one or more vibrations, is output proportional to the distance between the object and the avatar and/or the dimension of the object. Audible information is also output in response to the detection of the object. Audible information, such as an audible voice, outputs one or more of the distance between the object and the avatar, the velocity of the object, and the dimensions of the object.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method for encouraging frequent and purposeful electronic communications from caregivers to individuals with impaired memory to, inter alia, alleviate feelings of isolation and improve memory. The system includes a Web-based application through which caregivers send text, image, voice and other forms of data for receipt by the sufferer on a PDA having a simple user interface. The Web application records the dates and nature (i.e., text, audio, photograph, video) of communications sent by each caregiver, processes the data in order to display it in a variety of meaningful ways to all caregivers, thus creating a peer-pressure environment to encourage more frequent communication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for improving the navigation of complex visualizations on a computer display for the visually impaired persons to toggle between objects or nodes. An object or node may be a square, a circle or other object which a display screen may show. The objects or nodes have characteristics which may include a name which indicates the name of the node, a direction which indicates the direction of the next node to progress to (along an arc), priority which indicates the priority that the node has with respect to other nodes, properties which indicates the certain properties of the node, and operation which indicates the operation to be performed. The system has a user indicator for indicating to the visually impaired user the characteristics of the objects or nodes which are connected by arcs. The node or object characteristics are informed to the user by the indicator to allow the user to toggle from one node to the other along the arc route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user interface system for a personal healthcare environment. Furthermore the invention relates to a method of operating such a user interface system. In order to provide a user interface system which can easily be used by disabled users, a user interface system (1) is suggested, comprising a number of user interface components (2, 3, 4), and further comprising an adaptation module (5), said adaptation module (5) being adapted to carry out an automatic adaptation of at least one of the components (2, 3, 4) based on the disabilities of an individual user.

Abstract: A method, user interface module, computer program product, computer system and system that enable a graphical user interface to be used by persons with visual disabilities. The graphical user interface includes a toolbar, which provides features that enable a visually disabled user to navigate and activate the functions provided by buttons or other controls on the communication toolbar. As a user navigates around the user interface, auditory messages are read describing functionality of different features of the graphical user interface. The text can be audibly read by, for example, a screen reader module. By using a hotkey or menu navigation, a user can issue commands that would normally be issued by clicking on the toolbar. Furthermore, the user can type text into text input boxes, select items from combo boxes, enable broadcast messages to be read, and choose to listen to status messages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing information to a screen reader. A method includes the actions of receiving at a client side information for representing a web page in a browser; setting focus initially on an element of the web page and presenting the web page to a user; and in response to a user command directing the focus to an element of the web page, determining whether the element is present in a functionality map, and if so, looking up the element in the functionality map, then processing the element as indicated by a corresponding entry point in the map, and if not, providing the focus and information related to web page elements associated with the focus to a placeholder control, and providing a screen reader with access to the placeholder control.

Abstract: An adaptive visualization system is provided. The system includes a processing component that receives visualization configurations to determine a suitable visualization for a user. A visualization component automatically adapts a visualization output based in part on the visualization configurations. The visualization configurations can include user context inputs, user profile inputs, device characteristic inputs, or background data inputs, for example.

Abstract: A system and method permits user control of a graphical user interface displayed to the user. The system comprises a user input device communicatively connected to a computing device. The computer device includes a display to display a graphical user interface, and a controller configured to partition the graphical user interface into a plurality of objects. The controller sets a focus to one of the objects responsive to a user input signal, and is configured to change the focus between the objects provided a user generates subsequent user input signals before a predetermined period of time expires. After the predetermined period of time expires and no user input signals have been received, the controller automatically selects the object having the current focus.

Abstract: An interface is presented that can be used by those with little or no computer skills and little or no reading skills. In an exemplary embodiment, the icon pictures are detailed enough that they do not need text to be understood. Most icons do not require that they be clicked to be selected, rather they select on cursor hover. When an icon is hovered over, in an exemplary embodiment, it increases in size to make it easier for a user to select it. The interface has a help function that provides a voice that tells the function of an icon when the icon is moused over or otherwise tentatively chosen by a user. The help function voice may be accompanied by a virtual companion—a picture of a person, who, in some embodiments, is animated and appears to be speaking the help text.

Abstract: Described is distinguishing between input mechanisms to determine which input mechanism was used to activate a start menu. A start menu is selected that corresponds to the input mechanism that was used to activate it. Further data corresponding to start menu interaction is received, and action is taken via based on the further interaction. For example, upon detecting activation of a start menu, how the start menu was activated from among activation types is used to present a first start menu/behavior for a first activation type, which may differ from a second start menu/behavior activated via a second activation type. For example, a determination may be made as to whether a start menu was invoked via a pointing device or via keyboard; when via keyboard, a search entry region may be provided, by which a user may directly enter search criteria via the keyboard.

Abstract: A menu structure in an information presentation device enables navigation in the menu structure. The information presentation device may include a sound generating unit, at least one first user input unit, and a control unit that provides selectable items in the menu structure. The items may be related to functions, applications or settings of the information presentation device. Each item may be associated with at least one dedicated sound. Upon detection of selection of a specific item via a user input unit, the presentation device may control the sound generating unit to generate the sound associated with the selected item.

Abstract: A mobile lottery terminal is disclosed. The mobile lottery terminal includes a processor. The mobile lottery terminal may include a Braille keypad in communication with the processor. The mobile lottery terminal may also include a customer information input device in communication with the processor and operable to input information indicative of a customer-selected lottery number. A system incorporating mobile lottery terminals and method of vending lottery tickets using mobile lottery terminals is also disclosed.

Abstract: A user interface for software applications enables the full use of graphical user interface (GUI) software, particularly engineering design software, by visually impaired individuals. The interface combines tactile representations of graphical elements, non-visual cues, and a hardware element to allow the effective placement and interconnection of graphic elements using design software.

Abstract: An information retrieving apparatus for retrieving predetermined information according to an input of text information, including an input operation section which selects characters from a defined predetermined character list and performs input instructions, a display section which displays the character list, and input characters which have been instructed by the input operation section, a candidate definition processing section 10, and a candidate display processing section 10. The candidate definition processing section 10 retrieves input candidates containing the input instructed characters, and extracts candidate characters, and temporarily allocates the candidate characters to display areas 29 in the display section 15 of characters that do not match the candidate characters, so that they can be selected using the input operation section.

Abstract: A computing environment can dynamically respond to user preferences and personal abilities by enabling computer users to configure their computing experience by implicitly gathering information about the users' needs. The system can detect users' issues during the natural course of interaction with the system and offer to make adjustments to make their tasks simpler and more enjoyable. The system can allow for the configuration of settings that can impact users' abilities to receive important information from the system or provide input to the system.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a displaying unit, a receiving unit, a determining unit, and a controlling unit. The displaying unit displaying one of a first operation screen and a second operation screen. Input data is inputted into the receiving unit by a user. The determining unit determines, based on at least one of the input data and settings of an OS, which of the first operation screen and the second operation screen should be displayed on the displaying unit. The controlling unit controls the displaying unit to display the first operation screen if the determining unit determines that the first operation screen should be displayed on the displaying unit, and control the displaying unit to display the second operation screen if the determining unit determines that the second operation screen should be displayed on the displaying unit.

Abstract: A manipulation menu display location control device includes a display for displaying a screen on which a plurality of predefined selection items are shown, a display location information table for storing information indicating the locations of the selection items on the display, and a receiving program for receiving an item on the screen selected by a user. A display location determining program determines the location of a manipulation menu to be shown on the display by referring to the display location information storing table based on information received by the receiving program, and a manipulation menu display program displays the manipulation menu at the location determined by the display location determining program.

Abstract: A method for presenting a page, having a set of links, on a data processing system is provided. The page is preprocessed to form a processed page, wherein the processed page is unpresented within the data processing system. A determination is made as to whether or not the links within the page fall within a proximity policy. Responsive to a determination that the page falls outside of the proximity policy, the page is reformatted to fall within the proximity policy. The mechanism of the present invention includes a preprocessing process and a policy structure for reformatting an electronic document page. The policy structure of the present invention allows the user to specify the appearance of the electronic document page. The policy structure as defined by the user is stored such that when the user returns to the page, the page may be displayed according to the policy structure defined by the user.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for choosing a position on a display having a cursor. In one aspect, an exemplary method, which can be computer-implemented, includes the steps of automatically moving the cursor in a predetermined during-selection mode in response to a first user-initiated action, and, responsive to a second user-initiated action when the cursor is at a first location, ceasing the moving of the cursor in the predetermined during-selection mode, and causing a choosing action to be performed at the first location, such that the first location is chosen as the position.

Abstract: The displaying apparatus 100 displays a plurality of display data sequentially by updating its display. On a surface of the frame 100a, the displaying apparatus 100 includes a display panel 110, a bend member 120a, and a bend member 120b and both the bend member 120a and the bend member 120b have elasticity. Each of the bend member 120a and the bend member 120b is provided at an edge of the surface of the frame 100a. The user bends each of the bend member 120a and the bend member 120b when he wants to update the display of the display panel 110. The displaying apparatus 100 updates the display in the display panel 110 based on the deformation volume in the bend member 120.

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.