Method and Communication Device for Providing Information for Partially Sighted Users

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and a communication device designed to aid users with sensory impairments, especially those who are blind or have low vision. The invention enables such users to easily select communication channels and access information services—such as call centers, information servers, and more—by using a simple input interface. The channel selection and subsequent activation require the user to press or interact with a single, distinct input element (physical or virtual), thus minimizing complexity. The device may also capture and process optical information (e.g., text or images) using cameras, perform automated recognition, and if recognition fails, transmit the information to a human agent for assistance. Information can be conveyed to the user via audio, Braille, or other accessible means.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Assisting blind or visually impaired individuals in accessing information and services (such as news, weather, books, or messages) via an easy-to-use device.
• Enabling simple communication with call centers or support agents for complex information processing or reading tasks.
• Facilitating reading of printed or electronic text documents using optical capture and automated recognition, with fallback to human assistance if needed.
• Providing elderly individuals or persons with other sensory impairments a simple interface for communication and access to essential information.
• Allowing integration into smart home, workplace, or public spaces for information access by visually impaired persons.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Drastically simplifies the process of accessing diverse information sources for blind or visually impaired users through a single, easily distinguishable input element.
• Increases independence and self-reliance for sensory-impaired users by allowing access to information and remote assistance without complex device interaction.
• Offers multiple modes of information delivery (audio, Braille, etc.), adapting to users' needs and preferences.
• Reduces the risk of user errors common with complex, multi-button devices, improving safety and reliability.
• Automates routine tasks (such as document reading) while providing a human fallback for non-automatable content, ensuring comprehensive information access.
• Suitable for both mobile and stationary deployment, and adjustable for left- or right-handed use, increasing versatility and convenience.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing information for at least one user having a sense disability or sense impairment, in particular a blind user or a user having poor vision, using a communication selection device. The method comprises the following process steps: selecting a communication channel from a plurality of selectable communication channels by means of an activation arrangement of the communication selection device by the user. At least one of the selectable communication channels is a communication channel between the communication selection device and at least one call center or at least one call center relay and at least one other of the selectable communication channels a communication channel between the communication selection device and at least one electronic data processing unit or an information server or at least a network of information servers. The method according to the invention furthermore comprises activating the selected communication signal by the communication selection device and transmission of information via the communication channel, wherein the selecting of the communication channel takes place by a one-time or repeated activation of precisely one element of activation device, wherein the selecting of a given selectable communication channel takes place by activating the identical element of the activation arrangement and the activating of the selected communication channel takes place automatically after the selection.