GB2476030A

GB2476030A - Means to assist In the operation and orientation of an electrical device

Info

Publication number: GB2476030A
Application number: GB0920827A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Charles Spurgeon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2009-11-30
Publication date: 2011-06-15
Also published as: GB0920827D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical device 1 to be operated using a series of tactile controls or switches 3, 21. The device seeks to enable operation by those who are visually impaired by audibly confirming the function of the device or of a particular switch. A switch may comprise multiple positions (see figure 4b), wherein a different speech output is associated with each position of the switch. The controls are preferably tactile and protrude from the exterior of the device to assist in the orientation of the device. An embodiment of the invention comprises a portable media player having a rotary switch for performing different operating functions. A further embodiment provides audio outputs for menu items used in computer applications (see figures 7a-7f).

Description

Means to assist in Appliance Orientation and Operation

Summary

The invention relates to solving problems that a blind person encounters when operating an appli-ance, similar to the problems that a sighted person encounters in an unlit environment. The means include tactile design features, a minimum of control switches, an intuitive control sequence and an audio speech output to confirm the functionality of the device and the execution of each control step.

Background

Many devices (the word device is used throughout but may also be understood to mean appliance, domestic appliance, portable appliance, electrical appliance, product, gadget, unit, equipment, apparatus etc according to context) are designed assuming that the user is sighted and is in a lit environment, remembers reading an instruction sheet and has good co-ordination and dexterity.

Many fashionable' handheld devices have very small control buttons and rely for navigation on the user moving a cursor in a small LCD window. Pushbuttons are often nearly flush with the surround-ing surface and are easy to operate by mistake, some pushbuttons, of the type that protrude when off stay flush when on so that they can then be missed by a person relying on the sense of feel. In the case of remote controls the controller has a multitude of buttons and the user needs acuity of sight and physical co-ordination to operate them. Remote controls are also of similar shape and size, making it impossible for a blind user to determine which item of equipment it is intended for, let alone know what the functions of the buttons are. In the case of computers, when a pointer device, suchas a mouse, trackerb all or mousepad is used it relies on acuity of sight and physical co-ordination; when on-screen menus are used there is also a requirement for good eyesight and to select particular keys or control the movement of a pointer on the screen.

This invention solves the problems arising when a (typically elderly) blind person needs to use an unfamiliar device. The resulting product will then be easy to use by the complete range of disabled and able people. In order to use a product the blind person needs to be able to perform a number of steps: 1. Feel around to find the device.

2. Feel its shape in order to recognise what it is.

3. Turn itso that it is the right way round.

4. Attach any accessories that may be required (eg headphones).

5. Find the ON switch.

6. Switch it on.

7. Place it down the right' way round and adjust its controls.

8. Confirmthat it is the desired device.

9. Confirm that it is functional.

10. Access the various functions and modes of use.

11. Switch it off.

12. Put it away.

The invention provides means to assist in these steps by determining desirable qualities in a product with reference to the above steps. The answers' to the problems are coded Al, A2 etc: Al The device needs to be stable when placed on a flat surface in at least one orientation, it needs to survive in the event of it being dropped or trodden on, of being subject to extremes of temperature and of being dropped into a hot bath or left in the rain.

A2 A3 and A4 There needs to be at least one tactile feature on a face close to the most important controls (eg On/Off, volume, Test). The tactile feature also needs to be close to any accessory Page 1 connection (eg headphone socket, aerial socket, memory card, battery compartment.) Connectors for accessories need to be robust and easy to use by an unsighted or poorly co-ordinated persons.

A5 A6 A7 and All Soft' pushbutton type switches that switch the device on or off with alternate presses should be avoided where possible and replaced by a switch that retains a different position for On as for off. Apreferred type is the Rotary Switch because, if its OFF position always points to the bottom left corner of the front of the device then it also defines its orientation; the knob for such a switch needs to have an easily sensed pointer shape. Atwo switch system can also be used where one switch causes the device to go On and then proceed up' a control sequence whilst another switch causes the device to go down' the control sequence until it switches the device Off, such a switch needs to be of the spring return type.

A8 A9 If the device is being used in the dark by a sighted user then problems 8 and 9 do not apply if the device is a light switch or if it has illuminated lamps or displays. In the case of a blind user then an audio indication of functionality can also identify the device. If the rotary switch also includes the volume adjustment then a number of tests can be carried out on start.

A7 The operation of controls such as the selection of an oven timer or temperature, clock settings, programme selection on a washing machine, findinag a station on a radio or TV, choosing a track on a DVD, CD or MP3 player should be intuitive and guided by audio messages.

A 10 A positive click sound and sensation can be achieved by using a rotary on off switch or a toggle type switch. With a clockwise operation combined volume and switch device the OFF is also always at the extreme of anticlockwise movement.

Tf each switch operation results in a speech message output that describes the functional mode of the unit, then a smaller number of switch positions are required, with a suitable firmware to enable the unit to be operated in the dark, or by a blind person. In a general case an audio menu can be output in response to a "switching" operation and the function or an associated sub-menu can be executed by a "switching" operation that is performed during the output of the menu item being output. If the equipment includes a visual display then each menu item can be displayed at the same time as the output of the audio message.

The equipment with a visual display may advantageously employed without an audio output but still displaying menus one item at a time, thus enabling the size of script to be displayed at a large size, readable by the vision impaired.

Age related effects include macular degeneration, slower reaction times and dementia so it is useful if the period of time over which each menu item is displayed can be selected according to the dexterity and mental state of the user.

The invention can take the form of inclusion in a new device, replacement of control means in an existing device, an upgrade to an existing computer operating system or a programme to execute in an existing computer.

Tn the case of a severely disabled person the unit will be switched on by a helper and firmware can be designed to enable control by a single left-centre-right action by joystick, rocker switch, toggle switch, photoelectric sensors, pressure switches in a mat etc; such a control can be separate from the unit and can be extra large and robust.

A well-designed device may be capable of use by intelligent animals, enabling them to understand language and commands.

Description

A means to assist in orientating a product consists of having a product with smooth back and sides and with a front having one or more protruding parts. The overall size, shape and surface texture also Page 2 assist in the identification of an object by feel and if the object takes the form of a model of a known object then the control means can be identified by telling the user the name of the part, or its position on the known shape of the object. The main protrusion is preferably an On/Off switch or, if the device is normally in standby then it may be the function switch and may be placed adjacent to, or surrounding, a switch, or switches that include those functions. Other preferences are that this should be near the lower left of the front. In all but the simplest devices an audio message will be provided by means of a loudspeaker and/or an audio output socket or radio signal to a remote sound system or headphones. Any headphone socket will preferably be close by and its connection to the socket may mute any other audio output.

An example of the invention is described with regard to using a clockwise operating switch that is on when rotated clockwise and off when at its anticlockwise extreme ofmovement. This switch is commonly combined with an analogue volume control that increases the volume of the device as it is turned clockwise after the initial rotation to turn it on. The analogue control is often achieved using a variable resistor device or a potentiometer.

A further example may include an audio speech function that outputs a start-up message when the switch is first placed in the On position.

If a means for volume adjustment is provided then the on message' can be provided at a medium volume, after the message, or with clockwise movement the volume would increase according to the angle of rotation.

An alternative means of volume adjustment could be provided by the on message' starting at low volume and gradually increasing to the maximum until the user takes an action.

The control system may provide means for its first volume during switching on sequence is set to the volume previously set. The system may provide separate volume settings for messages and audio playing.

In the case of a multi-position Off'On/Play/.. switch then by rotating the switch to the next position the device would recommence playing its previous radio station or track.

The multi-position rotary switch, or a switch that outputs pulses as it is rotated, enables many con-trols to be achieved with the one switch, for example different positions of switch could define: on message+volume/pause/next'previous/begimiing/end.

A switch or switches to provide just two inputs and a neither input condition can provide four input conditions ie None, Left, Right, Left and Right together.

A centre biased type switch providing merely a Left and a Right input can still be used to control the function of the unit since the short duration operation of either switch can result in an output message informing of the function or mode that will result if the switch is kept operated for a longer duration.

Such a control method is not limited to a fixed number of switch positions but can be extended to operate more and more functions, including instructions and help in a number of languages.

The control inputs supplied by the switches may, in all cases, be replicated or replaced by an electri- cal coimector to enable operation remotely or by conventional switches or by a knee, arm, photo-electric cells, pressure mats, proximity detectors, tilt switches, reed swtches, microswitches, timer etc. A control system is also feasible using a single non-latching pushbutton that outputs a list of possible actions when pressed. The desired action is achieved by releasing the pushbutton during the time that that action is being described.

The list of possible actions is equivalent to menus and drop-down menus in a computer. A means is described to enable the list to be edited by the user in order to decrease the chance of errors and to increase the speed ofoperation.

The device is preferably powered by rechargeable batteries and means may be provided to output Page 3 messages quoting the baftery state on switching to Pause, in the Information series of menus and, if the battery is low, during any operating mode. Battery charging may be by removing the batteries and using a charger, by plugging a charger into a connector on the device, or by having a power supply that the device may be plugged into and then used as a mains powered unit in a fixed position, or as a portable unit when the batteries have been charged.

The invention may also be applied to a device including a microphone and recording ability, useful for note-taking or as an audio calendar and diary. This would be a voice recorder that does not record over the first part of each track heading. The SD card would be pre-programmed with 365 mes-sages, each having a non-write-over heading of the year, month, day of the month, day of the week but being capable of recording or deleting additional messages for each day. The file title headings could be on one channel of stereo files whilst the recording would only record onto the other chan-nel. Devices with recording capabilities would also benefit from having a time-keeping function, the time and date being output as messages and also appended to the headings and titles of recorded files.

Other applications may include tailcing dictionaries, phrase books and educational exercises and examinations. Since answers would be given orally, exercises in language learning would not require any writing ability or knowledge of spelling. The addition of a video display capable of displaying still and movie files would make the device into a full-scale audio visual apparatus that is easier to use than a computer.

A memory card including text files could be used when the invention has text to speech conversion facilities. In this case the unit could read ebooks as well as mp3 files, making it a useful all-round tool for blind people. The mp3 files may include words or phrases translated in different languages, effectively making it useful as a dictionary or phrase book that also teaches the pronunciation. When used as an audioguide for an attraction or as guidebook for a place, or an instruction manual for an equipment this would also help a user to learn languages regardless of their vision.

A device may have tracks including audio commands for controlling animal movements or behaviour, including commands to sheepdogs thus enabling a user to control or train sheepdogs etc. Similarly, a device fitted with an ultrasonic transducer could be used to call, train and control such animals that have hearing outside the human hearing frequency range.

A device fitted with an aerial or a connector for receiving and tuning radio or television, signals may be used to select and play radio frequency transmissions and the sound of television frequency transmissions.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 a shows the front view of an mp3 player (1) having a built-in loudspeaker (2), a rotary switch (3), an SD memory card (10), a connection for headphones (4) and a connection for a low voltage power supply (5), the unit also contains rechargeable batteries (6), a slot (9) at the loud-speaker end enables a neckstrap (8) to be stored without detaching it. For hand-held use the unit may be held like a telephone receiver with its loudspeaker to the ear as in figure ib, finger holes (7) aid in holding the unit securely during use and when rotating the switch knob (3). The neckstrap (8) is shown in figure ic enabling the unit (1)to be carried on a strap.

Figure 2 illustrates the function of the mp3 player. The SD memory card (10) includes a store of speech, music or other sounds, it is programmed from a computer with mp3 format files. The mp3 player electronics includes non-volatile memory (13) that enables the status of the player to be stored when the unit is switched off The mp3 player also contains a central processor ic (18) for running the programme that controls its operation which outputs serial signals to an rnp3 converter ic Page 4 (14) whose output drives a digital to analogue converter (15) for driving the audio amplifier (16) and loudspeaker (2). In the case that the player can also play from text files a text to speech ic (17) can also be included. On rotating the switch (3) from fully anticlockwise to its first position power is applied to the unit electronics which after initialization outputs the message "Player type... battery level is.... Switch to next position, Pause' when the volume is correct, the positions after Pause are Play, Skip Up, Skip Down and Tnformation. This message will repeat at variable volume until you have chosen to operate the switch again." When the switch is set to Pause the amplification is set to the level then being output and the message "Pause" will be output, the audio switching will set the track and track position according to that which was current when the switch was last moved from Play to Pause and the unit will idle until the switch is moved again. On switching to Play the message Playing from track number -position -mins -seconds' will be output prior to the audio being played from the previously stored position and the current position will be stored to the non-volatile memory at a maximum interval of2O seconds. Should there be breaks in audio (such as end of sentence pauses) the the storage may take place at that time, provided that it is more than 10 sec-onds after any previous storage. This is to help ensure that the Pause will resume at the beginning of a sentence or musical phrase. Rotating the switch from Play to Skip Up will have no effect for 0.5 second to allow other switch positions to be selected it will then set the non-volatile memory to the beginning of the next track and output the message "Track...". Tfthe switch is kept in the Skip Up position then it will reset the non-volatile memory and output the new track number continuously at the 0.5 second intervals until it is switched to another position. Switching back to Play will have the same effect as switching from Pause to Play. The Skip Down switch position has the same delay timing as the Skip Up except that the non-volatile memory is set to the beginning of the previous track. When the switch is moved through the Skip Up back to Play the delay timing in the pro-gramme prevents it from doing any Skip Up action. The clockwise position from Skip Down outputs Information about the unit and its stored files. Programme enhancements may include the length of each track and the total number of tracks in the MP3 player to be included. In the case that the mp3 tracks include title texts then they could be read out. The Information for track contents would start from the track currently selected using a text to speech converter to read title and heading texts, recirculating through all the tracks until the switch was moved, at which point the beginning of that track would be stored to the non-volatile memory; an option would be included to enable the current track and position to be returned to. In the case of long tracks options could be included to enable intermediate positions in the track to be stored in the non-volatile memory. The player could be used for playing talking newspapers that have been recorded onto memory cards, for return and re-recording after use. The player can also be used to play files of any speech or music divided into chapters or tracks or pages etc. Figure 3 shows a version of the mp3 player of figures 1 and 2 that is also able to record to the SD memory card(10) by means of an in-built microphone (19) orby an external microphone plugged into jack (20). Atwo position spring-loaded switch (21) has no effect unless the switch (3) is in the Pause position. The audio message "Warning! You will record over present contents of this track inS seconds 5 4 3 2 1" will enable the user to abort the record operation. Otherwise the input from the microphone will be recorded on the current track, from the stored position, until the record switch is released. In the case of a diary the date information can be stored on tracks alternating with diary tracks and recording can be inhibited on the date information tracks. Another method would use playback of stereo tracks but recording only on one side. Since memory cards of over 4Gb are common then a calendar/diary application could be pre-formatted with files of 10 minutes duration for each day, equivalent to around 1000 words of speech or two sides ofA4 in 12 point typed text.

Whilst the Play of a track will continue from track to track the Record function can be suspended, Page 5 with an End of Track message, at the end of the current track.

Figure 4 shows how a two input switch can be used in place of the rotary switch of the previous examples. In this case the OFF function is replaced by a Low Power mode that is entered after the LEFT switch position has been operated a number of times. Figures 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate a 3 position centre biased toggle switch (25), a 3 position rocker switch (26) and a three position joy-stick (27) and the LEFT Neutral and RIGHT switch positions. The OFF/OnlPause/Play/Skipup/ Skipdown operations are performed by short or long operation of the LEFT or RIGHT: a RIGHT will output the similar message as would be obtained by turning the rotary switch one position clock-wise, if it is released in the Short time and released for a Long time then the switch will assume to have been returned to its previous Long time position; if it is only released for a Short time then the next press will simulate the turning of the rotary switch one position to the right. If the RIGHT is kept depressed for a Long time then this simulates the rotary switch being kept in that position. In the same way the LEFT operated for Short or Long times simulates the rotary switch being turned anticlockwise, thus repeated Short LEFTs will always result in the Low Power mode, equivalent to the OFF of the rotary switch. Power saving means can be achieved by having the unit automatically switch to the Pause mode if has not output an audio signal for a set time, say 1 minute. After it has been in Pause mode for a further period, say 10 minutes then it could switch to LowPower mode.

Tn this way the unit would always be known to be in LowPower mode after a period of quiet and it would always be switched ON by pressing the RIGHT. The figure also shows optional LED indica-tors (23) one for each of the On, Pause, Play, SkipUp and Skip Down for use by sighted users, and an LCD display (24) to show the current Track number. Additionally, at the end of the Info opera-tion the programme would return to the Pause message and Pause state. A connector (22) comprises of Ov, Battery+, LEFT, RIGHT connections to switches in LEFT and RIGHT mats. A 6.3mmj ack connector (28) enables the device to be connected to an amplifier system.

A USB memory device is more robust than a memory card provided that it has a protruding lump on its casing to help the blind person instal it the right way up, it has disadvantages in being so large that it protrudes from a player device.

Figure 5 shows how an equipment such as an audio player can be controlled using a single pushbutton and speech messages consisting of action lists (spoken menus). The single switch assumes that electrical power is available at all times, in the power down state the electronics is in a sleep' state of low poser consumption and is only activated on the first press of the pushbutton.

After a period of inaction when no file is being played the powerdown'state will be entered auto-matically. The top-level' action list for an mp3 player could include the following, in order: "powerdown, set volume, pause, play, skip-up, skip-down, continue play, information", that list repeating until the button is released. According to the action selected the next list of options will have options relating to the chosen function, followed by the top-level action list with the chosen function omitted. A set of typical action lists (menus) is shown in the table on figure 5.

Figure 6 shows a miniature equipment that can be controlled in a manner similar to that shown in figure 5. This has ajack socket (30) for connection to an audio output such as headphones, loud-speaker or amplifier but it also includes connections that connect power from the battery (35) to the unit when it is plugged in thus switching it on and switches the unit off when removed. Connections in thejack socket (30) can also be used to charge the battery (35) when a charging device is inserted.

The round body (31) has the tactile feature (37) and the centrally mounted pushbutton (32) that is used to control the player. On the side is a flat removable cover that can be hinged open to access the memory card (36) and the battery (35). On the back a clip (33) is provided to enable the unit to be mounted on the user's clothing or on an item such as a writing pad, notebook, diary, belt or handbag. Its memory card could be encrypted such as to make it only usable with this unit, thus Page 6 eliminating copyright problems that could arise if the mp3 files were to be shared with sighted per-sons.

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e illustrate an example of the invention being applied to control a com-puter. n figure 7a, upon application of power the message "Please Wait" (41) is displayed on the main area (42) of the screen (40) and it will also be spoken and repeated as soon as the required software is initialised. The message "You will see menu items displayed when you hold the F 12 key down, please release the key when you see and hear your desired command" (46) as shown on Figure 7b will replace the "Please Wait" on the main area of screen (42) and be spoken when the system is ready to accept an input from F 12. Upon pressing the F 12 key down and holding it the top area (43) will be activated as in figure 7c and the first item (44) of a menu list (45) will be dis-played and spoken, The other items on the menu list (45) will be displayed and spoken one item at a time until the F 12 key is released. Should the key be released during menu item 44 then the screen appearance of figure 7d will be activated and the menu list (47) will start displaying and speaking sequentially. Figure 7e demonstrates the opening display (48) and menu list (49) resulting if the key is released during the "wordprocessor" menu item of the previous list (47). The top area (43) now contains the name of the last file opened and its name and date is spoken. As the cursor keys are operated so the texts of each line of the main area (42) are spoken, thus revealing the position of the cursor so that the user can delete, insert or amend text in the file. Upon pressing and holding key F 12 depressed the menu list (49) is activated, giving access to the other menus available in a typical Figure 7f shows the sub-menu (51) resulting from releasing F 12 at the time that the save newname' item of menu (49) was being displayed and spoken.

Action lists or menus are more efficiently used if they contain only common commands. When being output as speech there is a waiting time for the desired item to be spoken. In figures 8a 8b and 8c an example is given of a user-reprogrammable menu that could be used in many computer and control applications whilst figure 8d shows an example device (57) for use as a remote control. Figure 8a shows a display with the top line (51) displaying the menu title, the second line of the display (52) is clear until the operating button (62) is depressed. While the button remains depressed each line of the menu (53) is displayed in the lower part of the display and spoken. The currently spokenldis-played item is selected by releasing the pushbutton at that moment (probably about 2 seconds allowed for each line), the menu is repeated line by line until the button (62) is released. The actions in the menu (53) are interspersed with MAfl' MENU 1 commands that will cause the main menu 1 to be displayed in the top line and the menu (45) shown in figure 7c to be activated when the pushbutton is next pressed. Taking the case that the SPEECH & TEXT menu is being displayed and spoken the EDIT MENU may be chosen by releasing the pushbutton (62) at that moment, this causing the top line of the display to show EDIT MENU and the rest of the display to be cleared.

Figure 8b shows the items of the edit menu as a list (54) that will be displayed and spoken when the pushbutton (62) is kept depressed. The prey menu' action is to return the device to its figure 8a state; change order' allows the order of the list (53) to be changed; delete items' enables lines to be deleted, add items' allows actions on the list (53) to be added and default menu', when selected causes the top of the display to show DEFAULT MENU and the lower part to be cleared. Figure 8c shows the default menu list (55) that is available when the pushbutton is pressed, being a list of all the programmes installed. On the remote control device (57) of figure 8d a wireless transmitter (56) activates a remote item such as a computer in the manner just described, an audio output on the remote equipment being used to confirm receipt of a command.The display consists of a 2 line display (58) and the speech is output from the loudspeaker (59). The Main Menu 1' might include actions to select Speech and Text, Speech Only, Text Only and Sleep. Rechargeable batteries (60) Page 7 power the unit and a memory card (61) contains the programme required for the internal microproc-essor to control the particular remote equipment and to provide the text and audio outputs. The pushbutton (62) controls the device through a series of displayed and spoken menus.

The keep the pushbutton depressed and execute command on release' is especially suited to the vision impaired, those able to see the displays would be able to use single push instantaneous presses ofthe short' or long' duration to operate a similar series ofmenus through move to next action' and execute current action' interpretaion by the software programme.

Devices according to the invention could be used as a reader for talking newspapers, audiobooks and other publications for the blind who could be confused by the extra controls on the other figures.

Players according to the invention could be used in a place such as a Store, Public House, Club, Bus Station, Rail Station or in a Dwelling. The simplicity of control would enable the device to be used in conjunction with a coin mechanism to switch power to the unit for a duration dependant on the amount paid.

The operation of the controls has been explained with reference to an audio player or audio player! recorder, the principles of having control by means of a sequence of operations may be applied to most appliances, machines and equipments by adding further outputs, status and handshaking con-nections. An equipment could be operated remotely by means of a suitable wireless communications interface. n such cases a programme designed for control of the specific model of remote equip-ment could be stored in the device internal memory or in an external memory device such as an SD memory card or a plug-in USB flash memory. This would enable a blind person to operate a televi-sion reciever or a DVD player.

The message and delay prior to execution enables a rotary switch to disregard the short passage through switch positions when it is required for a switch position to be disregarded; similarly, when a spring-return switch is used, a short time of depression can emulate the movement from one pro-gramme step to another whilst disregarding an intermediate one whilst a long time of depression can start the operation of the required step. It will often be necessary to provide switch de-bouncing routines in the software to ensure that multiple pulses generated when the switch contact is made or broken are accepted as a single change of state. Amicroprocessor programme can use the series of long and short depressions to step to different positions in the programme whilst using the previous long depression to deduce the programme position and message to return to if a long is not ex-ecuted. Audio messages accompanying short and long depressions can ensure that the operator knows the control state that has resulted.

Players according to the invention may have the stored messages in a foreign language according to destination. Players may have the messages stored in a number of different languages, the actual language set by means of internal electrical connections, by an additional switch or by incorporation as an additional selection in the control programme.

Players according to the invention may include audio files stored on internal memory instead of or in addition to those files on the memory card device.

Devices according to the invention may have programme and data stored internally or externally or on a memory card in any combination.

Additional inputs and outputs may be included to cater for changes or advancements in technology.

A charging station may be provided with the device to provide a storage position and to disable the device when it is lodged on the cradle.

An example of a device that is easily identified by a blind person is shown in figure 9. It resembles a model elephant (63) and has a loudspeaker (64) in one side of its body. The protrusion chosen to act as a control switch is the trunk (65). The trunk and head are hinged with a normal position (66) but a switch (68) is operated when it is pressed to the lower position (67) against spring pressure.

Page 8 The top surface of the model contains batteries (69) and a memory card (70) under a removable cover (71). In larger sizes the elephant becomes a radio, mp3 player, that may be permanently siduated on a table, shelf, sideboard, mantlepiece etc. By mounting a 3 position switch having a centre neutral position then the switch position (67) can be used for the menu selection and Play and Pause of an application having a Record in switch position (72) utilising a microphone (90) when the device is set at Pause in a desired position in a file ready for recording. This would enable the el-ephant to also become an mp3 recorder for an audio memo. The elephant is also an appropriate model for housing a calendar diary or an audio English learning programme.

Figure 10 shows a number of alternative models that can be easily identified by touch for housing the invention. The loudspeaker in each model is designated (73). On the swan (74) the switching device is a hinged portion in its back (75), pressed down to operate, on the duck (77) the loudspeaker (73) is mounted behind the model and the switch (76) is operated by closing the beak. The model TV (78) has its loudspeaker (73) where the screen would be and uses a pushbutton on its top (79) to operate it. The model gramophone (80) contains a louspeaker (73) in its horn and is operated by a switch in its playing arm hinge. The alien (83) contains loudspeakers (73) in its eye positions and its nose' is used as a switch (82). The cottage (84) has loudspeakers (73) behind the windows and the chimney is used as a pushbutton switch (85). The sunflower (87) has a loudspeaker (73) in the centre of the flower; it is operated by pressing the flower down, its stalk (86) then operates a switch in the plinth (87). The model sailing boat (88) has its loudspeaker (73) mounted in its mainsail whilst its switch is operated by squeezing the flag (89).

Figure 11 shows three views of an example of the invention contained in abox (91)with a hinged lid (92), having the advantages of neatness and ease of cleaning when closed together with ease of identification through familiarity of its shape when felt. The object is also very stable and is easy for the blind user to orient and place on a flat surface. The lid (92) is released and power may be ap-plied to the unit when the catch release (93) is operated. When the box is opened the loudspeaker (94) faces towards the user and the operating switch (95) can be felt by the user, the electronics components (96) being in the base of the box. . The box may be purpose made or may be adapted from an existing box of the jewel box, musical box or trinket box type. The box (91) may be used as a storage for a portable device according to the invention, such device being housed in a shaped insert and being connected to the loudspeaker (94) and optionally to a battery charger or low volt-age electricity derived from mains electricity such that its audio output is sufficient for permanent domestic use.

The models in figures 9,10 and 11 when suitably scaled, are capable of housing the other options described.

Dolls and soft toys are available with sound and switch mechanisms built in, the devices described in this invention can be housed in such objects as well as every kind ofmodel, ornament or item of furniture. The invention can also be housed in outside and public area objects such as signposts, doorsteps, bell-pushes, notice-boards, restaurant tables and vending machines, all being accessibility aids for physically, mentally and optically disabled persons. age 9

Claims

Means to Assist in Appliance Orientation and Operation Claims 1. A means to enable the orientation of a device to be established by touch including means to confirm the nature and functionality of the device through output of a speech message at a preset volume.
2. A device according to claim 1 where the output speech includes a menu sequence at different volumes, starting with a previously set volume, where the output volume is set by means of a switch operation performed at the time of the desired volume.
3. A device according to claim 1 where the volume of the output speech is determined by a rotary volume control.
4. A device according to previous claims that includes further switch positions, the function of each position being confirmed by speech output.
5. A device according to previous claims where a rotary multi-position switch is used as the switch-ing device.
6. A device according to previous claims where a three-position-centre-off switch is used to select the different operating features of the device.
7. A device according to claims 1 to 2 where two switch inputs are used to select the different operating features of the device.
8. A device according to claims ito 2 where a single switch input is used to select the different operating features of the device.
9. A device according to previous claims where the switching device is remote from the unit.
10. A device according to previous claims having an LCD display.
11. A device according to previous claims having an LED indicator.
12. A device according to previous claims having a multiplicity of LED indicators.
13. A device according to previous claims having a built-in microphone.
14. A device according to previous claims having a connector for an analogue audio input.
15. A device according to previous claims including an external memory storage device.
16. A device according to previous claims including means to connect it to a computer.
17. A device according to previous claims that will retain previous settings and states after it has been switched off.
18. A device according to previous claims used to play audio files.
19. A device according to claim 18 that will record audio files.
20. A device according to previous claims having an audio output is through a connector and head-phones
21. A device according to claims 1 to 19 having an audio output is through a connector to amplifica-tion systems.
22.Adevice according to claims ito 19 having an audio output is transmitted through radio waves.
23. A device according to previous claims having a multiplicity of audio output means.
24. A device according to previous claims having separate outputs for audio speech messages and other audio outputs.
25. A device according to claim 24 having separate control ofvolume for audio messages and other audio outputs.
26. A device according to previous claims for use as a calendar and diary.
27. A device according to claims ito 25 for use as a language learning and phrase book device.
28. A device according to claims to 25 for use as an oral and phonetic language learning system.Page 10
29. A device according to claims 1 to 25 including audio output of phonemes, words and phrases.
30. A device according to previous claims having a built-in loudspeaker.
31. A device according to previous claims that has a connector that includes contacts for audio output, switching the battery power on or off and charging an internal battery.
32. A device according to previous claims having a spring clip.33. deleted 34.Adevice according to claims ito 32 for use as an audioguide.35. deleted 36. A device according to claims i to 32 for use as an animal controller and trainer.37. deleted 38. A device according to claims ito 32 for use as an audiodictionary.39. A device according to claims ito 32 for use as a guide book.40.deleted 41. deleted 42 A device according to previousclaims embedded in a soft toy.43. A device according to claims 1 to 41 in the fonn of an ornament.44.deleted 45. A device according to claims 1 to 42 incorporated in any appliance.46. A device according to claims 1 to 42 incorporated in any vehicle.47. A device according to previous claims for emitting ultrasonic signals.48. A device according to claims ito 46 for emitting infra-red signals.49. A device according to claims 1 to 46 for emitting radio signals.50. A device according to previous claims for controlling a remote equipment.51. A device according toclaims 1 to 49 for controlling a a multiplicity of remote equipments.52. Ameans to effect control of a computeraccording to previous claims.53. A device according to previous claims that may be stored and operated within a box having a hinged lid with a loudspeaker mounted therein.Page ii