Importance

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Abstract

A method and system for enabling a visually impaired computer user to distinctly visualize individual objects classified among multiple classes of objects within a graphical user interface environment. Within the graphical user interface environment, graphical user interface objects are classified among multiple classes of objects. An audio signal, having at least two audible characteristics, is associated with each object within a class of objects. The first audible characteristic is common among all objects within a class of objects and unique among all objects in other classes of objects. The second audible characteristic is unique among all objects within a class of objects. Thereafter, a composite audible signal is generated for each displayed object which includes audio signals which each include these two audible characteristics. By listening to the first audible characteristic, which is associated with all objects within a particular class, a visually impaired user may be able to determine how many classes of objects are displayed, and distinguish those classes of objects from one another. By listening to the second audible characteristic, which is unique among all audible characteristics associated with objects in the same class, a visually impaired user may be able to determine how many objects are displayed within a particular class, and distinguish those objects from one another. By enabling a visually impaired user to distinguish classes of objects, and the distinguish objects in a particular class, such a user may perform computer operations and utilize a graphical user interface more efficiently.

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First Claim