WO2022075983A1

WO2022075983A1 - Operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings

Info

Publication number: WO2022075983A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/054563
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elissa M. BERVER; Diane M. NICELY; Aaron Sanders; William Scott GREGORY
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2020-10-07
Publication date: 2022-04-14

Abstract

A method of operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings includes detecting that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of a configurable end-point device, and in response to the determination that the accessibility device is within the threshold distance, providing a request to access accessibility settings via the accessibility device. The method further includes modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on the accessibility settings received from the accessibility device, and returning the configurable end-point device to a default configuration, based on a proximity of the accessibility device relative to the configurable end-point device.

Description

OPERATION OF A CONFIGURABLE END-POINT DEVICE BASED ON ACCESSIBILITY SETTINGS

Background

[0001] Consumer-operated kiosks implement technologies that allow customers to purchase, reload, rent, return and recycle various products, and to conduct a wide variety of transactions. Some kiosks include DVD rental kiosks; coin counting kiosks; kiosks for dispensing and reloading prepaid cards (gift cards, phone cards, etc.); kiosks for exchanging gift cards for cash and or other gift cards; fresh food vending kiosks; coffee kiosks; consumer-electronics vending kiosks; kiosks for dispensing beauty products, other types of consumer products, and or product samples; kiosks for vending event, travel, and or other types of tickets; etc.

[0002] For many people, accessibility to services and facilities is an issue. Advocates for the rights of people with differing abilities focus efforts on making everyday activities and events accessible to all persons. Visual disabilities, for example, may affect a person’s ability to interact with modern day technologies that are often driven by graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”) that are to be operated and navigated by users. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating an example method for operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings, consistent with an example of the present disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of a configurable end-point device, including instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, consistent with an example of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of an accessibility device, including instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, consistent with an example of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0006] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that features of the various examples described herein may be combined, in part or whole, with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0007] Computing devices are ubiquitous in the modern world, allowing users to do everything from check in at the doctor's office to check out at the grocery store. However, operational features that make a computing device accessible for one person may not make the computing device accessible for another person. Without the ability to access the computing device, a user may not be able to complete the tasks that the computing device is intended to assist with. [0008] Operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings, consistent with the present disclosure, allows a computing device to sense when a person would like to use the computing device and provides the user with the option to send information to the computing device regarding how they would like to use it. The computing device may automatically adjust a setting or multiple settings to accommodate that user. When the computing device detects that the user is no longer in close proximity, the computing device may terminate the session before returning to default settings. By operating a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings, devices that are capable of configuration may be adapted for the particular user, ensuring that the device is accessible for that user.

[0009] In some examples, a method of operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings includes detecting that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of a configurable end-point device, and in response to the determination that the accessibility device is within the threshold distance, providing a request to access accessibility settings via the accessibility device. The method further includes modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on the accessibility settings received from the accessibility device, and returning the configurable end-point device to a default configuration, based on a proximity of the accessibility device relative to the configurable end-point device.

[0010] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store instructions that when executed, cause a processor of a configurable end-point device to modify operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings. The medium may store instructions that when executed, cause the processor to detect that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of the configurable end-point device, and retrieve from a network location, an accessibility setting associated with operation of the configurable end-point device. The medium may store instructions that when executed, cause the processor to sense a condition in an environment in which the configurable end-point device is located, and modify operation of the configurable end-point device based on the retrieved accessibility setting, the sensed condition, or combinations thereof. [0011] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store instructions that when executed, cause a processor of an accessibility device to detect that a configurable end-point device is within a threshold distance of the accessibility device, and responsive to receipt of a request from the configurable end-point device to retrieve an accessibility setting from the accessibility device, provide a display prompt requesting approval of the request. The medium may store instructions that when executed, cause the processor to responsive to approval of the request, provide the accessibility setting to the configurable end-point device.

[0012]Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating an example method 100 for operation of a configurable end-point device based on accessibility settings, consistent with the present disclosure. As used herein, a configurable end-point device refers to or includes a computing device capable of modification for individual user preference. The configurable endpoint device may include a variety of different mechanisms for interacting with a user, some or all of which may be customized for individual use. Non-limiting examples of a configurable end-point device include an interactive kiosk (e.g., a computer terminal that provides information access via electronic means), a workstation, and an interactive computing device in a vehicle (referred to herein as an infotainment system). Examples are not limited to those specifically listed, and a configurable end-point device may include any interactive computing device capable of customization for individual use.

[0013] As used herein, an accessibility device refers to or includes an electronic device capable of storing and/or accessing information associated with a particular user, and capable of communicating with a configurable end-point device. Also as used herein, an accessibility device refers to or includes an electronic device that contains an accessibility setting. Non-limiting examples of an accessibility device include a mobile phone (also referred to as a smart phone), a mobile computing device, and a wearable computing device, among others. Examples are not limited to the specific types of accessibility devices listed, and may include any type of electronic device capable of storing and/or accessing information associated with a particular user, and capable of communicating with a configurable end-point device.

[0014] The accessibility device may communicate with and/or be recognized by a configurable end-point device in a variety of ways. For instance, the accessibility device may be capable of communicating with other computing devices, including configurable end-point devices, servers, other accessibility devices, etc., via near field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi Direct®), and Bluetooth®, among other communication methods. Also, the accessibility device may include circuitry that allows configurable end-point device, servers, other accessibility devices, etc., to identify the particular accessibility device. For instance, the accessibility device may include a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag that assists with identification of the accessibility device and accessibility settings associated with that accessibility device.

[0015] Consistent with various examples and as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the method 100 may include detecting that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of a configurable end-point device, at 101 . In some examples, the accessibility device may detect that it is within a threshold distance of a configurable end-point device. For instance, the accessibility device may actively monitor an environment surrounding the accessibility device for configurable end-point devices, and identify when a configurable end-point device is in the environment. Examples are not limited to those in which the accessibility device detects the presence of the configurable end-point device. For instance, the configurable end-point device may detect that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of the configurable end-point device.

[0016] A variety of different methods may be used to detect that an accessibility device and a configurable end-point device are nearby one another. For instance, a location system used by the accessibility device and/or the configurable end-point device may detect relative proximity of the devices. Nonlimiting examples of location systems include those employing triangulation, trilateration, and multilateration, among others. Similarly, NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® may be used by the accessibility device and/or the configurable end-point device to detect a relative proximity of the devices.

[0017] The threshold distance at which the accessibility device and/or the configurable end-point device is detected may be dependent upon the location system used. As discussed further herein, various actions may be performed in response to a detection that the accessibility device and/or the configurable end-point device are within the threshold distance. The threshold distance at which such actions are taken may be specified on the accessibility device and/or the configurable end-point device.

[0018] In response to the determination that the accessibility device is within the threshold distance, the method 100 may include providing a request to access accessibility settings via the accessibility device, at 103. As used herein, an accessibility setting refers to or includes a user-specific configuration of the configurable end-point device. Also as used herein, an accessibility setting refers to or includes a configuration of an electronic device that relates to the accessibility of the electronic device during operation. The accessibility setting may include a particular configuration of the configurable end-point device that improves accessibility for the particular user. For instance, the accessibility setting may adjust at least one audio setting to allow a user that is hearing- impaired to hear voice prompts; adjust at least one color setting to allow a user that is color-blind to view color images; adjust a height and/or positional feature to allow the user to reach and/or access the configurable end-point device; and/or select a language for interacting with the user. The accessibility setting may include an option to turn on closed captioning when available. Similarly, the accessibility setting may include an option to enable eye tracking to allow the user to interact with the configurable end-point device. As a further example, the accessibility setting may include a magnification setting and/or a color contrast to improve readability for particular users. Moreover, the accessibility setting may include a content filter, which restricts user access to particular software features of the configurable end-point device. The present disclosure is not limited to the examples of accessibility settings enumerated, and any configuration of the configurable end-point device that improves accessibility for the particular user is contemplated.

[0019] In some instances, accessibility settings may be associated with a health matter or personal concern, and privacy related to the accessibility settings may be desired and/or compelled by law. Accordingly, the request to access the accessibility settings may expressly indicate to the user of the accessibility device that: the accessibility settings are being requested by the configurable end-point device; and the accessibility settings are not retrieved by the configurable end-point device until the user of the accessibility device approves the request. The request may be provided on a graphical user interface of the accessibility device, or in instances where the accessibility device does not have a graphical user interface, the request may be provided on the configurable end-point device, on a graphical user interface of a device communicatively coupled to the accessibility device, audibly through the accessibility device, or combinations thereof. A response to the request, indicating that the user authorizes the configurable end-point device to access the accessibility settings, may be provided on the graphical user interface of the accessibility device, or in instances where the accessibility device does not have a graphical user interface, on the configurable end-point device, on a graphical user interface of a device communicatively coupled to the accessibility device, audibly through the accessibility device, or combinations thereof.

[0020] At 105, the method 100 includes modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on the accessibility settings received from the accessibility device. For instance, if the accessibility setting includes adapting visual content for a visually impaired user, the configurable end-point will automatically revise the visual content as specified in the accessibility setting. In some examples, a single accessibility setting may be modified, such as enabling voice prompts on the configurable end-point device. In some examples, a plurality of accessibility settings may be modified. For instance, voice prompts may be enabled, the position of the configurable end-point device may be lowered so that the device is accessible to a user in a wheelchair, and eye tracking may be enabled so that the user does not have to use their hands to interact with the configurable end-point device. As used herein, modifying operation of the configurable end-point device refers to or includes changing a position of hardware components of the configurable end-point device and/or changing how software components of the configurable end-point device execute.

[0021] In some examples, the method 100 may include actively requesting access to an accessibility device for accessibility settings, determining how the system determines whether accessibility settings received from the accessibility device may be applied to the configurable end-point device, and matching the accessibility settings for the accessibility device on the configurable end-point device. For instance, a workstation without an audio output may not be capable of adjusting audio settings, and therefore may not be able to implement accessibility settings directed toward audio. As a further illustration, the configurable end-point device may not include a particular language translation (such as Portuguese), such that the configurable end-point device may not be capable of implementing an accessibility setting requesting the language be changed to Portuguese. As such, the method 100 may include modifying operation of the configurable end-point device responsive to a determination that the configurable end-point device is capable of implementing the accessibility settings.

[0022] In some examples, the method 100 may include determining if a substitute accessibility setting may be implemented, in response to a determination that the configurable end-point device is not capable of implementing the accessibility setting. The method 100 may include, in response to determining that the configurable end-point device is not capable of implementing the accessibility setting, modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on a substitute accessibility setting. For instance, the accessibility setting may include a request to change a color filter used by the graphical user interface of the configurable end-point device to a different color filter, eliminating the color red and related hues. In response to a determination that the configurable end-point device is not capable of presenting the graphical user interface in color without the color red, a determination may be made by the configurable end-point device that a suitable substitute is to present the material on the graphical user interface in black and white instead of color. Substitute accessibility settings may be specified on the configurable end-point device and/or on the accessibility device, and implemented in instances when the configurable end-point device is not capable of modifying operation in the exact manner requested.

[0023] In yet further examples, the method 100 may include determining that the configurable end-point device is not capable of implementing the particular accessibility setting requested. In such examples, the method 100 may include providing a prompt on and/or using the accessibility device indicating that the accessibility setting requested is not capable of being implemented.

[0024] As a particular illustration, User A may carry a mobile phone (an example accessibility device) and approach a kiosk in a shopping center (an example configurable end-point device). User A may be color blind, may be short stature, and speak Spanish. User A may store on the mobile phone, a first accessibility setting indicating that when the mobile phone is within range of a configurable end-point device, a color scheme on the user interface of the kiosk is to change to a color scheme that is visible to User A; a second accessibility setting indicating that when the mobile phone is within range of the configurable endpoint device, the configurable end-point device is moved to the height of 3 feet from the ground (if it is not already there); and a third accessibility setting indicating that when the mobile phone is within range of the configurable endpoint device, the language used by the configurable end-point device is changed to Spanish (if it is not already). As User A approaches the kiosk, the mobile phone may display a prompt notifying User A that accessibility settings are about to be transferred to the configurable end-point device, and asking User A if they approve of the transfer. In response to User A indicating on the mobile phone that the request is approved, the accessibility settings may be communicated to the kiosk via communication means described herein. In response to receiving the accessibility settings, the kiosk may determine that it is not capable of implementing the second accessibility setting, and instead implement the first accessibility setting and the third accessibility setting. The kiosk may then automatically (e.g., without input from User A), modify the color scheme of used by the kiosk and change the language used by the kiosk.

[0025] At 107, the method 100 includes returning the configurable end-point device to a default configuration, based on a proximity of the accessibility device relative to the configurable end-point device. As discussed herein, a variety of different methods may be used to determine the location of the accessibility device relative to the configurable end-point device. Using any of the various methods discussed, the configurable end-point device may determine that the accessibility device is no longer within the threshold distance, and return the configurable end-point device to the state it was in before the accessibility settings were implemented. Various default configurations may be implemented by the configurable end-point device, including color defaults, default font size, default audio output, default interactive mechanisms, among others.

[0026] In some examples, the accessibility device may expressly instruct the configurable end-point device to return to the default configuration. For instance, the user of the accessibility device may provide an instruction via the accessibility device to terminate communication between the accessibility device and configurable end-point device. In some examples, the accessibility device may detect that the configurable end-point device is no longer within the threshold distance and stop sharing the accessibility setting(s) with nearby devices.

[0027] In some examples, the method 100 may include sensing a condition in an environment in which the configurable end-point device is located. As used herein, a condition in the environment refers to or includes any measurable feature of the environment that may directly or indirectly impact use of the configurable end-point device. Non-limiting examples of environmental conditions include a level of ambient lighting, a level of ambient noise, a frequency of ambient noise, or combinations thereof. In such examples, the method 100 may include modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on the accessibility settings and the sensed condition.

[0028] As an illustration, User B may have difficulty hearing when environmental noise exceeds a threshold decibel level. Accordingly, User B may have an accessibility setting indicating that when the environmental noise exceeds the threshold decibel level, the configurable end-point device should automatically increase the volume output. For instance, an infotainment system of a vehicle may detect the environmental noise in the vehicle and automatically increase the volume output for User B when the infotainment system is interacting with User B. As a further illustration, User C may have difficulty reading print on a screen when ambient lighting is below a threshold lux level. Accordingly, User C may have an accessibility setting indicating that when the ambient lighting is below the threshold lux level, font size on the graphical user interface is increased, color contrast increases, and the brightness of the graphical user interface of the configurable end-point device increases. When User C is making a purchase at a movie theater kiosk, where ambient lighting is below the threshold lux level, the movie theater kiosk may adjust according to the accessibility settings of User C.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of a configurable end-point device, including instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the configurable end-point device 209 may include a processor 211 , and a computer-readable storage medium 215.

[0030] The processor 211 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, and/or other hardware device suitable to control operations of the configurable end-point device 209. Computer-readable storage medium 215 may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, computer- readable storage medium 215 may be, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disc, etc. In some examples, the computer- readable storage medium 215 may be a non-transitory storage medium, where the term ‘non-transitory’ does not encompass transitory propagating signals. As described in detail below, the computer-readable storage medium 215 may be encoded with a series of executable instructions 217-223. [0031] As discussed with regards to FIG. 1 , the computer-readable storage medium 215 may store instructions 217 that, when executed, cause the processor 21 1 to detect that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of the configurable end-point device. A variety of different methods may be used to detect that an accessibility device and a configurable end-point device are nearby one another. For instance, a location system used by the accessibility device and/or the configurable end-point device may detect relative proximity of the devices. Non-limiting examples of location systems include those employing triangulation, trilateration, and multilateration, among others. As discussed with regards to FIG. 3, the accessibility device may determine that the configurable end-point device is within the threshold distance and/or the configurable end-point device may determine that the accessibility device is within the threshold distance.

[0032] The computer-readable storage medium 215 may store instructions 219 that, when executed, cause the processor 21 1 to retrieve from a network location, an accessibility setting associated with operation of the configurable end-point device. As used herein, a network location refers to or includes a storage in a web accessible location, such as a cloud server. For instance, the accessibility device and the configurable end-point device may be communicatively coupled to a server storing accessibility settings for individual users. Using various encryption techniques, and by accessing the server storage over an internet connection, the configurable end-point device and the accessibility device may access the accessibility settings remotely. By retrieving accessibility settings via a network location, various security measures may be taken to protect the identity of the person associated with the accessibility settings, and to comply with applicable laws and/or regulations.

[0033] As discussed with regards to FIG. 1 , the computer-readable storage medium 215 may store instructions 221 that, when executed, cause the processor 21 1 to sense a condition in an environment in which the configurable end-point device is located. Also, the computer-readable storage medium 215 may store instructions 223 that, when executed, cause the processor 211 to modify operation of the configurable end-point device based on the retrieved accessibility setting, the sensed condition, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the accessibility settings may be implemented regardless of the sensed environmental condition. In some examples, the accessibility settings may be affected by the sensed environmental condition(s). A first user may have additional difficulty hearing certain frequencies when ambient noise exceeds a threshold decibel; a second user may need additional time to complete time-sensitive tasks when ambient noise exceeds a threshold decibel level. In such instances, the processor 211 of the configurable end-point device 209 may change the frequency of the audio output of the configurable end-point device 209 for the first user, in response to a determination that the ambient noise in the environment in which the configurable end-point device 209 is located, exceeds the threshold decibel level. For the second user, the processor 21 1 may increase the amount of time provided for the second user to complete time-sensitive tasks, such as entering information on a screen of the configurable end-point device 209 when the environmental noise exceeds the threshold decibel level.

[0034] In some examples, the computer-readable storage medium 215 includes instructions that when executed, cause the processor 21 1 to communicate with additional and/or different computing devices to implement the accessibility settings. For instance, User A may wear a hearing assistive device (e.g., hearing aids) which is also capable of communicating with the configurable endpoint device 209 and the accessibility device via the various communication protocols discussed herein. In response to approval of a request from the configurable end-point device 209 to access the accessibility settings of User A, the processor 211 may execute instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 215 to communicate with the hearing assistive device of User A. In such a manner, a bracelet worn by User A (an example of an accessibility device) may allow a workstation (an example of a configurable end-point device) to identify User A, and to identify that an audio output for the workstation is to be communicated wirelessly to the hearing assistive device (another example of an accessibility device) of User A. [0035] As a further illustration, configurable end-point devices may be located in public places, and may communicate with the accessibility device to protect the safety and well-being of users. For instance, a crosswalk light (an example of a configurable end-point device) at a traffic intersection may include circuitry allowing the crosswalk light to read RFID tags. A necklace (an example of an accessibility device) worn by User A which includes an RFID tag, may allow the crosswalk light to identify User A as a person that is visually impaired. Accessibility settings associated with the RFID tag may indicate to configurable end-point devices that all prompts should be provided to User A audibly, via a hearing assistive device worn by User A (also an example of an accessibility device). Accordingly, the computer-readable storage medium 215 of the crosswalk light may execute instructions to provide an audio indication to User A when it is safe to cross the street.

[0036] Accordingly, the computer-readable storage medium 215 may include instructions that when executed, cause the processor to identify a RFID tag of the accessibility device. In such examples, the instructions 219 to retrieve the accessibility setting include instructions to retrieve from the network location, the accessibility setting associated with the RFID tag and without personally identifiable information.

[0037] In some examples, the computer-readable storage medium 215 includes instructions that when executed, cause the processor to modify operation of the configurable end-point device to implement the retrieved accessibility setting, responsive to the sensed condition exceeding a particular threshold associated with the retrieved accessibility setting. For instance, a user may have a threshold level of ambient lighting, a threshold level of environmental sound, or thresholds for other environmental conditions that instruct when accessibility settings are to be implemented. In such examples, the computer-readable storage medium 215 may include instructions that when executed, cause the processor to return the retrieved accessibility setting to a default setting, responsive to a determination that the sensed condition is below the particular threshold. [0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of an accessibility device 325, including instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 330, consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the accessibility device 325 may include a processor 327, and a computer-readable storage medium 330. The processor 327 and computer-readable storage medium 330 may be similar to processor 211 , and computer-readable storage medium 215, as discussed with regards to FIG. 2 and are therefore not discussed further with regards to FIG. 3.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 330 may include instructions 333 that, when executed, cause processor 327 to detect that a configurable end-point device is within a threshold distance of the accessibility device. As discussed with regards to FIG. 1 , the accessibility device may actively detect configurable end-point devices within the environment, and notify the user of the accessibility device. For instance, the accessibility device may provide a visual prompt, an audio prompt, or combinations thereof, including information about the location of the configurable end-point device(s).

[0040] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 330 may also include instructions 335 that, when executed, cause processor 327 to, responsive to receipt of a request from the configurable end-point device to retrieve an accessibility setting from the accessibility device, provide a display prompt requesting approval of the request. The request may be provided as a visual prompt, an audio prompt, or combinations thereof, and may ask the user to confirm the request to retrieve the accessibility setting. The request may communicate a relative risk in exposing personal information when retrieving the accessibility setting, and asking the user to confirm that they indeed wish to retrieve the accessibility setting. As discussed herein, the accessibility setting may include a color contrast level, an image magnification level, a closed captioning option, a height of the configurable end-point device, or combinations thereof. Examples are not so limited, and the accessibility setting may include an option to enable eye tracking on the configurable end-point device, and/or other settings as discussed herein. As yet a further example, the accessibility setting may include an option to restrict particular software features of the configurable end-point device. For instance, a user that is under the legal age of engaging in particular business transactions, or whom is otherwise incapable of engaging in such business transactions, may be prohibited from purchasing various items using the configurable end-point device. In such examples, the accessibility setting may include an option to restrict or remove the option to purchase particular items.

[0041] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 330 may also include instructions 337 that when executed, cause processor 327 to, responsive to approval of the request, provide the accessibility setting to the configurable end-point device. In some examples, the instructions to provide the accessibility setting to the configurable end-point device include instructions that when executed, cause the processor to provide instructions to the configurable end-point device to replace a default operational setting with the accessibility setting. For instance, rather than interacting with the user using a touch screen display on the configurable end-point device (an example of a default setting), a user may interact with the configurable end-point device using eye motion detection (an example of an accessibility setting which has replaced the default setting).

[0042] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1 . A method, comprising: detecting that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of a configurable end-point device; in response to the determination that the accessibility device is within the threshold distance, providing a request to access an accessibility setting via the accessibility device; modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on the accessibility setting received from the accessibility device; and returning the configurable end-point device to a default configuration, based on a proximity of the accessibility device relative to the configurable endpoint device.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the accessibility setting includes a userspecific configuration of the configurable end-point device.

3. The method of claim 1 , further including sensing a condition in an environment in which the configurable end-point device is located.

4. The method of claim 3, further including modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on the accessibility setting and the sensed condition.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the condition includes a level of ambient lighting, a level of ambient noise, a frequency of ambient noise, or combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1 , further including: determining if the configurable end-point device is capable of implementing the accessibility setting; and in response to determining that the configurable end-point device is not capable of implementing the accessibility setting, modifying operation of the configurable end-point device based on a substitute accessibility setting.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that when executed, cause a processor of a configurable end-point device to: detect that an accessibility device is within a threshold distance of the configurable end-point device; retrieve from a network location, an accessibility setting associated with operation of the configurable end-point device; sense a condition in an environment in which the configurable end-point device is located; and modify operation of the configurable end-point device based on the retrieved accessibility setting, the sensed condition, or combinations thereof.

8. The medium of claim 7, including instructions that when executed, cause the processor to identify a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag of the accessibility device.

9. The medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions to retrieve the accessibility setting include instructions to retrieve from the network location, the accessibility setting associated with the RFID tag and without personally identifiable information.

10. The medium of claim 7, including instructions that when executed, cause the processor to modify operation of the configurable end-point device to implement the retrieved accessibility setting, responsive to the sensed condition exceeding a particular threshold associated with the retrieved accessibility setting. 19

11 . The medium of claim 10, including instructions that when executed, cause the processor to return the retrieved accessibility setting to a default setting, responsive to a determination that the sensed condition is below the particular threshold.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that when executed, cause a processor of an accessibility device to: detect that a configurable end-point device is within a threshold distance of the accessibility device; responsive to receipt of a request from the configurable end-point device to retrieve an accessibility setting from the accessibility device, provide a display prompt requesting approval of the request; and responsive to approval of the request, provide the accessibility setting to the configurable end-point device.

13. The medium of claim 12, wherein the instructions to provide the accessibility setting to the configurable end-point device include instructions that when executed, cause the processor to provide instructions to the configurable end-point device to replace a default operational setting with the accessibility setting.

14. The medium of claim 12, wherein the accessibility setting includes a color contrast level, an image magnification level, a closed captioning option, a height of the configurable end-point device, or combinations thereof.

15. The medium of claim 12, wherein the accessibility setting includes an option to enable eye tracking on the configurable end-point device.