The document discusses using a Universal Remote Console (URC) based architecture for accessible television. [1] The URC framework introduces a User Interface Socket that allows pluggable user interfaces and a Universal Control Hub that connects non-URC devices and provides multiple user interface options. [2] Two projects, i2home and Vital, demonstrate experiences using the URC approach to provide accessible user interfaces for televisions and other devices for people with disabilities. [3]

1. URC Based Architecture for Next Generation
Inclusive Television
Gorka Epelde: gepelde@vicomtech.org
June 03, 2009, Leuven

2. URC Based Accessible TV The URC framework
Universal Remote Console
• Introduces the User Interface Socket as the interaction point between a pluggable
user interface and a target device or service.
• ISO/IEC 24752 standard
• Choose from different interface technologies: HTML, Web 2.0, C#, Flash, Java, ...
• User interface updates and 3rd party contributions via resource server
Universal Control Hub
• URC conformant middleware architecture  UCH = URC in a box
• Connects non-URC compatible controllers and non-URC compatible target
devices/services
• Bridges across multiple targets and target platforms
• Provides a choice of user interfaces for various controller platforms
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3. URC Based Accessible TV The URC framework
Universal Control Hub (UCH)
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4. URC Based Accessible TV URC approach experiences
i2home project (http://www.i2home.org/)
• Intuitive Interaction for Everyone with Home Appliances based on Industry
Standards.
• Accessible remote control of different devices:
• TV sets. (Dreambox 7025 & Microsoft Vista Media Center)
• Calendar system
• Siemens home appliances
• ...
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5. URC Based Accessible TV URC approach experiences
i2home project (http://www.i2home.org/)
• Advanced UIs to control devices
• Multimodal UI running in a PDA adapted to persons with mild cognitive
impairments.
• Accessible DHTML page for persons with visual impairments.
• Virtual character deployed on a TV set for persons with mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease.
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6. URC Based Accessible TV URC approach experiences
Vital project (http://www.ist-vital.org/)
• Independent living assistance for the elderly
• Delivery of advanced services to the elderly
• Traditional assistance
• Inter-personal communication
• Personal advice
• Edutainment
• P2P gaming
• Personalised UI for the elderly
• TV set. Multimodal interaction
• Simplified remote controller
• UI designed for the elderly
• Speech driven interaction
• Cell phone
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7. Thank you!
Acknowledgements
Questions?
Contact: gepelde@vicomtech.org
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