Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1998-2012
Title: Catherine Keefauver Laws: Innovator in Assistive Technology
Introduction
Catherine Keefauver Laws is a notable inventor based in Austin, TX (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of assistive technology, focusing on improving accessibility for individuals with vision impairments. With a total of 5 patents, her work has had a profound impact on how technology can assist those in need.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents is titled "Providing extensible document access to assistive technology providers." This invention introduces a system and computer program product that acts as an intermediary access engine between specific documents and renderers designed for individuals with vision impairment. The access engine is activated in response to events within an application, allowing for seamless interaction. The renderer queries the access engine to determine supported navigation modes, ensuring that the document is served effectively to the user. The output can be tailored to various formats, including speech, braille, or enlarged fonts, enhancing the user experience for individuals with vision impairments.
Another significant patent is "Document content analysis technology for reducing cognitive load." This invention analyzes document content to display information in a way that reduces cognitive load, which is particularly beneficial for those who are blind, have low vision, or experience cognitive challenges. The technology generates a set of salient words and phrases from the document content, which can then be read aloud, aiding those who prefer condensed information.
Career Highlights
Catherine is currently employed at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where she continues to innovate and develop technologies that enhance accessibility. Her work is characterized by a commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through technology.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Catherine has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert Bruce Mahaffey and Joseph David Aaron. These partnerships have contributed to the development of her impactful inventions.
Conclusion
Catherine Keefauver Laws stands out as a pioneering inventor in the realm of assistive technology. Her patents reflect a dedication to making technology more accessible for individuals with vision impairments. Through her work at IBM and her collaborations, she continues to drive innovation that benefits society.