While color blindness is not as disruptive as many other physical defects, depending on its severity, it can be a big issue for gamers. Color-coded level design, interacting objects, and HUD elements are all gaming staples, and Microsoft may have discovered a way to make these aspects more visible to color-blind players.

Microsoft’s Newest Patented Solution

Until lately, game creators were solely responsible for the implementation of color blindness features, which frequently resulted in limited or no support. Microsoft’s newest patented solution, on the other hand, would unload this accessibility function onto dedicated software and may potentially work across the board in all, or the majority of, games on the market.

As with the recent Xbox split-screen multiplayer patent, Microsoft’s color-correcting patent was submitted some months ago but was only made publicly available a few days ago. The invention describes a specific color correction system that compensates for color blindness at the post-processing stage by adding a color transformation layer to produce a suitably adjusted image. This would theoretically enable Xbox to provide solutions to practically all varieties of color blindness in a single step, without requiring any involvement from game developers.

The news that Microsoft is developing a thorough color-correction filter is unsurprising, given how Xbox is always expanding its accessibility choices. Microsoft has a long history of being committed to the concept of enabling and empowering every gamer. Given the prevalence of color blindness, it makes sense that the business would seek to ease the ailment through a unique software solution capable of applying adjustments and corrections on the fly.

Enhancing the Whole Gaming Experience

Microsoft unveiled its Xbox Adaptive Controller a few years back, claiming to be the most adaptive and configurable gaming gadget on the market. The applied design philosophy was that it should make it as easy as possible for the majority of impaired players to enhance their gaming experience, by removing several accessibility hurdles that had previously existed. Thus, the color correcting patent appears to be a logical outgrowth of Microsoft’s long-standing ideology.

While the color correcting patent is publicly available, the corporation still has a few hidden tricks up its proverbial sleeve. Microsoft is reportedly optimizing the Xbox Series X processor, which could result in a future “thin” version of the machine. This is unproven, however, and if true, it is unlikely to be revealed before the implementation of the color correction system.

Like any piece of equipment that’s expected to see frequent use, central air conditioners require timely maintenance. By following these few simple steps, homeowners can enjoy the cool air and lower cooling bills throughout the summer!

What’s Needed for This DIY Project?

A few simple tools are needed to maintain your air conditioners like a pro. Make sure that you have a pair of safety glasses, a 4-in-1 screwdriver, and a shop vacuum. It’s also great to have a garden hose with a sprayer nozzle, a whisk broom, and a funnel. These few items, combined with the instructions offered here, should be plenty to get you started!

Cleaning the Outdoor Air Conditioner

Start by switching off the power to the outdoor central AC unit. The shutoff box is usually within sight near the outdoor unit. The main task is to clean the outdoor AC condenser coil. As the fan inside the unit pulls in air, it brings dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris. This can block airflow and lower the unit’s efficiency. Start by cleaning out the debris.

If the motor has lubrication ports, you can apply five drops of special oil made for electric motors that can be found in most hardware stores. The compressor and motor are usually sealed and likely won’t require maintenance. If the compressor is older and driven by belts connected to a separate motor, you can lubricate the motor by adding oil to the designated ports. Keep an eye out for oil or coolant leaks and call a professional if you notice any.

Start the Outdoor Unit Back Up

When the outdoor air conditioners are clean, turn the power back on. Set the thermostat to the desired temperature and let the outdoor unit switch on. Listen to it working for a few minutes to check for unusual noises. After 10 minutes, check the temperature of the insulated pipes connecting the outdoor unit to the indoor evaporator AC coil. One should be cool (around 60 degrees) and the other (if you have a heat pump) should be warm (body temperature.) If they don’t feel right, have a professional check the level of refrigerant.

Cleaning Indoor Air Conditioners

When cleaning indoor air conditioners, switch off power to the furnace, then replace the dirty furnace filters. Vacuum the bottom of the evaporator coil fins with a soft brush attachment. Vacuum any dust that had gathered in the blower cabinet. Next, check the condensation tube and make sure that algae and sludge didn’t form clogs. If you don’t have easy access to some of these parts, turn to a professional for timely maintenance.