Audio Hyperlink Invocation via Speech Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hyperlinks require visual display and GUI pointer operations for invocation, which are not applicable to audio files played on devices without visual interfaces or pointer capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The method involves identifying a predetermined playback time in an audio file with an associated audio hyperlink, playing an audio indication at that time, receiving user instructions through speech, converting speech to text, and invoking a URI associated with the hyperlink to access a resource.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hyperlinks use visual display and GUI pointer operations, then hyperlink invocation is precise and controllable, but it becomes inapplicable to audio files played on devices without visual interfaces or pointer capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different playback devicesVSAvoidoperation method compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/GUI-based pointer operation system with an acoustic field-based system. Instead of requiring visual display and mouse clicks, the system uses audio signals to indicate hyperlink locations and acoustic recognition to detect user intent, enabling hyperlink invocation on audio-only devices without visual interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal hyperlink invocation mechanism that functions across multiple device types. The audio hyperlink system can be invoked through various input methods including speech recognition, keyboard shortcuts, and other non-visual interfaces, making it adaptable to smartphones, audio players, smart speakers, and other devices regardless of whether they have visual displays or pointer capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio files are played on devices without visual displays, then portability and accessibility are improved, but the ability to indicate and invoke hyperlinks is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with audio-only devicesVSAvoidhyperlink indication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces audio indications as an intermediary element between the audio content and the hyperlink information. These audio indications serve as mediators that convey hyperlink location and status without requiring visual display, allowing users to understand and interact with hyperlinks through acoustic signals alone on audio-only devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the visual display mechanism with an acoustic field-based indication system. Instead of showing hyperlinks visually on a screen, the system uses audio signals to indicate hyperlink locations, enabling hyperlink functionality on devices without visual interfaces while preserving all hyperlink information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If speech recognition is used to invoke audio hyperlinks, then device complexity is reduced, but speech-to-text conversion and grammar comparison are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput device requirementsVSAvoidautomatic speech processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the audio player automatically performs speech-to-text conversion and grammar comparison without requiring external processing devices. The system autonomously captures user speech, converts it to text, compares it against predefined grammar patterns, and invokes the appropriate hyperlink, eliminating the need for complex external speech recognition hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9135339B2Invoking an audio hyperlink
Publication Date: 2015.09.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9135339B2 patent drawing
  • US9135339B2 patent drawing
  • US9135339B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for invoking an audio hyperlink. Embodiments include identifying a predetermined playback time in an audio file pre-designated as having an associated audio hyperlink; playing an audio indication of the audio hyperlink at the predetermined playback time; receiving from a user an instruction to invoke the audio hyperlink; identifying a URI associated with the audio hyperlink; and invoking the URI. The audio file may include an audio subcomponent of a file also including video.