Digital Assistant Emergency Call Initiation via Speech Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital assistants lack efficient and convenient methods for initiating emergency calls, especially in situations where devices may not have an active data connection or compatible SIM cards, and struggle to accurately interpret user requests for emergency services.
Innovation Solution
A digital assistant system and method that uses natural language processing to determine if a user's speech input requests an emergency call, ascertains the local emergency dispatcher number based on the device's geographic location, and initiates the call using emergency call functionality, even without an active data connection or compatible SIM, with a limited natural language processing module for emergency scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional user interfaces (menus or programmed commands) are used for digital assistants, then the system can handle various tasks, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must navigate complex interfaces instead of using natural language
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of navigating menus and pressing buttons with acoustic field interaction through speech recognition. Users speak natural language commands which are converted to text and processed by the digital assistant, eliminating the need for complex interface navigation while maintaining task handling capabilities
2Reliability
If the device requires active data connection or compatible SIM card for emergency calls, then telephony service reliability is maintained, but the reliability of emergency call functionality deteriorates when these conditions are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the user's emergency intent through speech recognition before attempting to place the call. It proactively checks connectivity status and SIM card compatibility in advance, and if conditions are not met, it provides clear notifications to the user about the inability to place an emergency call, allowing users to take alternative actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by notifying users when emergency call conditions are not satisfied (no active data connection or incompatible SIM card). This feedback loop informs users of the system state and prevents false assumptions about call capability, maintaining reliability by being transparent about limitations
3Measurement precision
If the digital assistant uses comprehensive natural language processing, then the accuracy of interpreting user requests improves, but the processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a specialized, focused natural language processing module specifically tuned for emergency call detection. Rather than using a general-purpose NLP system, the module is optimized to recognize specific emergency-related speech patterns and intents, achieving high accuracy for this specific function with reduced processing overhead compared to comprehensive NLP systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a digital assistant to provide emergency call functionality is provided. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a device including one or more processors and memory storing instructions for execution by the one or more processors. The method includes receiving a speech input from a user, determining whether the speech input expresses a user request for making an emergency call, and determining a local emergency dispatcher telephone number based on a geographic location of the device. The method also includes, in response to determining or obtaining a determination that the speech input expresses a user request for making an emergency call, calling the local emergency dispatcher telephone number using the emergency call functionality.