Digital Assistant Telephony Integration for Caller-Aware Call Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telephonic systems lack the ability to effectively recognize speech input directed to digital assistants and do not allow users to 'hand off' phone calls to digital assistants for interaction with other parties, preventing efficient integration and user monitoring during communication sessions.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed that integrates a digital assistant with telephony, enabling the digital assistant to manage incoming and outgoing calls, determine caller identity, and provide responses, thus facilitating seamless interaction during phone calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional telephonic systems are used, then basic call functionality is provided, but the ability to recognize speech input directed to digital assistants and manage calls on behalf of users is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges telephony functions with digital assistant capabilities into a unified system. The telephony module and digital assistant module share common resources including speech recognition engines, natural language processing capabilities, and audio I/O pathways. This integration allows the system to both place/receive calls and interpret speech inputs directed to the digital assistant during calls, resolving the contradiction by combining previously separate functionalities into a cohesive architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functionality by enabling the digital assistant to perform diverse call management tasks including answering calls, transferring calls to other devices, identifying callers, and providing call information. The speech recognition system serves dual purposes by handling both traditional telephony commands and natural language queries from users during calls, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If digital assistant technology is integrated with telephony, then call management and speech recognition capabilities are improved, but the ability to handle simultaneous user requests during active calls becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on call state and user context. During active calls, the digital assistant can selectively respond to specific user requests while maintaining the call connection. The system monitors user inputs and determines whether to interrupt the call flow, provide information, or defer actions, creating a dynamic interaction model that adapts to the evolving call situation and maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital assistant acts as an intermediary between the user and the telephony system during calls. It receives user speech inputs, processes them through natural language interpretation, and coordinates appropriate responses while managing the call state. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction by providing a natural language interface that mediates between user intent and complex telephony operations, maintaining ease of operation while improving productivity.
3Productivity
If the digital assistant manages incoming and outgoing calls, then user engagement and call handling efficiency are enhanced, but the system's ability to distinguish between speech directed to the assistant versus speech intended for call participants is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to distinguish speech direction. When the digital assistant responds to a user request during a call, it provides audible feedback indicating its response. The system also monitors user reactions and call participant responses to determine whether speech was successfully directed to the intended target. This feedback loop allows the system to learn and adjust its speech direction recognition, improving measurement precision while maintaining enhanced call management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and processes for integrating a digital assistant with telephony are provided. For example, an incoming call may be received, from a caller, at an electronic device. A communication session may be established between the caller and the digital assistant of the electronic device. In accordance with a determination that the identification of the caller is unknown, determination is made whether the caller corresponds to an automated calling system. In accordance with a determination that the identification of the caller is known, a response is provided by the digital assistant to the caller. An output including information corresponding to the communication is provided at the electronic device.