Gateway Control via Voice Service Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GUI-based systems for managing gateway devices are inadequate for visually impaired users, those unfamiliar with GUIs, and individuals with limited or no access to internet-enabled devices, especially in situations with poor network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A voice service application that allows users to configure, control, and diagnose gateway devices using voice commands through telephone lines, mobile or PSTN calling, and VoIP services, enabling functionalities like rebooting and Wi-Fi management without relying on graphical interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GUI-based systems are used for managing gateway devices, then configuration and control functions are provided, but accessibility for visually impaired users and those unfamiliar with GUIs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the graphical user interface (visual/mechanical interaction system) with a voice-based telephony interface (acoustic interaction system). Users can configure and control gateway devices through voice commands and telephone keypad inputs instead of navigating graphical menus, making the system accessible to visually impaired users and those unfamiliar with GUIs.
2Ease of operation
If GUI-based systems are used for managing gateway devices, then configuration and control functions are provided, but usability for users with limited or no access to internet-enabled devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gateway device universally accessible through multiple interface modes: voice commands, telephone keypad inputs, and traditional GUI interactions. This multi-functional approach allows users with various levels of technological access (from basic telephone services to full internet-enabled devices) to configure and control the gateway, enhancing adaptability across different user scenarios.
3Reliability
If GUI-based systems are used for managing gateway devices, then configuration and control functions are provided, but reliability in situations with poor network connectivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces telephony services as an intermediary communication channel between the user and the gateway device. Since telephony networks are more widely deployed and generally more reliable than data services, this intermediary provides a stable communication path for configuration and control functions, ensuring system reliability even when internet connectivity is poor or unavailable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer readable memory comprises a voice service interface for allowing user control of a gateway. The voice service interface comprises a voice service module operable to interface with a telephonic communication device to process and receive gateway configuration entries from the user through the telephonic communication device. The voice service module is operable to transmit the gateway configuration entries to a gateway controller. The gateway configuration entries are configured to be parsed and applied to the gateway for control, configuration and /or diagnostic of the gateway. Gateway configuration entries include control function changes such as home gateway device reboot, Wi-Fi, enabling/disabling/configuration, parent control enabling/disabling/configuration, and other intended gateway functionalities.