IVR Voice-to-SMS Messenger for Accessible Messaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SMS messaging systems are difficult to use while driving or for visually impaired individuals, as they require manual text entry, which can be dangerous and challenging to confirm correctly.
Innovation Solution
An IVR SMS messenger system that allows users to select an IVR option, speak a message, and have it translated into an SMS text message, enabling voice-activated SMS sending through an IVR system and translator, with confirmation and correction features, and supports text-to-speech for recipients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual text entry is used for SMS messaging, then message composition is possible, but usability deteriorates for drivers and visually impaired users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual text entry (mechanical keyboard input) with voice-based input through IVR systems. Users speak messages naturally instead of manually typing, which dramatically improves ease of operation for drivers and visually impaired users while eliminating the need for precise manual dexterity and visual confirmation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an IVR system as an intermediary between the user's voice and the SMS messaging system. The IVR system captures voice input, converts it to text through speech recognition, and transmits it as an SMS message, thereby mediating the interaction and improving accessibility without requiring direct manual text entry
2Ease of operation
If voice activation is implemented for SMS composition, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing IVR system, which is a multi-functional component already present in telecommunications networks for various purposes (call routing, information gathering, authentication). By repurposing this existing infrastructure for SMS composition, the system gains voice-activated messaging capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The IVR system performs multiple functions automatically including capturing voice input, converting speech to text through integrated speech recognition, formatting the message, and transmitting it via SMS gateway. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional manual processing steps and minimizes the complexity burden on the user
3Adaptability or versatility
If speech-to-text translation is added, then accessibility improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IVR system is pre-configured with speech recognition capabilities and message formatting templates. When a user initiates a voice message, the system is already prepared to capture, transcribe, and format the message, eliminating the need for real-time setup or manual composition steps that would otherwise delay message delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed that includes receiving a selection of an interactive voice response (IVR) option. The method also includes receiving, at an IVR system, a first spoken message. The first spoken message is translated, at a translator, into a short message service (SMS) text message.