IVR Option Selection Using Timed Audio and Motion Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IVR systems are difficult for users with visual impairments or motor skill challenges to navigate due to the need for precise button presses and visual accuracy, leading to frustration and erroneous selections.
Innovation Solution
An IVR system that allows users to select options through alternative inputs such as pressing a large button, shaking, tapping, or knocking their device at specific times corresponding to audio cues, using sensors to detect these inputs and determine the intended selection based on timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users press small buttons on a numeric keypad to select IVR options, then the system can accurately identify user selections, but users with visual impairments or motor skill challenges experience difficulty and frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an acoustic signal recognition system. Instead of requiring users to physically press small buttons on a numeric keypad, the system captures acoustic signals (voice commands or knocks) through a microphone and identifies selections based on the timing and characteristics of these acoustic inputs. This substitution eliminates the need for fine motor controls and visual accuracy while maintaining selection accuracy through temporal correlation with audio option presentations.
2Reliability
If users must press the correct button at the right time, then option selection accuracy improves, but users with dexterity challenges find the task frustrating and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that correlates acoustic signal timing with audio option presentation timing. The system captures the timing information when audio options are presented to the user, then compares this with the timing of received acoustic signals (voice commands or knocks). This intermediary temporal correlation mechanism ensures reliable option selection without requiring users to precisely time their button presses, as the system automatically matches acoustic inputs to the corresponding audio options based on temporal proximity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the IVR system uses standard numeric keypad input, then the system works for able-bodied users, but it creates barriers for users with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input system that accepts multiple types of acoustic signals (voice commands, knocks, other sounds) through a single microphone interface. The system processes different acoustic input modalities through the same temporal correlation mechanism, making the IVR system accessible to users with various disabilities while maintaining compatibility with standard IVR operations. This multi-functional acoustic input system replaces the single-modality numeric keypad with a universal interface that adapts to different user capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are selecting an interactive voice response option are described. An interactive voice response system may provide a message that is associated with interactive voice response options. The interactive voice response system may provide a prompt to provide an input to select at least one of the interactive voice response options. Selection of an interactive voice response option may be based on the timing of the input. Furthermore, an action may be performed based on the interactive voice response option that corresponds to the timing of the input.