Set-Top Box Outbound Calling via Modem and OCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated set-top boxes lack the capability to seamlessly integrate outbound telephone calling functionality, which remains limited to legacy systems and does not provide a unified media and communication experience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a telephone connection, a media signal connection, and a modem into the set-top box to enable outbound telephone calls by dialing a user-inputted number through an on-screen dial pad or directory, with status display and the option to use a connected telephone device or the set-top box's speaker and microphone for calls, and extracting telephone numbers from media signals using character recognition software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If outbound telephone calling functionality is integrated into the set-top box, then the unified media and communication experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines telephone calling functionality with media signal processing capabilities in a single set-top box device. The modem is integrated to handle both media signals and telephone communications, allowing the device to serve dual purposes as both a media receiver and a communication device, thereby achieving unified functionality without requiring separate legacy systems
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box is designed with multi-functionality to perform both media signal reception and outbound telephone calling. The modem is configured to handle various communication tasks including dialing telephone numbers, extracting numbers from media signals, and managing calls, thereby making the device universal for both entertainment and communication purposes
2Ease of operation
If character recognition software is used to extract telephone numbers from media signals, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically extracts telephone numbers from media signals using character recognition software without requiring manual input from the user. The modem autonomously processes the media signals, identifies telephone numbers, and initiates calls accordingly, thereby simplifying user interaction while introducing automated processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual telephone number entry with automated character recognition software that processes visual information from media signals. This substitution of manual mechanical input (typing numbers) with automated optical character recognition improves ease of operation while adding computational processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing outbound telephone calling through an integrated set-top box includes a telephone connection, a media signal connection, and a modem. A user may input a telephone number to the set-top box to initiate an outbound telephone call. The set-top box modem dials the telephone number via the telephone connection to the publicly switched network. Once the call is connected, the user may take the call using a telephone connected to the home telephone network or through a speaker and microphone integrated with or connected to the set-top box. A status of the outbound telephone call may be displayed on a screen connected to the set-top box. A user may also initiate a telephone call to a number displayed on the screen as part of media signal. The on-screen telephone number may be provided along with the media signal or may be extracted from the media signal using character recognition software.