Speech Interface Device Status Reporting via Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in effectively presenting device and network status information to users without a graphical user interface, particularly in maintaining reliable wireless communication channels which can be affected by environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
A speech-based system with a speech interface device and network-based services that utilize automatic speech recognition, natural language understanding, and text-to-speech functionality to provide status information through spoken queries and audible feedback, including signal strength and troubleshooting guidance, using microphones, speakers, and network interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If speech-based interaction is used instead of graphical user interface, then user interaction capability is improved, but information presentation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a speech synthesis engine as an intermediary to convert status information into audible speech output. This mediator bridges the gap between the system's internal data and the user's auditory perception, enabling effective information presentation without requiring visual displays or graphical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional visual/mechanical interface (graphical user interface with displays and buttons) with an acoustic field-based interface (speech synthesis and audio output). This substitution allows users to interact with and receive information from the system through sound waves rather than visual elements.
2Ease of operation
If speech synthesis is used to present status information, then information accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speech synthesis engine serves multiple functions within the system: it presents status information to users, provides feedback on system operations, and enables hands-free interaction. By making this component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when status information needs to be presented and triggers the speech synthesis engine without requiring manual intervention from the user. The system self-manages the conversion of data to speech, reducing the operational complexity for users while maintaining high information accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used for network connectivity, then system adaptability is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the quality of wireless communication and adjusts its behavior accordingly. When communication quality degrades, the system can reduce data transmission rates, switch to alternative communication methods, or cache information locally, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential wireless communication failures by implementing error correction codes, data redundancy, and fallback communication protocols in advance. This cushioning approach ensures that when wireless conditions deteriorate, the system can maintain reliable operation without requiring real-time complex adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A speech-based system is configured to use its audio-based user interface to present various types of device status information such as wireless signal strengths, communication parameters, battery levels, and so forth. In described embodiments, the system is configured to understand spoken user requests for device and system status. For example, the user may speak a request to obtain the current wireless signal strength of the speech-based system. The speech-based system may respond by determining the signal strength and by playing speech or other sound informing the user of the signal strength. Furthermore, the system may monitor operational parameters to detect conditions that may degrade the user experience, and may report such conditions using generated speech or other sounds.