Touchscreen DTMF Generation via Voice Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices with touchscreens lack an efficient method to generate dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) commands during interactions with automated attendants, requiring users to manually navigate menus, which is cumbersome and often results in missed options due to the absence of a numeric keypad.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that activates speech recognition to translate spoken prompts from automated attendants into DTMF commands, displaying corresponding menu options on the touchscreen, and allowing users to select and activate these options using touch input, thereby generating the respective DTMF commands without the need for a physical keypad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual numeric keypad is displayed on the touchscreen, then DTMF commands can be generated, but users must lower the device from their ear to view and navigate the menu, resulting in lost menu options and increased call duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/visual interaction model (viewing and touching the screen) with an acoustic interaction model (listening to voice prompts and speaking responses). The voice interface allows users to interact with automated attendants while keeping the device at ear level, eliminating the need to visually navigate menus and significantly reducing call duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice recognition technology as an intermediary between the user and the automated attendant system. Instead of directly interacting with the visual menu interface, users speak natural language commands that are converted by the voice recognition system into appropriate DTMF commands, creating a more efficient interaction pathway.
2Ease of operation
If users manually navigate through on-screen menus to invoke the numeric keypad, then DTMF commands can be generated, but menu options may be announced already, requiring users to play options again
Solution Approach 1:
The voice recognition system is activated immediately upon detecting an automated attendant, allowing users to provide voice commands before the visual menu navigation process begins. This preliminary activation ensures users can respond to menu options in real-time without the delay of manual menu invocation, preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the manual menu navigation process with voice-driven direct command input. Instead of navigating through visual menus step-by-step, users can directly speak their selections, eliminating the risk of missing menu options and the need to replay announcements.
3Device complexity
If no numeric keypad is provided on touchscreen devices, then device design is simplified, but users cannot efficiently generate DTMF commands during automated attendant interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical or visual keypad interface with a voice recognition-based command system. This substitution maintains the simplified device design without a numeric keypad while dramatically improving interaction efficiency with automated attendants, as users can quickly speak commands without manually navigating visual interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice recognition system serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary input method for DTMF commands, provides real-time feedback to users about menu options, and adapts to various automated attendant systems without requiring device configuration changes. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for a dedicated numeric keypad interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and mobile communication device for generating dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) commands on a mobile communication device having a touchscreen are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method for generating dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) commands on a mobile communication device having a touchscreen, comprising: detecting an automated attendant during a telephone call; activating speech recognition in respect of incoming voice data during the telephone call in response to detecting an automated attendant; translating spoken prompts in the incoming voice data into respective DTMF commands; displaying a menu having selectable menu options corresponding to the DTMF commands in a graphical user interface on the touchscreen; receiving input selecting one of the menu options; receiving input via the touchscreen activating a selected one of the menu options; and generating a DTMF command in accordance with the activated menu option.