Visual Menu Display for Automated Answering Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated answering systems are inefficient for users as they require waiting for audio options to be communicated, which can be problematic for those with hearing impairments and when numerous options are available, with users needing to select numerical keys without clear visibility of available choices.
Innovation Solution
A system that establishes voice communications between a computing device and an automated answering system, allowing labeled options to be displayed on the device's screen, enabling users to select options visually rather than relying on audio cues, using speech recognition to analyze audio communications and provide labeled options based on the automated menu.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users interact with automated answering systems through audio options only, then the system maintains simplicity in implementation, but users with hearing impairments cannot access the options and wait times increase when numerous options are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines audio communication with visual display capabilities in a single integrated system. The computing device simultaneously handles voice call functionality and visual menu presentation, merging two interaction modes into one unified interface that serves all users regardless of hearing ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the traditionally audio-only interaction model. By displaying menu options, descriptions, and navigation cues on the computing device screen, the system transitions from one-dimensional audio interaction to two-dimensional multi-sensory interaction, providing accessibility without sacrificing system simplicity.
2Productivity
If users wait for audio options to be communicated before selecting, then the system maintains simple audio-only protocol, but user interaction time increases significantly when numerous options are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays all menu options, descriptions, and navigation information on the computing device screen before the user needs to make a selection. This preliminary visual presentation allows users to process information and prepare their response in advance, eliminating the need to wait passively for audio communication of each option.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual display on the computing device acts as an intermediary between the automated answering system and the user. It translates audio menu options into visual form, allowing users to see all available choices simultaneously rather than hearing them sequentially, thus reducing interaction time while maintaining system protocol simplicity.
3Loss of information
If users select numerical keys without clear visibility of available choices, then the system maintains simple numerical key input protocol, but users experience difficulty in identifying correct options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the audio menu options on the computing device screen. Each numerical key option is displayed with its corresponding description and purpose, allowing users to see exactly what each key will do before pressing it. This visual copying eliminates the information loss inherent in audio-only presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual display elements including text, icons, and potentially color coding to differentiate and highlight menu options. The visual interface can change colors or highlight specific options based on user selection or system state, providing clear visual feedback that helps users identify correct options without confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can cause a voice communication between a computing device and an automated answering system to be established. A set of options that are available for selection through the automated answering system during the voice communication can be determined. The set of options can be provided for presentation on a display screen of the computing device, wherein at least some of the options in the set are labeled with information that visually describes the options.