Voice Control Interface for DVR Programming via Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating and programming digital video recorders (DVRs) through modern mobile devices is cumbersome due to small display screens and keyboards, making voice-activated interfaces a desirable but challenging solution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables voice-activated control of DVRs using a mobile voice device, converting verbal commands to text and communicating user selections to the media host device, providing a uniform interface for multiple electronic programming guides and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a mobile device with small display and keyboard is used to program DVR, then portability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voice command interface as an intermediary between the user and the DVR programming system. Instead of directly interacting with the small keyboard and display, users speak natural language commands that are converted to text and processed by the system, effectively mediating the interaction and resolving the contradiction between portability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with a voice-based acoustic input system. By substituting the mechanical typing interface with voice recognition, the system maintains the portability of the mobile device while dramatically improving ease of operation for programming DVR
2Ease of operation
If voice-activated interface is implemented for DVR programming, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal voice command interface that can handle multiple DVR programming functions through a single unified system. The voice recognition system serves multiple purposes including navigating electronic programming guides, setting recording parameters, and controlling DVR operations, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity through functional consolidation
3Loss of information
If electronic programming guide is displayed on mobile device screen, then information access is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional interaction model by allowing users to speak the information they want rather than manually navigating through displayed options. Instead of scrolling through EPG on the small screen and selecting programs, users verbally state their programming intentions, reversing the information access flow and dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining full information access
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to program DVRs from anywhere with ease, overcoming the limitations of small screens and keyboards, and offering a unified interface for various networks, enhancing mobility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The voice command component is configured to convert a verbal message from the mobile voice device to text
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a media host device from a mobile voice device. In accordance with a method of the present invention, a call is received from the mobile voice device. A portion of an electronic programming guide is obtained and verbally provided to the mobile voice device in response to the call. A verbal selection associated with the electronic programming guide is received from the mobile voice device and communicated to the media host device through a command encompassing the verbal selection.