Voice Control System for Image Processing Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Image processing devices are inaccessible to visually impaired or blind users due to reliance on touch screens and key-based interfaces, leading to suboptimal usage and increased error rates from laborious menu navigation.

Innovation Solution

A voice control system for image processing devices, comprising a voice recognition module, database of processing commands, analysis unit, transmission unit, and control unit, allowing users to send voice commands that are translated into control actions, with modules for confirmation, information, and validation to facilitate vocal access and minimize errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch screen or key-based interface is used for controlling image processing devices, then the device can provide multiple functions and options, but visually impaired or blind users cannot access these functions independently

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch screen and key-based interface with a voice recognition system. Users can issue voice commands to control image processing functions, eliminating the need for tactile interaction with buttons or touch screens. This substitution makes the device accessible to visually impaired users while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The voice recognition module acts as an intermediary between the user and the device's control system. It converts spoken commands into control signals that the device can execute, bridging the gap between the user's intent and the device's response without requiring direct interaction with the touch screen interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple submenus and options are provided for precise function selection, then the device can perform specific tasks accurately, but the operation becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction selection precisionVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the voice command to understand the user's intent before executing the corresponding function. The voice recognition module processes the spoken command, identifies the desired function and parameters, and directly executes the appropriate action without requiring the user to navigate through multiple menu levels to make selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If a tactile interface is used for device control, then the device can provide visual feedback through the touch screen, but users with visual impairments cannot receive or interpret this feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual feedbackVSAvoiduser compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The voice recognition system provides a universal interface that works for all users regardless of visual ability. It replaces visual feedback mechanisms with auditory feedback through voice responses, making the device equally accessible to both visually impaired and sighted users while maintaining the same core functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3639093B1System and method for assistance and voice control of an image processing device
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FRANCE
  • EP3639093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3639093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3639093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system (1) for voice control of an image processing device (2) comprises a voice recognition module (3) having a receiving element (4) for receiving a voice message generated by a user and a processing unit (5) for transcribing a received voice message into a text message, a database (6) comprising predetermined processing commands of the image processing device (2), an analysis unit (7) for comparing each text message to the predetermined processing commands and, in the case of compliance of the text message with one of the processing commands, for selecting this processing order, a transmission unit (8) for transmitting a control command, representative of the selected processing command, and a control unit (9) for receiving a transmitted control command and for controlling an action of the image processing device (2).