Voice Interface for Accessible Digital Gift Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital message interfaces, such as those on computing devices, are difficult for individuals with reduced fine motor abilities or decreased eyesight, as they require typing and visual interactions that are cumbersome and challenging.

Innovation Solution

A voice interface is used to facilitate the creation, transmission, and reception of digital gifts, allowing users to interact through voice prompts and responses, reducing the need for touch screens and mouse pointers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a visual interface with typing and touch screen interaction is used, then message creation and selection functionality is achieved, but usability deteriorates for users with reduced fine motor abilities or decreased eyesight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability for users with reduced fine motor abilities or decreased eyesightVSAvoidinterface complexity requiring typing and visual interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (typing, touch screen, mouse pointer) with a voice-based acoustic system. Users can create and send messages, select contacts, and interact with the interface through spoken commands that are converted to text and processed by the system, eliminating the need for fine motor skills and visual focus.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voice recognition system as an intermediary between the user and the computing device. This intermediary translates spoken words into actionable commands, serving as a bridge that allows users with limited motor or visual abilities to control the device without direct manual interaction with the graphical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If typing and visual selection methods are used, then message creation and contact selection functions are achieved, but accessibility deteriorates for users with reduced fine motor abilities or decreased eyesight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for users with reduced fine motor abilities or decreased eyesightVSAvoidoperation difficulty requiring typing and visual interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (typing, touch screen, mouse pointer) with a voice-based acoustic system. Users can create and send messages, select contacts, and interact with the interface through spoken commands that are converted to text and processed by the system, eliminating the need for fine motor skills and visual focus.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The voice interface system serves multiple functions that were previously required separate visual interactions: users can create messages, select contacts, and send communications through a single unified voice-based interface, making the system adaptable to users with various disabilities while maintaining full functionality.

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

Data Source

PatentUS12561732B2Computing devices and systems for sending and receiving a digital gift using a voice interface
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 FACET LABS LLC
  • US12561732B2 patent drawing
  • US12561732B2 patent drawing
  • US12561732B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Composing messages and receiving messages using text is time consuming and can lose meaning for recipients. Systems and methods are provided to generate a digital gift. A digital gift wrapper is used to precede the digital gift. A gift recipient interacts with the digital gift wrapper and the digital gift using a voice interface. The digital gift includes, for example, both audio and visual data. A physical gift is also generated and sent in a coordinated manner with the digital gift.