Voice Extension Module for Accessible GUI Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are often inaccessible for individuals with physical disabilities and inefficient for all users due to their mouse- and keyboard-intensive nature, lacking integration of voice commands for user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A voice-enabled user interface module that includes a speech recognition engine, XML configuration repository, preprocessor, and input handler, allowing users to execute semantic operations with voice commands, enabling natural interaction without modifying existing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex graphical user interfaces are used to allow users to perform many tasks simultaneously, then task capability is improved, but accessibility for physically disabled users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input methods (mouse clicks, keyboard typing) with voice-based acoustic input. The speech recognition engine converts spoken commands into executable actions, allowing physically disabled users to interact with complex GUIs without requiring manual dexterity or fine motor skills, thus maintaining task capability while improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voice extension module as an intermediary layer between the user and the application. This module includes a speech recognition engine, preprocessor, and input handler that translate voice commands into semantic operations, enabling users to perform complex tasks through natural speech rather than direct mechanical interaction with UI elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If mouse- and keyboard-intensive interfaces are used to provide comprehensive control, then functionality is improved, but user efficiency for certain tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements semantic operations that pre-package multiple sub-operations into single executable units. When a user issues a voice command, the system executes a predefined sequence of actions (semantic operation) rather than requiring the user to perform each sub-operation individually, thereby increasing productivity for tasks that involve multiple steps
Solution Approach 2:
The voice extension module serves multiple functions: it recognizes speech, preprocesses commands, handles input routing, and executes semantic operations. This multi-functional approach allows a single voice interface to replace multiple specialized input methods (mouse, keyboard, shortcuts), improving efficiency while maintaining comprehensive functionality
3Ease of operation
If voice interfaces are added to enable verbal interaction, then accessibility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voice interface system into distinct modular components: a speech recognition engine for processing audio input, a preprocessor for command validation and routing, an input handler for event management, and semantic operation definitions. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, managing system complexity while enabling comprehensive voice functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The voice extension module acts as an intermediary layer that sits between the existing application and the user. It handles all voice-related processing without requiring modifications to the core application code, thereby adding accessibility functionality while containing the increase in system complexity within the isolated extension module
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing applications are modified to support voice commands, then voice control capability is improved, but application maintenance complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the voice extension module as an intermediary that interfaces with existing applications without requiring their modification. The module translates voice commands into standard input events or direct function calls that the original application can handle, preserving voice control capability while avoiding the maintenance burden of modifying existing application code
Solution Approach 2:
The voice extension module is designed to work with multiple existing applications through a universal interface. It defines semantic operations in XML format that can be applied across different applications, allowing voice control capability to be added universally without creating application-specific modifications, thereby reducing long-term maintenance complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A voice-enabled user interface includes a first user interface. A voice extension module is associated with the first user interface and is configured to voice-enable the first user interface. The voice extension module includes a speech recognition engine, an XML configuration repository, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The XML configuration repository includes one or more XML files specifying one or more voice commands for signaling for execution of one or more semantic operations that may be performed using the first user interface. The preprocessor is configured to register with the speech recognition engine the one or more voice commands. The input handler is configured to receive a first voice command and to communicate with the preprocessor to execute a semantic operation from the one or more semantic operations that may be performed using the first user interface. The first voice command is one of the one or more voice commands registered with the speech recognition engine by the preprocessor, and the first voice command signals for execution of the semantic operation.