Voice Extension Module for Contextual GUI Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are often inaccessible for individuals with physical disabilities and inefficient due to their reliance on mouse and keyboard interactions, with little attention given to voice interfaces that could enhance usability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A voice-enabled user interface system incorporating a speech recognition engine, preprocessor, and input handler that registers and executes voice commands to perform semantic operations, allowing users to interact with applications using natural language phrases without explicit reference to graphical elements, thereby enabling voice control of existing applications without modification.
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 introduces a voice interface as an intermediary between the user and the complex graphical user interface. The voice interface includes a speech recognition engine that converts spoken commands into actions within the GUI, allowing physically disabled users to interact with complex applications without requiring manual dexterity for mouse or keyboard operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (mouse and keyboard) with a voice-based acoustic system. Instead of requiring physical manipulation of input devices, users can issue commands through speech, which is then processed by the speech recognition engine to perform tasks within the graphical interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mouse- and keyboard-intensive interfaces are used to provide complex functionality, then feature richness is improved, but usability for disabled users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The voice interface is designed to be universal, supporting multiple types of interactions beyond what traditional voice commands provide. It can navigate complex GUI elements, perform data entry, execute commands, and interact with various application features, making it a multi-functional interface that replaces not just simple commands but complex sequences of mouse and keyboard operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The speech recognition engine acts as a mediator that translates natural language voice commands into the specific actions required by the graphical user interface. This intermediary layer allows the system to interpret intent and map it to appropriate GUI operations, enabling disabled users to access rich functionality through natural speech rather than mechanical input.
3Ease of operation
If voice interfaces are implemented to improve accessibility, then accessibility is improved, but user efficiency and ambiguity handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The voice interface incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system confirms voice command recognition and interpretation before execution. This allows users to verify that their spoken commands were correctly understood, reducing ambiguity and enabling efficient correction of misinterpretations without requiring repeated attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of voice commands by pre-registering common commands and their corresponding GUI actions. This preparation work allows for faster execution of routine tasks and reduces the cognitive load on users, improving overall efficiency while maintaining accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If voice commands are used to reduce manual input, then ease of operation is improved, but interaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voice interface system performs self-service by automatically processing and executing recognized voice commands without requiring additional user intervention. The speech recognition engine and associated processing systems handle the complexity of command interpretation and GUI navigation autonomously, keeping the user experience simple while managing the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice interface serves as an intermediary that absorbs and manages the complexity of interacting with the graphical user interface. By placing this intermediary layer between the user and the complex GUI, the system shields users from complexity while maintaining ease of operation through natural voice commands.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more voice-enabled user interfaces include a user interface, and a voice extension module associated with the user interface. The voice extension module is configured to voice-enable the user interface and includes a speech recognition engine, a preprocessor, and an input handler. The preprocessor registers with the speech recognition engine one or more voice commands for signaling for execution of one or more semantic operations that may be performed using a first user interface. The input handler receives a first voice command and communicates with the preprocessor to execute a semantic operation that is indicated by the first voice command. The first voice command is one of the voice commands registered with the speech recognition engine by the preprocessor.