Voice-Based Job Instructions for Multi-Function Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired users face difficulties in handling and tracking print jobs on multi-function devices, including navigating to release secure print jobs, determining job status, and locating output trays, due to the need to physically interact with the device.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing interactive voice-based instructions via a mobile device, where a multi-function device communicates with a user's mobile device through an IVR unit to provide job-related information and allow input, such as a passcode, without requiring the user to be present, using a registered mobile number authenticated by an LDAP server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visually impaired users use braille keyboard to enter passcode at multi-function device, then they can release secure print jobs, but the passcode may be easily exposed to other users and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the multi-function device. The mobile device transmits the passcode to the MFD through a voice call interface, so the user never physically types the passcode at the MFD where it could be observed. This mediator approach maintains security while simplifying the user's interaction to just speaking the passcode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with a voice-based communication system. Instead of physically pressing keys on the MFD's braille keyboard, the user speaks the passcode into their mobile device, which then transmits it electronically to the MFD. This substitution eliminates the physical exposure risk while maintaining the authentication function.
2Loss of information
If visually impaired users navigate to device screens to check job status, then they can obtain job information, but the process requires physical presence and complex navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary that retrieves job status information from the MFD and delivers it to the user via voice. The user calls their registered number on the MFD, and the system automatically provides job status information through the IVR unit, eliminating the need for physical navigation to device screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality where the MFD automatically identifies the calling user based on their registered mobile number and retrieves their specific job information without requiring manual navigation or selection. The IVR unit autonomously provides the correct job status information based on the caller's identity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-function device provides multiple navigation options for job handling, then it serves both sighted and visually impaired users, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface where the mobile device-based voice system serves both sighted and visually impaired users through a common interaction model. The IVR unit provides voice-based instructions and information that are equally accessible to all users, eliminating the need for separate complex navigation systems for different user types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex navigation and information display functions from the MFD's physical interface and relocates them to the mobile device's voice interface. This separation allows the MFD to maintain its core printing functions while delegating the complex user interaction tasks to the more capable mobile device platform.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses methods and systems for assisting users via interactive voice-based job-related instructions. The method includes receiving a job from a user. A call is received from a mobile device of the user. A call connection is established between the mobile device and a multi-function device. It is then checked whether the mobile device is a registered mobile device. After checking, the job corresponding to the user is identified. An interactive voice response (IVR) unit is automatically activated over the established call. Then, one or more initial voice-based instructions are transmitted to the mobile device of the user. An input key is submitted through the mobile device based on at least one initial voice-based instruction. Based on the input key, further one or more voice-based instructions are transmitted to the mobile device of the user, the further one or more voice-based instructions provide information about the print job.