Voice Initiated Network Operations for Compact Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact portable electronic devices are not well suited for text entry and it can be inconvenient, unsafe, or impossible to input information while on the go, such as while driving or traveling.

Innovation Solution

Voice initiation of operations is used to assist users by converting speech into text to perform operations, with responses provided in various formats like text, graphical, or audio, allowing users to interact with devices without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual text entry is used in compact portable devices, then text input capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates when on the go

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical text entry with voice-based input. The speech-to-text conversion system allows users to input information verbally while on the go, eliminating the need for manual keyboard or touchscreen typing, thus improving ease of operation without adding physical complexity to the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual text entry is used, then text input is possible, but safety deteriorates when driving or traveling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual text entry operations with voice commands, allowing users to safely input information while driving or traveling. The speech-to-text conversion enables hands-free operation, improving safety by eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining ease of operation through natural speech

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If compact device size is maintained, then portability is improved, but text entry capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidtext entry capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for physical text input mechanisms (keyboards, touchscreens) with voice-based input. This allows compact device design to be maintained while text entry capability is preserved or even enhanced through speech-to-text conversion, eliminating the trade-off between size and input capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7996228B2Voice initiated network operations

Publication Date: 2011.08.09 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of voice initiated network operations are presented herein. Voice initiation of operations is described which may be utilized to assist a user in performing operations, such as when other input mechanisms are undesirable, inconvenient, or impossible. A user provides speech to a client device. The speech is converted to text. The text is used to perform operations and obtain results.