Voice Communication Method with Perceptual Notifications

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic communication methods are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring complex user interfaces with multiple key presses, leading to wasted user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for electronic voice communications, including receiving voice data signals, issuing perceptual notifications, and controlling audio output based on user input, as well as managing communication channels and affordances on touch-sensitive devices to streamline interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing communication methods are used with complex user interfaces, then communication functionality is achieved, but user time and device energy are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiduser time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by issuing perceptual notifications before the actual voice communication begins. This allows the user to be alerted and prepare for the incoming call without requiring immediate interaction, thereby reducing the time needed to establish communication while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically managing the communication workflow. The perceptual notification system autonomously alerts users and manages the transition to voice communication without requiring multiple user inputs, reducing both time loss and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing communication methods are used with complex user interfaces, then communication functionality is achieved, but device energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by issuing perceptual notifications before the actual voice communication begins. This allows the user to be alerted and prepare for the incoming call without requiring immediate interaction, thereby reducing the time needed to establish communication while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically managing the communication workflow. The perceptual notification system autonomously alerts users and manages the transition to voice communication without requiring multiple user inputs, reducing both time loss and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If perceptual notification is issued before voice data output, then user awareness is improved, but communication delay may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awarenessVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by issuing only a perceptual notification rather than the full voice communication immediately. This partial alert provides user awareness while keeping the actual voice data transmission delayed until user confirmation, balancing information delivery with timing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by waiting for user response to the perceptual notification before proceeding with voice data output. This feedback mechanism ensures user awareness while allowing the communication process to proceed at an optimized pace based on user readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11765114B2Voice communication method

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 APPLE INC

AI summary

Audio inputs are detected at an electronic device and translated into electronic communications for playback at an external electronic device.