Voice Query Answering via Search Index Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice-controlled devices face challenges in efficiently providing relevant information to users due to limitations in user interface, such as lack of displays or small displays, requiring users to sift through numerous search results, which can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially when operating multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A speech-driven question and answer service that uses a voice communications device to analyze audio input, query an index of stored questions, and provide relevant answers based on user profiles, search history, and feedback, allowing for improved answer matching over time and reduced resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice-controlled devices provide search results through traditional interfaces, then information can be accessed, but user interaction becomes time-consuming and frustrating due to lack of displays or small displays requiring users to sift through numerous search results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most relevant information from search results and presents it directly through voice output, rather than requiring users to review complete search result listings. The system identifies and extracts key answers from multiple sources, delivering concise voice responses that eliminate the need for users to sift through numerous results manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the search engine and the user interface. This intermediary system processes search results, identifies relevant answers, and synthesizes voice responses, acting as a mediator that transforms raw search data into actionable voice-based answers suitable for devices with limited display capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voice-controlled devices send information to other devices for viewing, then information accessibility is improved, but device complexity and user frustration increase due to operating multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables voice-controlled devices to perform multiple functions including searching, analyzing, and providing voice-based answers without requiring users to switch between devices. The system integrates search capabilities, information processing, and voice output functionality within a single device, eliminating the need for users to operate multiple devices to access information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing search queries, analyzing results, and generating voice responses without requiring user intervention to transfer information between devices. The voice-controlled device independently handles the entire information retrieval and presentation process, from query to voice answer, without needing external device assistance.
3Loss of information
If traditional search interfaces are used, then comprehensive information can be displayed, but the interface limitations of voice-controlled devices prevent effective presentation of search results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments search results into distinct, manageable components that can be processed and presented through voice output. Instead of presenting complete search result listings that require visual scanning, the system divides information into discrete answer elements that can be delivered sequentially through speech, making the information accessible through the device's audio interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual display interface with an acoustic voice output interface. Instead of relying on visual displays that require user scanning and interpretation, the system substitutes voice-based information delivery that leverages the device's audio capabilities, transforming the interaction modality to match the device's interface strengths.
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches provide for a speech driven question and answer service that uses a voice communications device to find information in which the user is interested in in response to a spoken question. For example, a voice communications device can receive a question for which an answer is desired and speak back a relevant answer. In this example, audio input data that includes the question can be received by the voice communications device. The audio input data can be analyzed to identify the question and the question can be used to query an index of stored questions to determine a set of candidate questions best matching the user's question. The candidate questions are associated with answers, and one or more answers can be combined, summarized, refined, or otherwise processed. Thereafter, the voice communications device can provide (e.g., speak back to the user) the most relevant answer(s) to the user or a modified version of the answer(s) (e.g., a summary of the answer(s), a tailored version of the answer(s), etc.)