Voicemail Conversion Entity for Electronic Message Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voice mail systems do not allow users to electronically process voice mail messages, restricting users to transcribing messages manually, despite the desire for more sophisticated handling and archiving.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable voice mail message forwarding to a conversion entity, which renders the message electronically accessible, allowing users to process and archive voice mail messages using their preferred devices without modifying existing voice mail systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voice mail systems are used, then system simplicity and legacy compatibility are maintained, but electronic processing capability of voice mail messages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion entity that receives voice mail messages from the legacy voice mail system via telephone network and converts them to electronic formats. This mediator bridges the gap between the simple legacy system and the need for electronic processing, allowing users to access and process voice mail messages electronically without modifying the original voice mail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the legacy voice mail system, the conversion entity, and the user's electronic device. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its simplicity while the overall system achieves electronic processing capability. The voice mail system remains unchanged, the conversion entity handles the transformation, and the user device performs the processing.
2Productivity
If manual transcription is used, then no additional electronic processing is required, but user productivity and information extraction efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual transcription with an electronic conversion and processing system. The conversion entity transforms voice mail messages into electronic formats that can be automatically processed, searched, and analyzed by computers, dramatically improving information extraction efficiency and eliminating the time-consuming manual transcription process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates electronic copies of voice mail messages in multiple formats (text, audio files, transcriptions) that can be distributed and processed simultaneously. This copying capability allows users to have instant access to message content without waiting for manual transcription, significantly reducing time loss and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If voice mail messages are forwarded to conversion entity, then electronic accessibility is improved, but network dependency and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion entity is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a message converter and an electronic distribution hub. It can forward messages to multiple destinations (email, text messages, computer files) simultaneously through a single interface, simplifying the network infrastructure required while improving electronic accessibility. Users can access messages through their preferred electronic device without requiring complex network configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for execution by an owner of a mailbox in a voice mail system. The method comprises using an access device to access a voicemail message contained in the mailbox and entering a command instrumental in causing the voicemail message to be forwarded over a telephone network to a conversion entity. At the conversion entity, an electronic representation of the voicemail message is created and then the electronic representation of the voicemail message is rendered accessible to the owner of the mailbox, e.g., by sending an email message to a predetermined address. In this way, electronic representations of voicemail messages in a mailbox can be accessed by the owner of the mailbox using a device of choice, not necessarily the access device used initially to enter the command. Also, this functionality is achieved while allowing the voice mail system to remain a legacy voice mail system.