VRU Proxy System Using Speech Recognition for Web Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice response unit (VRU) telephony systems are inefficient for user interaction due to slow information presentation and limited accessibility, particularly for hearing-impaired individuals or those without telephone access.
Innovation Solution
A VRU proxy system that allows users to interact with VRUs through a graphical user interface (GUI) on networked devices, utilizing speech recognition to dynamically display and transmit data, enabling users to select options without relying on a telephone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users interact with VRU through traditional telephone interface, then the system maintains simple architecture, but user interaction efficiency deteriorates due to slow information presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web-based intermediary interface that mediates between the user and the traditional VRU system. This web interface presents information in a more efficient, dynamically updated format while the underlying VRU system remains unchanged, thus improving interaction efficiency without fundamentally altering the core system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the interaction interface from a one-dimensional audio-only channel (telephone) to a two-dimensional web interface combining visual display with audio input. This dimensional expansion allows for more efficient information presentation through text and graphics while maintaining compatibility with the traditional VRU backend.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users interact with VRU through telephone, then the system maintains simple access method, but accessibility deteriorates for hearing-impaired or location-limited users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the VRU system accessible through multiple channels: traditional telephone interface and modern web-based interface. This multi-functionality allows different user groups (hearing-impaired, location-limited, technology-preferred) to access the same VRU services through their preferred interface, thereby improving accessibility without complicating the underlying system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a web-based copy or representation of the traditional VRU interface. This web copy presents the same information and options as the audio-based VRU but in a visually accessible format, making the system accessible to hearing-impaired users and those without telephone access while maintaining the original system's operational simplicity.
3Speed
If VRU presents information through audio broadcast, then the system maintains simple interface, but information delivery speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The web interface acts as an intermediary that receives audio broadcasts from the VRU, converts them to text through speech recognition, and dynamically displays the information on the user's device. This intermediary layer accelerates information delivery by providing visual text representation alongside or instead of audio, while the original VRU system continues to operate with its simple audio-based interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interaction efficiency by providing a graphical interface for VRU navigation, improving accessibility for all users and enabling seamless communication with VRUs using speech recognition and VoIP technology.
Implementation Method 1
using speech recognition to capture broadcasts from the VRU for display within the GUI
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and program product for providing a voice response unit (VRU) proxy. A system is provided that includes: a graphical user interface (GUI) for dynamically displaying information from a VRU and for receiving data from a user; a system for initiating a call with the VRU; and a VRU interface system for transmitting data from the user to the VRU, and for using speech recognition to capture broadcasts from the VRU for display within the GUI.