Abstract:
A method, apparatus and system to provide the ability for an analog telephone adapter (or other consumer electronics device) to provide spoken information to a consumer to help diagnose problems. The spoken diagnostics system and method for comprises a central analysis server and an analog telephone adapter (“ATA”). When in operation, when a consumer (as an end user) pick up a telephone which is connected to and/or operating through the ATA and enters a preset diagnostic code, defined a telephone number in one embodiment, the ATA and the central analysis server perform a series of diagnostic functions and cause one or more verbal messages relating to the status of the ATA as determined through the diagnostic functions to be spoken over the phone so as to be communicated to the consumer.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/715,547 filed Oct. 18, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to electronic device diagnostics and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for initiating diagnostic functions on a networked electronic device and providing diagnostic information verbally. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    In recent years, the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) services has increased dramatically. As VoIP systems typically interface with traditional PSTN, it is now well established that such systems allow for transparent telephone communications worldwide. One common way in which VoIP systems are configured is through the use of an analog telephone adapter (“ATA”), which is connected to and accesses the Internet either directly or through a computer and which includes a conventional phone jack to allow a traditional phone to be connected and operate in a manner which on the surface is very similar to traditional PSTN. 
         [0006]    A problem which still exists, however, is that due to the various functionality being used or provided by an ATA at a given time, if an ATA is not functioning properly, it can be difficult to determine what aspect of the ATA is failing. This creates a situation where even the most basic errors, having very simple fixes, are unable to be easily and quickly identified by an end user and thus require the end user. For any issue causing an interruption or disruption in ATA function, the end user will typically have to contact service representatives and waste time waiting to speak with such a representative. And such is the best case because in some scenarios, when the ATA goes out, the end user&#39;s ability to contact a service representative by phone may be eliminated. Thus, there remains a need for a method and apparatus which could automatically perform diagnostic functions relating to the function of an ATA and provide spoken information relating to the results of the diagnostic functions. It would be helpful if such a spoken diagnostics method and apparatus was structured to provide on demand analysis of the operation of an ATA even if the ATA was not otherwise functioning properly. It would be additionally desirable for such a spoken diagnostics method and apparatus to be structured provide additional reference and/or information beyond any observed condition by way of URLs or recorded messages. 
         [0007]    The Applicant&#39;s invention described herein provides for a method and apparatus adapted to facilitate spoken diagnostics of an ATA or other networked electronic device. The primary components of Applicants&#39; spoke diagnostics method and apparatus include a remote central analysis server and an ATA connected to each other through an electronic data network. When in operation, the spoken diagnostics method and apparatus allows a user to initiate automatic diagnostic functions and be provided with spoken information concerning the diagnosed ATA. As a result, many of the limitations imposed by the prior art are removed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A method, apparatus and system to provide the ability for an analog telephone adapter (or other consumer electronics device) to provide spoken information to a consumer to help diagnose problems. The spoken diagnostics system and method for comprises a central analysis server and an ATA. When in operation, when a consumer (as an end user) pick up a telephone which is connected to and/or operating through the ATA and enters a preset diagnostic code, defined a telephone number in one embodiment, the ATA and the central analysis server perform a series of diagnostic functions and cause one or more verbal messages relating to the status of the ATA as determined through the diagnostic functions to be spoken over the phone so as to be communicated to the consumer. In one embodiment, the ATA additionally includes a diagnostics button which directly causes the ATA to initiate its diagnostic function. In one embodiment, the ATA includes speakers built in or external speakers to allow it to audibly play the applicable one or more verbal messages relating to the status of the ATA. 
         [0009]    Based on the results of the diagnostic functions performed between the ATA and the central analysis server, one or more of the following messages may be spoken: “OK” (operating normally within nominal metrics); “SIP port blocked, see (specified URL) for more information”; “Insufficient internet bandwidth—(quantity) mbps, see (specified URL) for more information”; “Unreliable internet connection—(quantity) % loss”; and “Unreliable internet connection—(quantity) ms jitter.” 
         [0010]    Under circumstances when a network connection with the central analysis server cannot be established or maintained, the ATA is adapted to perform diagnostic functions and provide applicable messages to the user in substantially the same manner as when a network connection is present. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, more detailed information may be spoken in addition to or in the alternative of relying on external URLs. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the ATA will require the entry of a password or preset code in order to actuate the diagnostic functions. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, a plurality of discrete, preset diagnostic codes are provided and each of preset diagnostic code actuates a distinct set of diagnostics, including more advanced diagnostics. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, performance of the diagnostic functions will include user interactive question tree interface for allowing the user to supply particular information. 
         [0015]    It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus which could automatically perform diagnostic functions relating to the function of an ATA and provide spoken information relating to the results of the diagnostic functions. 
         [0016]    It is another object of this invention to provide a spoken diagnostics method and apparatus structured to provide on demand analysis of the operation of an ATA even if the ATA was not otherwise functioning properly. 
         [0017]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide a spoken diagnostics method and apparatus structured provide additional reference and/or information beyond any observed condition by way of URLs or recorded messages. 
         [0018]    These and other objects will be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram showing the component elements of a spoken diagnostics system built in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a process of enhancing spoken diagnostics on a networked device built in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic diagram of the present invention embodied as an ATA built in accordance with the present invention connected to a telephone. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic diagram of the present invention embodied as a standalone ATA built in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic diagram of the present invention embodied as a media receiver/player built in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows a process of providing spoken diagnostics to a user from a networked device pairing a handheld electrical device with a entertainment system device to enable second screen control. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Referring now to the drawings and in particular  FIG. 1 , a spoken diagnostics system  10  is shown as a central analysis server  11  and a networked electronic device. A networked electronic device built in accordance with the present invention can be one of many electronic devices having the capability to communicate data over the an electronic data network, such as the Internet, the capability to perform and quantify the results of diagnostic functions on itself and its network connection, and having electronic data concerning spoken messages associated with diagnostic results. A network electronic device built in accordance with the present invention is configured in its out of box state, or by way of added hardware and/or software to cause diagnostic functions to be performed, and cause spoke messages to be played concerning the results of performed diagnostic functions. In one embodiment, an ATA  12  defines the networked electronic device. In other embodiments, a media player/receiver or a mobile communications device define the networked electronic device. Under normal circumstances, the central analysis server  11  and the networked electronic device  12  are each connected to an electronic data network which at least allows them to communicate electronic data between each other. While such a connection allows for additional diagnostic functions to be performed, the ATA  12  is configured to perform its diagnostic functions and provide spoken messages related to the diagnostic functions regardless of whether a connection the electronic data network and the central analysis server  11  is available. In one embodiment, the Internet defines the electronic data network. It is appreciated that the central analysis server  11  may comprise a single computer or a plurality of computer which may be located in one location or in several locations. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when an ATA  12  built in accordance with the present invention powers on or initializes its network communications at any time, it attempts to perform a series of handshakes with the central analysis server  11 . The purpose of the handshakes with the central analysis server is to enhance the diagnostic functions available by enabling additional cross checking diagnostics to be performed from a remote network location. 
         [0027]    During an initial handshake, it provides a unique identifier to the central analysis server  11  to allow the central analysis server  11  to identify the particular ATA  12 . All data which is subsequently from the ATA  12  to the central analysis server  11  will include this identifier. Upon receiving the unique identifier, the central analysis server  11  confirms receipt of the identifier to the ATA and is provided with identification and operational data concerning the ATA  12 . Such identification and operational data includes information relating to the device type, component version (hardware and software), the geographic distance from the central analysis server  11  and type of network connection. At this point, the central analysis server  11  provides to the ATA  12  electronic data concerning updates to the spoken messages in use for that device type (including component version) and their associated diagnostic result. The spoken message electronic data is based on known conditions and is typically manually entered to the central analysis server by an administrator. 
         [0028]    Once the above described initial handshake is complete, the ATA  12  performs an activity handshake with the central analysis server  11 . In one embodiment, the central analysis server  11  transmits a request for the activity handshake. In other embodiments, the ATA  12  initiates it on its own. During the activity handshake, the ATA  12  transmits electronic data which relating to its system activity, such as information relating to any hardware or software changes, and any network access activity, including information relating to the network addresses where the ATA  12  is transmitting receiving data to the central analysis server  11 . In one embodiment, the central analysis server confirms receipt of the activity handshake data. 
         [0029]    Once the handshakes are complete, as long as the network connection between the ATA  12  and the central analysis server  11  is present, the capabilities of the spoken diagnostics system on the ATA  12  are enhanced. Under such conditions, the ATA  12  seeks to maintain periodic contact with the central analysis server  11 , enabling it to periodically update the central analysis server  11  of its system and network access activity through additional activity handshakes. If the handshakes were not successfully completed, the ATA  12  will simply utilize its own diagnostic functions capabilities and its preloaded spoken messages in performing the spoken diagnostics method. 
         [0030]    As a part of the enhanced diagnostic function capabilities it provides, the central analysis server  11  is configured to perform diagnostic functions on remotely located ATAs  12  by way of its connection to the data network. In accordance with the same, when the central analysis server  11  is notified over the network that diagnostic functions have been requested, it references the activity handshake data as a baseline and cross checks the data points comprising the activity handshake data on file independently over the network. Then, the central analysis server  11  analyzes the results of the cross check of the activity handshake data with that of the information and operational data so that it can associate any diagnostic issues it discovers in the activity handshake data with specific error codes for transmission to the ATA  12 . 
         [0031]    The ATA  12  is configured to perform diagnostic functions on itself and its data network connection on a user initiating a request. In one embodiment, a request for the performance of diagnostic function can be initiated remotely over the data network. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a spoken diagnostics system  30  can be provided in a variety of embodiments and configurations. In it understood that the components of such a system may connect to the Internet through any conventional means, including a serial or other connection to a computer, through a modem, directly or indirectly through a router (wired or wireless), or through a connection to a device configured to communicate electronic data over cellular networks. For example, one configuration of an embodiment of a spoken diagnostics system  30  is shown as a central analysis server  31 , an ATA  32 , and a conventional telephone  33 . The central analysis server  31  and the ATA  32  are each connected to the Internet  34  which allows them to communicate data electronically between each other. In such an embodiment, the ATA  32  is configured to receive electrical power through a serial port on said ATA  32  and includes a analog telephone port to allow a telephone  33  to connect to it and operate from it. The telephone  33  is defined as a conventional, analog telephone set and connects to and operates from the ATA  32  through the ATA&#39;s  32  analog telephone port. In other embodiments, the ATA  32  connects to a device having an Internet connection through its serial port and receives power through the same connection, includes an Ethernet port to connect to a modem directly or indirectly and receives power through the serial port, includes a WiFi adapter to connect to a modem directly or indirectly and receives power through the serial port, and/or includes a near field communication receiver to connect to a device having an Internet connection or a modem directly or indirectly and receives power through the serial port. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that a user would initiate the process of providing spoken diagnostics on the ATA  31  by picking up the telephone  33  receiver and dialing a preset code on the telephone  33  keypad. In this embodiment, the ATA  32  would cause the telephone  33  receiver to broadcast any resulting spoken diagnostics message once the diagnostics were complete. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a spoken diagnostics system  40  is shown as a central analysis server  41  and an ATA  42 . Here, the central analysis server  41  and the ATA  42  are again each connected to the Internet  43  which allows them to communicate data electronically between each other. In this embodiment, the ATA  42  includes a speaker  42   a  which allows the ATA  42  to broadcast spoken diagnostic messages directly and a actuator button  42   b  which allows a user to initiate a process of providing spoken diagnostics directly from the ATA  42 . In this embodiment, the ATA  42  can be connected to the network and receive electrical power in the same manner as described above. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a spoken diagnostics system  50  is shown as a central analysis server  51  and an media player/receiver  52  configured in accordance with the present invention. The media player/receiver  52  can be any conventional media player/receiver, including a cable or satellite set top box or an Internet video streaming device. The media player/receiver  52  can be configured to operate in accordance with the present invention through its hardware and/or software in its out of box state, to be actuated through the built in user interfaces, or through the use of a USB plug  52   a  which contains the requisite hardware and software to allow a user to initiate the process of providing spoken diagnostics from the USB plug  52   a , perform the process on the media player/receiver, and cause a spoken diagnostic message to be broadcast. The central analysis server  51  and the ATA  52  are again each connected to the Internet  53  so as to allow data to be communicated electronically between each other. In this embodiment, the media player/receiver  52 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the process of providing spoken diagnostics is shown. When a spoken diagnostics function is initiated, either manually by a user or remotely from a central analysis server, the applicable networked device first performs its local diagnostics. During the local diagnostic check, the networked device checks for the presence and proper operation of its hardware components, software components, and direct electronic device connections (such as a telephone in the case of an ATA or a television in the case of a media receiver/player). 
         [0036]    Next, the networked device performs the network diagnostic check. During the network diagnostic check, the networked device diagnoses network function, by checking areas such as restrictions on network access, the available bandwidth, the percent loss over the network, and for the presence of jitter over the network connection. If the networked device has an active network connection, the central analysis server then performs a server diagnostic check. The server diagnostic check includes having the central analysis server cross check the network connectivity of electronic devices with which the networked device has been or is attempting to communicate data with, enabling it to determine if any issues with such a network connection are originating at that destination. The server diagnostic check additionally includes cross checking hardware and software versions in use on the relevant networked device for known issues. Once the server diagnostic check is complete, the central analysis server compiles all diagnosed conditions to enable them to be cross referenced with an existing spoken diagnostics message on the networked device. This compiled server information is sent to the networked device. 
         [0037]    Once the networked device receives the compiled server diagnosed conditions, or, if no network connection active, after the networked device completes its network diagnostic check, the networked device compiles all diagnosed conditions to enable them to be cross referenced with an existing spoken diagnostics message on the networked device. This compiled device information, along with any compiled server information, is then associated with available spoken diagnostics messages. The networked device then causes the spoken diagnostic messages which have been associated with diagnosed conditions to be broadcast so that a user can hear them. 
         [0038]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.