EXERCISE 2Megan Cary | ITGM 705-OL | Exercise 2 | January 25, 2011

TeleButler™

Megan Cary ITGM 705-OL Winter 2011 Exercise 2 TeleButler™ TeleButler is a computer-based interactive digital artifact that utilizes a voice

recognition system that interfaces with your television. TeleButler’s main purpose

is to display information for and/or control sports programming, television

programming, DVD players, VCRs, video game systems, and last but not least

your microwave and refrigerator.

The TeleButler system begins with a primary system box stationed in your

entertainment center. Several wireless devices are included with the system that

connects devices such as DVD players, video game systems and microwaves to

the system box. There is also a small wireless video camera, similar to a nanny

cam that can be installed in your refrigerator. This camera allows you to view the

contents of your refrigerator on your television without leaving the room.

What is unique about the input method for this device is that instead of being

remote based TeleButler is controlled by speech. A wireless microphone receiver

attached to the television recognizes voice commands and inquiries from the

user. For example, the user could simply say "What's in the fridge?" and

TeleButler would minimize the current activity and display the contents of the

refrigerator on screen. In more technical terms, TeleButler would interpret this

inquiry, wirelessly receive the information and display the information on the

television. When the user is done, they would simply say "Go Back" or choose a

new task such as "Play DVD."

Possibilities are endless – perhaps the user knows that dinner will take place

during a big basketball game. The user would simply put their frozen meal in the

microwave before the game starts and then ask TeleButler to heat it for them

when they are hungry. “Microwave – 1 minute, high power.” TeleButler could also

check the programming guide for game times and allow a user to play a video

game at the same time. If the user wishes to concentrate on one task they can

simply say “DVD – full screen.” Overall, TeleButler is the ultimate media device; it

allows you to play games, cook food, check the fridge, and play movies and

watch sports all in one device – it does everything but your laundry.