US Patent 9536527 Reporting operational metrics in speech-based systems

A speech-based system is configured to use its audio-based user interface to present various types of device status information such as wireless signal strengths, communication parameters, battery levels, and so forth. In described embodiments, the system is configured to understand spoken user requests for device and system status. For example, the user may speak a request to obtain the current wireless signal strength of the speech-based system. The speech-based system may respond by determining the signal strength and by playing speech or other sound informing the user of the signal strength. Furthermore, the system may monitor operational parameters to detect conditions that may degrade the user experience, and may report such conditions using generated speech or other sounds.