Virtual assistant system to remotely control external services and selectively share control

Abstract

A virtual assistant system includes a mobile device, an assistant server and devices and services included within the virtual assistant system desired to be controlled. The virtual assistant system can control any such devices and services by receiving an input to perform a function at the devices and services, translate the input into a language sharable by all of the external devices and services through a respective plugin so that such inputs can be understood between the plurality of devices and services, and functions can be performed at the desired device(s) or service(s) either remotely or locally. This control is sharable with other users as instructed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 933,405, filed on Jan. 30, 2014, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present general inventive concept relates to a virtual assistant system to wirelessly control a plurality of external devices and services and to provide communication and sharing of information between the plurality of external devices and services, and to selectively allow sharing of the control with other users.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Advancements in wireless communications have allowed innovation in data sharing to grow at a rapid rate. A user may use a mobile device (such as a phone, tablet computer, wristwatch, etc.) to open up various applications / programs, operate various devices, and c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system where a mobile device can analyze the intent of a user's commands and determine which function they are trying to perform. This analysis is done by a server platform that can communicate with the user's device and external devices or services. The platform can also predict which function to perform based on the user's context and automatically perform the command without the user's input. Additionally, the platform can allow other users to control the external devices or services through input commands after they are authorized. Overall, the system improves the user's experience and enables more efficient and accurate command interpretation.

Problems solved by technology

However, the mobile device is limited to requiring the user to input commands, instructions, and data in a manner unique to each specific application / program and external devices.

As such, although a user may separately communicate with Facebook™ and LinkedIn™, these programs do not and cannot communicate with each other.

However, the user cannot grant access to the light bulb to another user operating another mobile device.

Moreover, the user cannot use information within the application associated with the light bulb to interact with another application.

As such, the application associated with the bulb is limited merely to allowing a user to control the particular light bulb associated with the application stored within the user's mobile device.

However, the Siri™ and Google Now™ assistants are limited to providing a search and some device actions, and have a limited integration with other applications such as OpenTable™, etc.

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