Voice response equipment and computer equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides voice response equipment and computer equipment. The voice response device comprises a voice acquisition circuit; the voice conversion circuit is electrically connected with the voice acquisition circuit and is configured to convert the voice acquired by the voice acquisition circuit into a corresponding command during working; and the CPU is electrically connected with the voice conversion circuit and the memory respectively, a voice interaction program is stored in the memory, and when a command is issued to the CPU, the CPU executes corresponding operation according to the command. Therefore, under the condition that the CPU and the memory do not work, the voice acquisition circuit and the voice conversion circuit are used for replacing the work of the voice interaction program so as to realize uninterrupted voice response while saving electric energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of electronics and computer technology, and more specifically to voice response devices and computer devices. Background Technology

[0002] Voice response devices typically employ technologies such as speech recognition and natural language processing to analyze and understand user voice commands and execute corresponding operations. Furthermore, speech synthesis technology can be used to further realize intelligent voice interaction, finding wide application in smart homes, in-vehicle entertainment, intelligent customer service, and many other fields. In particular, with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, AI assistants based on AI technology are increasingly being integrated into various electronic devices to understand and respond to user voice or text commands. However, current voice response functions all rely on specific conditions. For example, smart speakers and other electronic devices need to be powered on, and personal computers need to be in normal working condition (not powered off or in sleep mode), and often require the support of corresponding operating systems, drivers, and applications to function. Therefore, there is a desire for an improved voice response device that can minimize the situations where current voice response devices fail to respond. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention provide a voice response device. Using this voice response device, voice response can be performed using a voice acquisition circuit and a voice conversion circuit before running a voice interaction program. During this period, the central processing unit (CPU) and memory can be left inactive, thereby achieving uninterrupted voice response while saving power.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a voice response device is provided, comprising: a voice acquisition circuit; a voice conversion circuit electrically connected to the voice acquisition circuit and configured to convert the voice acquired by the voice acquisition circuit into corresponding commands during operation; and a CPU and a memory, wherein the CPU is electrically connected to the voice conversion circuit and the memory respectively, and the memory stores a voice interaction program, wherein when the command is issued to the CPU, the CPU performs a corresponding operation according to the command.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer device is provided, comprising: a voice response device as described above; a motherboard for carrying the voice response device and providing electrical connection; and an input / output (I / O) device.

[0006] It should be understood that one or more of the above aspects include the features specifically pointed out in the following detailed description and claims. Certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects are set forth in detail in the following specification and drawings. These features merely indicate various ways in which the principles of each aspect can be implemented, and this disclosure is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0007] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of this specification can be achieved by referring to the following figures. In the figures, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals.

[0008] Figure 1 A structural diagram of an example of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A structural diagram of another example of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example application scenario of a voice response device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0015] Figure 8 A structural diagram of an example of a computer device according to an embodiment of this specification is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The subject matter described herein will be discussed below with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. The function and arrangement of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the various examples. Furthermore, features described in some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0017] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are open terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other definitions, whether explicit or implicit, may be included below. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, the definition of a term shall remain consistent throughout the specification.

[0018] The voice response device and computer device according to embodiments of this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 A structural diagram of an example of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the voice response device 100 may include a voice acquisition circuit 102, a voice conversion circuit 104, a CPU 112, and a memory 114. The voice conversion circuit 104 is electrically connected to the voice acquisition circuit 102, and the CPU 112 is electrically connected to both the voice conversion circuit 104 and the memory 114. It should be understood that the "electrical connection" mentioned in this specification can be implemented in various ways, such as direct connection or indirect connection in some way (e.g., both connected to a bus), and is not limited here.

[0021] The voice acquisition circuit 102 can be used to acquire voice. In some examples, the voice acquisition circuit can be implemented as a microphone circuit. In some examples, the microphone can be implemented as a microphone array. In some examples, the voice acquisition circuit can be implemented as a pickup circuit.

[0022] The voice conversion circuit 104 can be configured to convert the voice acquired by the voice acquisition circuit 102 into corresponding commands during operation. In some examples, the voice conversion circuit 104 can be connected to a corresponding power rail (e.g., a 3.3V power rail). After power-on, the voice conversion circuit 104 can convert the voice acquired by the voice acquisition circuit 102 into corresponding commands. In some examples, the voice conversion circuit 104 can convert the received voice into corresponding commands according to a pre-written first program. For example, the voice "Please turn on" can be converted into a power-on command. Another example is that the voice "Help me wake up the system" can be converted into an operating system wake-up command. In some examples, the converted commands can be sent to the CPU 112 so that the CPU 112 performs corresponding operations based on the commands.

[0023] In some implementations, the aforementioned command may include a command instructing the initiation of a voice interaction program. For example, the voice prompt "What's the weather like today?" can be converted into a command instructing the initiation of a voice interaction program. In some examples, the command instructing the initiation of a voice interaction program may be represented by, for example, "2". In some examples, when the converted command is a command instructing the initiation of a voice interaction program, the voice conversion circuit 104 may be further configured to send user intent information directly or indirectly to the CPU 112. The aforementioned user intent information may be obtained based on the user's voice. For example, the user intent information may be the user's voice, a portion of the user's voice representing the user's intent, or text corresponding to the user's voice. This allows the voice interaction program to directly respond to the user's needs after initiation, effectively avoiding repetitive user operations. A detailed description of the "voice interaction program" is provided below.

[0024] The memory 114 may store a voice interaction program. The voice interaction program can provide voice interaction functionality when running. In some examples, the memory 114 may further include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). The voice interaction program can be stored in the ROM. In some examples, the voice interaction program can be executed by the CPU 112. When the CPU 112 is not in operation, the voice interaction program cannot provide voice interaction functionality. When the CPU 112 is running, it can execute the voice interaction program stored in the memory 114. When the CPU 112 receives a command from the voice conversion circuit 104, it can perform the corresponding operation according to the command. In some examples, if the CPU 112 receives a command from the voice conversion circuit 104 instructing it to start the voice interaction program, it can start the voice interaction program. In some examples, the CPU 112 and the memory 114 may also be integrated into a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0025] In some implementations, CPU 112 may be further configured to send an instruction to shut down voice conversion circuit 104 in response to the running of a voice interaction program. In some examples, the instruction to shut down voice conversion circuit 104 may be a preset code, such as "9". In one example, the preset code may be sent directly to voice conversion circuit 104. In another example, the preset code may be sent to other circuit modules (e.g., the "controller" hereinafter) to cause the other circuit module to further issue a shutdown instruction to voice conversion circuit 104. In some examples, the instruction to shut down voice conversion circuit 104 may also be an invalid signal (e.g., low or high level) sent directly to a designated pin of voice conversion circuit 104 to shut down voice conversion circuit 104. Optionally, if there are other voice acquisition circuits directly or indirectly connected to the CPU, such as a microphone built into a personal computer, CPU 112 may also be further configured to send an instruction to shut down voice acquisition circuit 102 in response to the running of a voice interaction program.

[0026] By using the above method, the voice conversion circuit can be turned off when the voice interaction program is running normally, so that the voice conversion circuit can effectively save power while making full use of its alternative function.

[0027] In some implementations, CPU 112 may be further configured to send an instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit 104 before ceasing operation. In some examples, CPU 112 may send an instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit 104 just before ceasing operation. In some examples, the instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit 104 may be a preset code, such as "8". In one example, the preset code may be sent directly to the voice conversion circuit 104. In another example, the preset code may be sent to another circuit module (e.g., the "controller" hereinafter) to cause that other circuit module to further issue an activation instruction to the voice conversion circuit 104. In some examples, the instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit 104 may also be a valid signal (e.g., high or low level) sent directly to a designated pin of the voice conversion circuit 104 to activate the voice conversion circuit 104. Optionally, if there are no other activated voice acquisition circuits directly or indirectly connected to the voice conversion circuit 104, CPU 112 may also be further configured to send an instruction to activate the voice acquisition circuit 102 before ceasing operation.

[0028] In this way, when the CPU is not working, the voice acquisition circuit and voice conversion circuit can be used to replace the voice interaction program for voice response. Compared to keeping the main device, which consists of the CPU, memory, etc., in a continuous normal working state to achieve real-time voice interaction response, using a simpler voice acquisition circuit and voice conversion circuit to take over this function can significantly reduce resource consumption.

[0029] Figure 2 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the voice response device 100 may include a voice acquisition circuit 102, a voice conversion circuit 104, a CPU 112, a memory 114, and an operation result presentation device 122. The operation result presentation device 122 is electrically connected to the CPU 112. It should be noted that a detailed description of the voice acquisition circuit 102, the voice conversion circuit 104, the CPU 112, and the memory 114 can be found in the foregoing. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0031] CPU112 in Figure 1 Based on the specific description of the embodiments, it can be further configured to generate an operation result presentation instruction for the operation result presentation device 122 after executing the corresponding operation according to the command; and to send the operation result presentation instruction to the operation result presentation device 122. In some examples, the operation result presentation instruction can be a preset code, for example, "11" can be used to indicate that the corresponding operation has been executed correctly, and "10" can be used to indicate that the corresponding operation has not been executed correctly. In some examples, the operation result presentation instruction can be a control signal directly used to control the operation result presentation device 122, which is usually associated with the type of the operation result presentation device 122. For example, the operation result presentation device 122 can be a visual presentation device, such as an indicator light, a display screen, etc. Accordingly, the operation result presentation instruction can indicate whether the corresponding operation has been executed correctly by controlling the indicator light to be constantly on or flashing; the operation result presentation instruction can indicate whether the corresponding operation has been executed correctly by controlling the display screen to display predetermined text, patterns, or animations, etc. For example, the operation result presentation device 122 can be an auditory presentation device, such as an audio playback device for playing indicator tones or specified music, etc. Accordingly, the operation result presentation instruction can indicate whether the corresponding operation has been performed correctly, for example, by controlling the audio playback device to play different prompts or music clips. In one example, the above operation result presentation instruction can also be sent to the operation result presentation device 122 via other circuit modules (such as the "controller" hereinafter referred to as "controller").

[0032] The operation result presentation device 122 is configured to present the operation result for the acquired speech according to the operation result presentation instruction. In some examples, an indicator light of the operation result presentation device 122 may light up or flash to indicate whether the operation for the acquired speech has been executed correctly or incorrectly. In some examples, the display screen of the operation result presentation device 122 may display corresponding text, patterns, or animations to indicate whether the operation for the acquired speech has been executed correctly or incorrectly. In some examples, the audio playback device of the operation result presentation device 122 may play corresponding prompts or music clips to indicate whether the operation for the acquired speech has been executed correctly or incorrectly.

[0033] In this way, explicit feedback can be provided to the user based on the CPU's execution results of the corresponding operations, thereby improving the user's voice interaction experience.

[0034] Figure 3 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the voice response device 100 may include a voice acquisition circuit 102, a voice conversion circuit 104, a voice synthesis circuit 106, an audio output circuit 108, a CPU 112, and a memory 114. The voice synthesis circuit 106 is electrically connected to the voice conversion circuit 104, and the audio output circuit 108 is electrically connected to the voice synthesis circuit 106. It should be noted that a detailed description of the voice acquisition circuit 102, the CPU 112, and the memory 114 can be found in the foregoing. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0036] Voice conversion circuit 104 in Figure 1 Based on the specific description of the embodiments, it can be further configured to convert the speech acquired by the speech acquisition circuit 102 into corresponding response text during operation. In some examples, the speech conversion circuit 104 can convert the received speech into corresponding response text according to a pre-written second program. For example, the speech "play music" can be converted into the response text "The voice interaction program is not yet started and cannot meet your request. Do you need to power on and start the voice interaction program?" Another example is that the speech "Check what's on the calendar today" can be converted into the response text "The AI ​​assistant is not yet started and cannot answer your question. Do you want to start the AI ​​assistant?" In some examples, the response text obtained from the above conversion can be sent to the speech synthesis circuit 106.

[0037] The speech synthesis circuit 106 can be configured to convert the response text from the speech conversion circuit 104 into a corresponding speech signal. In some examples, various speech synthesis techniques can be used to achieve this conversion. In some examples, the converted speech signal can be sent to the audio output circuit 108.

[0038] The audio output circuit 108 can be configured to output a speech signal. In some examples, the audio output circuit 108 can be a speaker circuit.

[0039] In this way, when the CPU is not working, a speech synthesis circuit and an audio output circuit can be added to the speech acquisition circuit and speech conversion circuit to replace the speech interaction program for speech interaction, thereby improving the user experience.

[0040] In some implementations, CPU112 in Figure 1 or Figure 2 Based on the specific description of the embodiments, it can be further configured to send an operation result signal to the voice conversion circuit 104 after performing a corresponding operation according to a command from the voice conversion circuit 104. In some examples, the operation result signal can be a preset code, for example, "11" can be used to indicate that the corresponding operation has been executed correctly, and "10" can be used to indicate that the corresponding operation has not been executed correctly. In some examples, the operation result signal can be used to indicate the operation result. For example, the operation result signal can be used to indicate "powered on", "operating system woke up", "voice interaction program started", "AI assistant started", "power on failed", "operating system wake-up failed", "voice interaction program not started successfully", "AI assistant not started successfully", etc. In one example, the above operation result signal can be sent directly to the voice conversion circuit 104. In one example, the above operation result signal can be sent to the voice conversion circuit 104 via other circuit modules (such as the "controller" hereinafter referred to as "controller").

[0041] In these implementations, the voice conversion circuit 104 is in Figure 1Based on the specific description of the embodiments, it can be further configured to generate corresponding response text according to the operation result signal during operation. In some examples, the voice conversion circuit 104 can convert the received operation result signal into corresponding response text according to a pre-written third program. For example, the response text can be "Powered on for you", "Sorry, power on failed", "Sorry, power on failed, would you like to try again?", "Operating system activated for you", "Sorry, operating system activated", "Voice interaction program is providing service", "AI assistant activated", "Sorry, voice interaction program activated, would you like to try again?", etc. In some examples, the converted response text can be sent to the voice synthesis circuit 106, so that the voice synthesis circuit 106 converts it into a corresponding voice signal and outputs the voice signal through the audio output circuit 108.

[0042] In this way, voice feedback can be provided to the user based on the CPU's execution results of the corresponding operations, thereby improving the user's voice interaction experience.

[0043] In some implementations, at least one of the voice acquisition circuit 102, voice conversion circuit 104, voice synthesis circuit 106, and audio output circuit 108 can be integrated into the voice control chip. This improves the modularity of the voice response device. It is understood that some circuits not integrated into the aforementioned voice control chip can also be connected to the aforementioned voice control chip as needed.

[0044] In some implementations, the aforementioned voice control chip can be a microprocessor (MPU). The microprocessor can be programmed to perform the functions of at least one of the aforementioned voice acquisition circuit 102, voice conversion circuit 104, voice synthesis circuit 106, and audio output circuit 108.

[0045] Figure 4 A structural diagram of another example of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the voice response device 100 may include a voice acquisition circuit 102, a voice conversion circuit 104, a controller 116, a CPU 112, and a memory 114. The controller 116 is electrically connected to both the voice conversion circuit 104 and the CPU 112. The CPU 112 is electrically connected to both the memory 114 and the controller 116. It should be noted that detailed descriptions of the voice acquisition circuit 102, the voice conversion circuit 104, the CPU 112, and the memory 114 can be found in the foregoing. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0047] The controller 116 can be configured to send control signals to the CPU 112 based on commands from the voice conversion circuit 104. In some examples, commands from the voice conversion circuit 104 can be sent directly to the CPU 112 as control signals. In some examples, the controller 116 can convert commands from the voice conversion circuit 104 into control signals of appropriate formats according to different transmission protocols.

[0048] In some implementations, the controller can be an embedded controller (EC). Therefore, this solution is particularly suitable for electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and smart conferencing equipment.

[0049] In some implementations, the controller can be a Baseboard Manager Controller (BMC). Therefore, this solution is particularly suitable for platform management devices such as servers.

[0050] In some implementations, the memory 114 may also store an operating system. In some examples, the operating system may be stored in ROM. The voice interaction program can run in the normal operating state of the operating system. The normal operating state may refer to the full-function state of the operating system, such as the S0 state of the Windows operating system. The control signals may include at least one of the following: operating system startup signal, operating system wake-up signal, and voice interaction program startup signal. In some examples, the different control signals may be represented by codes, for example, the operating system startup signal, operating system wake-up signal, and voice interaction program startup signal may be represented by "0", "1", and "2", respectively.

[0051] CPU 112 can be further configured to perform corresponding operations based on control signals from controller 116.

[0052] In some implementations, CPU112 may be further configured to perform at least one of the following based on control signals: start the operating system, wake up the operating system, or start a voice interaction program.

[0053] In some implementations, the controller 116 may be further configured to send an instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit 104 in response to determining that the hardware takeover conditions are met. Optionally, if there are no other activated voice acquisition circuits directly or indirectly electrically connected to the voice conversion circuit 104, the controller 116 may also be further configured to send an instruction to activate the voice acquisition circuit 102 in response to determining that the hardware takeover conditions are met. In these implementations, the hardware takeover conditions may be preset, such as the voice interaction program exiting operation.

[0054] In some implementations, the memory 114 may also store an operating system. In some examples, the operating system may be stored in ROM. The voice interaction program may include an AI assistant program. The AI ​​assistant program may run in the normal operating state of the operating system. The memory 114 may contain a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The controller 116 may be further configured to determine that hardware takeover conditions are met in response to receiving a notification message from the BIOS indicating that the operating system will switch to an abnormal operating state. In some examples, the abnormal operating state may include, for example, a sleep state, a hibernation state, a modern standby state, a power-off state, etc.

[0055] In the above manner, when the main device, which includes a CPU, memory, etc., also includes a controller (such as an embedded controller, a baseboard management controller, etc.), the above functions can be achieved by making minor improvements to the controller without requiring further modifications to the CPU, memory, etc., making it easier to implement and maintain.

[0056] Figure 5 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the voice response device 100 may include a voice control chip 110, a controller 116, a CPU 112, and a memory 114. The controller 116 is electrically connected to both the voice control chip 110 and the CPU 112. The CPU 112 is electrically connected to both the memory 114 and the controller 116. In one example, the controller 116 and the voice control chip 110 may be connected via IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit Bus), UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), etc.

[0058] It should be noted that a detailed description of the voice control chip 110 can be found in the aforementioned text. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments, and the detailed descriptions of CPU 112, memory 114, and controller 116, can be found in the foregoing. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0059] Figure 6 A structural diagram of yet another example of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the voice response device 100 may include a voice control chip 110, a controller 116, a CPU 112, a memory 114, and an operation result presentation device 122. The controller 116 is electrically connected to the voice control chip 110, the CPU 112, and the operation result presentation device 122. The CPU 112 is electrically connected to the memory 114 and the controller 116. In one example, the controller 116 and the voice control chip 110 may be connected via IIC, UART, SPI, etc.

[0061] CPU112 in Figure 4 Based on the specific description of the embodiments, it can be further configured to send operation result information indicating the operation result to the controller 116 after performing the corresponding operation according to the command.

[0062] Controller 116 in Figure 4 Based on the specific description of the embodiments, it can be further configured to generate an operation result presentation instruction for the operation result presentation device according to the operation result information; and send the operation result presentation instruction to the operation result presentation device.

[0063] It should be noted that a detailed description of the voice control chip 110 can be found in the aforementioned text. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments, including the CPU 112, memory 114, controller 116, and operation result presentation device 122, can be found in the foregoing. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0064] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example application scenario of a voice response device 100 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0065] like Figure 7As shown, in one example, a user can say, "Hey, little X, turn this on for me." The microphone 102 in the voice response device 100 can capture the user's voice and send it to the voice control chip 110. The voice control chip 110 then converts the voice into a power-on signal and sends it to the embedded controller 116. The embedded controller 116 can then directly control the corresponding pin of the CPU 112 to a valid level, thus achieving power-on. In one example, after receiving a signal indicating normal operation from the CPU 112, the embedded controller 116 can send a signal indicating successful operation to the voice control chip 110. The voice control chip 110 can then play the voice message, "Power-on complete." In one example, the voice interaction program can run automatically after the operating system boots up. In another example, the voice interaction program can be started by a specified event of the embedded controller 116. At this time, the voice control chip 110 can play the voice message, "Power-on complete, voice interaction assistant at your service." In one example, once the voice interaction program is started, the embedded controller 116 can send a command to the voice control chip 110 to stop working, so that the voice control chip 110 can exit operation and the voice interaction program can take over the task of interacting with the user.

[0066] In one example, a user can say, "Hey, what's the weather like today?" The microphone 102 in the voice response device 100 can capture the user's voice and send it to the voice control chip 110. The voice control chip 110 then converts the voice into a response, "The AI ​​assistant is unable to provide service while the system is in sleep mode. Would you like to wake up the system?" and plays it. The user can then say, "Wake up the system." The microphone 102 in the voice response device 100 can capture the user's voice and send it to the voice control chip 110. The voice control chip 110 then converts the voice into an operating system wake-up signal and sends it to the embedded controller 116. The embedded controller 116 can then directly send an operating system wake-up signal to the CPU 112 to switch the CPU 112 to normal operating mode. In one example, once the operating system is woken up, the AI ​​assistant program can resume operation. In another example, the voice control chip 110 can also send the user's voice "What's the weather like today?" to the CPU 112 via the embedded controller 116, so that the CPU 112 can execute the AI ​​assistant program to respond to "What's the weather like today?". In one example, when the AI ​​assistant program resumes operation, the embedded controller 116 can send a command to the voice control chip 110 to stop working, so that the voice control chip 110 can exit operation and the AI ​​assistant program can complete the subsequent interaction with the user, such as playing "Today's weather is sunny, 30 degrees Celsius, please take precautions against sunburn".

[0067] In one example, when the user clicks the "Shut Down" button or says "Shut down" to the voice interaction program, the CPU 112 will stop working. Before stopping, the CPU 112 can send a command to the embedded controller 116 to activate the voice control chip 110. Afterward, the embedded controller 116 can directly control the level of the corresponding pin of the voice control chip 110 to an active level, thus putting the voice control chip 110 into operation. At this time, after the main device, including the CPU and memory, stops working, the voice control chip 110 can take over the task of voice interaction with the user.

[0068] In one example, the aforementioned functions can be achieved at low cost and high quality by simply adding a microphone 102 and a voice control chip 110 to the existing hardware circuitry of electronic devices such as laptops and tablets, which already includes a CPU 112, a memory 114, and an embedded controller 116. In another example, the electronic device can be a server, and accordingly, the embedded controller 116 can be replaced with a baseboard management controller 116.

[0069] In one example, the voice control chip 110 can also be replaced by the aforementioned voice acquisition circuit 102, voice conversion circuit 104, voice synthesis circuit 106, audio output circuit 108, etc.

[0070] In one example, the voice played by the voice control chip 110 can also be replaced by the aforementioned activation or flashing of indicator lights, text, patterns or images displayed on the screen, or prompts or music clips from the player. In another example, the voice control chip 110 can also simultaneously display the aforementioned activation or flashing of indicator lights, text, patterns or images displayed on the screen, or prompts or music clips from the player, in addition to the voice played by the voice control chip 110.

[0071] It should be understood that the embodiments in this specification are not limited to the exemplary scenarios described above, but can also be applied to any variation of these exemplary scenarios and any other applicable scenarios.

[0072] Figure 8 A structural diagram of an example of a computer device 120 according to an embodiment of this specification is shown. The computer device 120 may be, for example, a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.), a server, etc.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, computer device 120 may include voice response device 100, motherboard 122 and I / O device 124.

[0074] The motherboard 122 can be used to carry the voice response device 100 and provide electrical connections between circuits.

[0075] I / O device 124 can be used for data interaction.

[0076] It should be noted that a detailed description of the voice response device 100 can be found in the foregoing. Figures 1-7 The relevant descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0077] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a voice response device and a computer device. The voice response device may include: a voice acquisition circuit; a voice conversion circuit electrically connected to the voice acquisition circuit and configured to convert the voice acquired by the voice acquisition circuit into corresponding commands during operation; and a CPU and a memory, the CPU being electrically connected to both the voice conversion circuit and the memory, the memory storing a voice interaction program, and the CPU executing corresponding operations according to the command when the command is issued to the CPU.

[0078] In one implementation, the command may include a command instructing the activation of the voice interaction program.

[0079] In one implementation, the CPU may be further configured to: in response to the voice interaction program being running, send an instruction to shut down the voice conversion circuit.

[0080] In one implementation, the CPU may be further configured to send an instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit before ceasing operation.

[0081] In one implementation, the voice response device may further include: an operation result presentation device electrically connected to the CPU; the CPU is further configured to generate an operation result presentation instruction for the operation result presentation device after performing a corresponding operation according to the command; and to send the operation result presentation instruction to the operation result presentation device; the operation result presentation device is configured to present the operation result for the voice according to the operation result presentation instruction.

[0082] In one implementation, the corresponding command may include a corresponding response text, and the voice response device may further include: a voice synthesis circuit electrically connected to the voice conversion circuit and configured to convert the response text into a corresponding voice signal; and an audio output circuit electrically connected to the voice synthesis circuit and configured to output the voice signal.

[0083] In one implementation, the CPU may be further configured to: send an operation result signal to the speech conversion circuit after performing a corresponding operation according to the command; and the speech conversion circuit may be further configured to: generate a corresponding response text according to the operation result signal during operation.

[0084] In one implementation, at least one of the voice acquisition circuit, the voice conversion circuit, the audio output circuit, and the voice synthesis circuit can be integrated into a voice control chip.

[0085] In one implementation, the voice control chip may include an MPU.

[0086] In one implementation, the voice response device may further include a controller electrically connected to both the voice conversion circuit and the CPU, and configured to send a control signal to the CPU according to the command; and the CPU is further configured to perform a corresponding operation according to the control signal.

[0087] In one implementation, the controller may include an embedded controller.

[0088] In one implementation, the controller may include a baseboard management controller.

[0089] In one implementation, the memory may also store an operating system, and the voice interaction program runs in the normal operating state of the operating system. The control signal may include at least one of the following: an operating system startup signal, an operating system wake-up signal, and a voice interaction program startup signal. The CPU may be further configured to perform at least one of the following according to the control signal: start the operating system, wake up the operating system, and start the voice interaction program.

[0090] In one implementation, the controller may be further configured to: in response to determining that hardware takeover conditions are met, send an instruction to activate the voice conversion circuit.

[0091] In one implementation, the memory may also store an operating system, the voice interaction program may include an AI assistant program, the AI ​​assistant program may run in the normal working state of the operating system, the memory may have a BIOS, and the controller may be further configured to: determine that the hardware takeover conditions are met in response to receiving a notification message sent by the BIOS indicating that the operating system will switch to an abnormal working state.

[0092] In one implementation, the voice response device may further include: an operation result presentation device electrically connected to the controller; the CPU is further configured to send operation result information to the controller after performing a corresponding operation according to the command; the controller is further configured to generate an operation result presentation instruction for the operation result presentation device according to the operation result information; and send the operation result presentation instruction to the operation result presentation device; the operation result presentation device is configured to present the operation result for the voice according to the operation result presentation instruction.

[0093] The computer device may include: a voice response device as described above; a motherboard for carrying the voice response device and providing electrical connections; and I / O devices.

[0094] The foregoing describes specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. Not all units in the above structural diagrams are necessary; some units may be omitted as needed. The structures described in the above embodiments can be physical or logical structures; that is, some units may be implemented by the same physical entity, or some units may be implemented by multiple physical entities, or they may be jointly implemented by certain components in multiple independent devices.

[0095] The term "exemplary" as used throughout this specification means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not imply that it is "preferred" or "advantageous" over other embodiments. Detailed descriptions are included for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these detailed descriptions. In some instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments.

[0096] The optional embodiments of the present specification have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present specification are not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the embodiments of the present specification, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present specification, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present specification.

[0097] The foregoing description of this specification is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement or use the content of this specification. Various modifications to the content of this specification will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of protection of this specification. Therefore, this specification is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is consistent with the widest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A voice response device, characterized in that, include: Voice acquisition circuit; A voice conversion circuit, electrically connected to the voice acquisition circuit, and configured to convert the voice acquired by the voice acquisition circuit into corresponding commands during operation, the commands including any one of the following: a power-on command, an operating system wake-up command, or a command instructing the start of a voice interaction program; as well as The system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The CPU is electrically connected to both the voice conversion circuit and the memory. The memory stores the voice interaction program. When a command is sent from the voice conversion circuit to the CPU, the CPU executes the corresponding operation based on the command. The voice conversion circuit is further connected to the power rail so that it can replace the voice interaction program to provide voice responses when the CPU is not working.

2. The voice response device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The command includes a command to initiate the voice interaction program, and the CPU initiates the voice interaction program according to the command issued by the voice conversion circuit.

3. The voice response device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The CPU is further configured to send a valid signal to a designated pin of the voice conversion circuit before ceasing operation, thereby activating the voice conversion circuit.

4. The voice response device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first operation result presentation device is electrically connected to the CPU. The device for presenting the first operation result includes at least one of the following: an indicator light, a display screen, and an audio playback device.

5. The voice response device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The corresponding command includes the corresponding response text. The voice response device also includes: A speech synthesis circuit, electrically connected to the speech conversion circuit, and configured to convert the response text from the speech conversion circuit into a corresponding speech signal; and An audio output circuit, which is electrically connected to the speech synthesis circuit and configured to output the speech signal.

6. The voice response device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the voice acquisition circuit, the voice conversion circuit, the audio output circuit, and the voice synthesis circuit is integrated into the voice control chip.

7. The voice response device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The voice control chip includes a microprocessor (MPU).

8. The voice response device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 7, characterized in that, The voice response device further includes a controller electrically connected to both the voice conversion circuit and the CPU, and configured to send control signals to the CPU according to commands from the voice conversion circuit. The CPU is further configured to perform corresponding operations based on the control signal.

9. The voice response device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The controller includes an embedded controller.

10. The voice response device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The controller includes a baseboard management controller.

11. The voice response device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The memory also stores an operating system, and the voice interaction program runs in the normal operating system state. The control signals include at least one of the following: operating system startup signal, operating system wake-up signal, and voice interaction program startup signal. The CPU is further configured as follows: Perform at least one of the following actions based on the control signal: start the operating system, wake up the operating system, or start the voice interaction program.

12. The voice response device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The second operation result presentation device is electrically connected to the controller. The second operation result presentation device includes at least one of the following: indicator light, display screen, and audio playback device.

13. A computer device, characterized in that, include: The voice response device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; The motherboard is used to carry the voice response device and provide electrical connections; as well as Input / output I / O devices.

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