Digital Assistant Arbitrator for Group Device Command Clustering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple devices integrated with digital assistants, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently processing verbal commands and maintaining user privacy, as multiple devices often respond to commands and privacy intentions are not adequately considered.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for clustering devices based on physical proximity and user events, where an arbitrator device is designated to process and respond to verbal commands, determining the intent and privacy level of the command to selectively respond across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple devices respond to verbal commands in a group device environment, then the system provides comprehensive coverage and responsiveness, but processing costs and network traffic increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device group into clusters with designated arbitrator devices. Each cluster handles commands independently, so not all devices process every command. This segmentation reduces redundant processing while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the clustered architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The arbitrator device acts as an intermediary between cluster members and the digital assistant service. It receives, processes, and forwards only necessary commands, filtering out redundant processing requests. This intermediary role significantly reduces network traffic and processing costs while maintaining system responsiveness.
2Speed
If multiple devices process verbal commands independently, then each device can respond immediately, but privacy intentions are not adequately protected
Solution Approach 1:
The arbitrator device serves as a privacy-protecting intermediary that receives commands from cluster members and determines appropriate response distribution. It evaluates privacy intentions and controls which devices receive and display responses, preventing unauthorized information leakage while maintaining quick response times through efficient command routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different devices in the cluster to have different access rights and response capabilities based on their roles and the command's privacy requirements. Not all devices process or display all commands equally - each device's involvement is tailored to its function and the specific command's privacy needs.
3Reliability
If all devices in a group process every verbal command, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but device complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments devices into clusters with hierarchical roles (arbitrator and member devices). This segmentation simplifies coordination by creating clear boundaries and responsibilities - arbitrators handle command routing while members focus on local execution, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The arbitrator device performs multiple functions: receiving commands from cluster members, processing commands locally, routing commands to the digital assistant service, and managing privacy controls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate coordination mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring comprehensive command coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
In non-limiting examples of the present disclosure, systems, methods and devices for executing a command by a digital assistant in a group device environment are presented. A plurality of devices with digital assistants may be clustered for the duration of an event. One of the devices of the cluster may be assigned as an arbitrator device for the cluster. A user may issue a verbal command executable by a digital assistant of the cluster. The user that issued the verbal command may be identified via voice analysis. A determination may be made as to whether the verbal command corresponds to an intent to share content with a plurality of members of the cluster, or a specific member of the cluster, and a device of the cluster may be selected for executing a reply to the verbal command based on the determined intent and the executing device's presentation capabilities.