Virtual Assistant Session Dismissal Using User Attention Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital assistants consume significant battery power and processing resources, necessitating efficient management to conserve energy and improve user interaction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system determines user engagement with the virtual assistant session using sensors, allowing intelligent decision-making to deactivate or delay deactivation, thereby conserving battery and processing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the virtual assistant session is kept active to ensure quick response to user input, then user interaction efficiency is improved, but battery power and processing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of the virtual assistant session based on real-time user engagement detection. Sensors continuously monitor user presence and interaction status, and the system transitions between active and deactivated states accordingly, optimizing both responsiveness and energy efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If the virtual assistant session is deactivated to save battery power, then energy consumption is reduced, but user input may be delayed or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously detect user engagement status and provide real-time information to the session management system. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about session activation, ensuring the session is active when the user is present and engaged, and deactivated when the user is absent or disengaged
3Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect user engagement for intelligent session management, then decision-making accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing multi-functional sensors already present in modern devices for purposes such as camera autofocus, ambient light detection, and proximity sensing. By repurposing these sensors for user engagement detection in virtual assistant sessions, the system achieves accurate measurement without significantly increasing device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant are provided. An example process includes initiating a virtual assistant session responsive to receiving user input. In accordance with initiating the virtual assistant session, the process includes determining, based on data obtained using one or more sensors of the electronic device, whether one or more criteria representing expressed user disinterest are satisfied. In accordance with determining that the one or more criteria representing expressed user disinterest are satisfied prior to a first time, the process includes automatically deactivating the virtual assistant session prior to the first time. The first time is defined by a setting of the electronic device. In accordance with determining that the one or more criteria representing expressed user disinterest are not satisfied prior to the first time, the process includes automatically deactivating the virtual assistant session at the first time.