Virtual Assistant Task Caching for Faster Low-Battery Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for executing tasks with virtual assistants, whether client-side or server-side, suffer from inefficiencies that lead to slow task execution speeds and increased cognitive burden on users, particularly in battery-operated devices, due to chronic or intermittent limitations in client-server connections.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a distributed personal assistant system with a client-side and server-side component architecture that optimizes task execution by reducing redundant user inputs and conserving processor and battery power, utilizing a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to execute instructions for faster and more efficient task completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If tasks are executed locally on the electronic device, then response time and user experience are improved, but device battery life and processing capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments tasks into different categories based on their performance characteristics. Frequently executed tasks are identified and separated from other tasks, allowing them to be cached locally for fast execution while other tasks can be processed remotely or on-demand, thus balancing local processing speed with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by identifying frequently executed tasks in advance and caching their executable code locally on the device. This preliminary caching operation enables these tasks to be executed quickly when needed without consuming battery power during actual execution, as the code is already prepared and stored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If tasks are executed locally on the electronic device, then response time is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidprocessing capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by caching only the most frequently executed tasks locally rather than all possible tasks. This selective approach provides the speed benefits of local execution for critical tasks while avoiding the complexity and resource requirements of maintaining all task code locally, thus achieving a balanced solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If tasks are executed remotely, then device battery life is extended, but response time and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by providing different execution locations for different tasks based on their specific characteristics. Frequently executed tasks are cached and executed locally on the device for fast response, while less frequent tasks can be executed remotely. This differentiated approach optimizes both battery life and response time for different task types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4354840B1Distributed personal assistant
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 APPLE INC
  • EP4354840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4354840B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4354840B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An exemplary method for using a virtual assistant may include, at an electronic device configured to transmit and receive data, receiving a user request for a service from a virtual assistant; determining at least one task to perform in response to the user request; estimating at least one performance characteristic for completion of the at least one task with the electronic device, based on at least one heuristic; based on the estimating, determining whether to execute the at least one task at the electronic device; in accordance with a determination to execute the at least one task at the electronic device, causing the execution of the at least one task at the electronic device; in accordance with a determination to execute the at least one task outside the electronic device: generating executable code for carrying out the least one task; and transmitting the executable code from the electronic device.