Auxiliary Device Role Switching During Assistant Interactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactions with automated assistants can be interrupted due to varying device reliability, leading to inefficient resource usage and duplication of commands when switching devices, particularly in wearable peripherals with limited resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic communication hierarchy among auxiliary devices, where one device is designated as primary and another as secondary, with a device engine managing roles to optimize battery life and adapt to environmental changes, submitting role change requests to balance consumption and maintain interaction continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wearable peripheral device is used to interact with the automated assistant, then portability and convenience are improved, but signal strength reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator device (such as a smartphone or tablet) that acts as an intermediary between the wearable peripheral device and the automated assistant. When the wearable device experiences signal strength issues or resource limitations, the mediator device takes over the interaction, ensuring continuous and reliable communication with the automated assistant without requiring the user to manually switch devices.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the automated assistant is re-invoked on a different device to complete an interrupted interaction, then interaction continuity is maintained, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the system proactively detect when a wearable device's resources are becoming limited or signal strength is declining. Before the interaction is fully interrupted, the system initiates a handoff to a mediator device, transferring the conversation context and state. This prevents complete interruption and avoids the need for full re-invocation, thereby conserving resources while maintaining continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors resource levels and signal strength of the wearable device during the interaction. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically determines when to initiate a handoff to the mediator device. This feedback mechanism ensures that the transition occurs at the optimal moment, maintaining interaction stability while minimizing resource waste from premature or unnecessary device switching.
3Reliability
If users manually select devices for assistant interactions, then device suitability can be optimized, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically manage device selection and interaction routing without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously monitors device conditions, determines the most suitable device for continued interaction, and executes the handoff process. This eliminates the need for users to manually select devices, saving their time and effort while maintaining optimal device suitability through automated decision-making based on real-time device status.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implementations relate to role change requests that can be delayed and/or implemented according to circumstances associated with an interaction between a user and an automated assistant. A role change request can cause a designation of auxiliary devices (e.g., earbuds) to be changed, and at least cause a different auxiliary device to be tasked with directly communicating with a principal device (e.g., a cellular phone). For instance, when an auxiliary device is requesting a role change request during an assistant interaction, an operating system of the principal device can identify factors that form the basis for determining whether to immediately implement the role change request or, instead, to delay or refuse implementation of the role change request. When the factors indicate that the role change request is not particularly urgent, the operating system can cause the role change request to be delayed until the assistant interaction is complete.