Conferencing System Virtual Assistant Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conferencing systems face challenges in optimizing audio capture and reproduction due to the integration of virtual assistant systems and the complexity of configuring and controlling devices, especially in environments where participants are distant from the virtual assistant devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of virtual assistant systems with conferencing systems using artificial intelligence algorithms to process signals from voice commands, environmental characteristics, and conferencing session characteristics, allowing for the determination and control of device parameters such as microphone beam direction and loudspeaker volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone virtual assistant device is placed in a large conference room, then the virtual assistant can be accessed for obtaining information and controlling devices, but the device cannot optimally detect voice commands from far away people and the audio and visual feedback is difficult for far away people to discern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the virtual assistant system with the conferencing system by integrating the virtual assistant electronic device into the existing conferencing infrastructure. The conferencing device's microphones and speakers are utilized for voice command detection and audio feedback, respectively, creating a unified system that leverages the conferencing device's superior audio capabilities across the entire conference room environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The conferencing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a conferencing system for audio capture and reproduction, and as a virtual assistant system for processing voice commands. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate standalone virtual assistant device while maintaining virtual assistant capabilities throughout the conference room.
2Measurement precision
If a virtual assistant device is integrated into the conferencing system, then voice command detection and audio feedback are improved throughout the environment, but the system complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the virtual assistant system with the conferencing system, the patent reduces the number of separate devices and interfaces users must configure. The integration allows the virtual assistant to leverage the conferencing device's existing microphones, speakers, and processing capabilities, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically routes audio signals between the conferencing device and virtual assistant system without requiring manual configuration for each interaction scenario. The processor intelligently manages audio routing, enabling the virtual assistant to utilize the conferencing microphones and speakers automatically, which reduces configuration complexity for users.
3Productivity
If the conferencing system processes audio signals from multiple sources including virtual assistant feedback, then the audio quality and functionality are enhanced, but the signal processing complexity and potential for unwanted feedback increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor monitors audio signals from multiple sources including the virtual assistant system and conferencing microphones. This feedback loop enables the system to manage audio routing dynamically, ensuring that virtual assistant audio feedback is properly directed to participants while preventing unwanted feedback loops and managing signal processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that manages audio signal routing between the virtual assistant system, conferencing microphones, and speakers. It mediates the interaction between these components, determining which audio sources should be captured, processed, and reproduced, thereby simplifying the overall signal processing architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote participants can interact with the virtual assistant system, then the system versatility is improved, but the risk of inadvertent wake word activation and undesired operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing qualities to audio from different sources. Audio from local participants is processed with full virtual assistant interaction capabilities, while audio from remote participants is processed with additional verification or contextual analysis to prevent inadvertent activation. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain high reliability while still enabling remote interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Conferencing system and methods for facilitating conferencing sessions in an environment using virtual assistant systems and artificial intelligence algorithms are disclosed. Virtual assistant systems may be integrated into devices of the conferencing system in order to enable higher quality experiences with the virtual assistant by providing improved audio and visual feedback. The conferencing system can provide improved control, configuration, and interaction with the devices of the conferencing system through use of artificial intelligence algorithm that processes voice commands and characteristics of the environment and conferencing sessions, which can result in better system performance and increased user satisfaction.