Cross-Device Virtual Assistant State Transfer via Cloud Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces require redundant user inputs and cognitive burden when transitioning between devices, as they lack seamless continuity in application and content synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A digital assistant system with client-server architecture allows for automatic application launch and content continuity across devices by using a proxy device with enhanced capabilities to process user requests and provide synchronized output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user transitions from one device to another using conventional techniques, then the user can access information on a different device, but the user must repeat the request and experience cognitive discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the current application state, active URL, and content metadata before the user switches devices. This pre-extraction of state information enables the remote device to automatically restore the exact state without requiring the user to repeat any actions or re-enter information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary service that mediates between devices. The intermediary captures application state data from the first device, stores it temporarily, and delivers it to the second device, enabling seamless state transfer without direct peer-to-peer communication requirements.
2Speed
If a user uses a highly-accessible device for virtual assistant queries, then the user can quickly access information, but the output may be too lengthy or complex for easy viewing on small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the information delivery by separating the quick virtual assistant response (which provides summaries or key information) from the detailed content viewing. The detailed content, such as complete movie showtimes or full article text, is accessed through the browser interface on larger displays, dividing the information consumption into two distinct phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-device, single-interface interaction to a multi-device, multi-interface approach. The virtual assistant operates on the mobile device with quick responses, while the detailed content is accessed through a browser interface on a larger display device, adding the dimension of display size and interface type to the information delivery model.
3Ease of operation
If the system maintains detailed application state and content continuity across devices, then seamless transitions are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based intermediary serves as a centralized mediator that handles all state capture, storage, and delivery operations. This intermediary approach consolidates the complexity into a dedicated service layer, keeping the client devices relatively simple while providing sophisticated state management capabilities through the intermediary infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
At a first electronic device with a display and a microphone, receiving audio input via the microphone, wherein the audio input comprises a request; sending data representing the request to a service; receiving a token from the service, wherein the token permits lookup, from the service, of at least one of: the request, and result responsive to the request; and sending the token to a second electronic device external to the first electronic device.