Decoupled Security Accessory for Always-Listening Assistant Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 'always listening' devices are limited in their ability to continuously process user inputs without manual activation, are vulnerable to hacking, and lack secure control over microphone functionality, leading to concerns about user privacy and security.
Innovation Solution
An always-listening-capable decoupled accessory with a communication module, processor, and gate-keeping module that enables secure, continuous data processing by isolating the 'always listening' function locally, preventing external data access and hacking, and allowing unhackable voice control over the device's listening mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices use wake up words to trigger listening, then speech data security is improved, but the devices cannot continuously process multiple commands or queries
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the listening function into two distinct modes: a wake-up word listening mode for security-conscious users, and a continuous listening mode for seamless multi-command processing. The gate-keeping module segments control authority between user-initiated activation and continuous operation, allowing each mode to optimize for its specific purpose without compromise
2Ease of operation
If a physical button is used to control microphone, then user control over listening is improved, but voice-only control convenience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button control system with a voice-based control system. Users can issue voice commands to enable or disable the always-listening function, eliminating the need for physical interaction. The gate-keeping module processes voice commands and translates them into control signals for the microphone array, maintaining full user control while preserving voice-only operation convenience
3Ease of operation
If software control is used for always listening, then ease of operation is improved, but security against hacking is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gate-keeping module as an intermediary layer between the software control system and the microphone array. This dedicated hardware module acts as a security barrier that cannot be compromised by software vulnerabilities or remote hacking attempts. The gate-keeping module receives authenticated voice commands and physically controls the microphone enable/disable state, creating a security architecture where software convenience is maintained while hardware-level protection prevents unauthorized access
4Loss of information
If wake up words are used, then privacy protection is improved, but the device cannot intuitively follow series of commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic listening modes that can switch between wake-up word triggered operation and continuous listening based on user needs. The gate-keeping module dynamically adjusts the microphone array's operational state, enabling continuous processing of command sequences when in always-listening mode, while maintaining privacy protection through wake-up word filtering when in selective listening mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for either privacy or productivity depending on the situation
Data Source
AI summary
An always-listening-capable decoupled accessory for a computing device is disclosed. The accessory comprises an electronic sensor, configured to record user input comprising an utterance or gesture, and a gatekeeping module implemented by a processor, wherein all data received by the communications module based on data from the first electronic sensor passes through the gatekeeping module while a gatekeeping function is disabled, wherein no data based on data from the first electronic sensor passes through the communications module while the gatekeeping function is enabled, wherein all data input to the gatekeeping module is received via an exclusive input lead from the first electronic sensor, and wherein all data output from the gatekeeping module is transmitted via an exclusive output lead to a component other than the first electronic sensor. The processor determines that user input comprises a first input content and in response automatically transmits a message to the computing device.