Distributed Voice Assistance for Proximity-Free IoT Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice assistance systems require Internet of Things devices to be in proximity to an assistant device for beacon signal transmission, which can alter the existing architecture and are not easily configurable.
Innovation Solution
A voice assistance system with independent device connection from location, using existing domestic infrastructure sensors and wireless communication, allowing voice activation without altering the existing architecture, and featuring a central housing with satellite modules for distributed command processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Internet of Things devices are arranged in proximity to the assistant device for beacon signal transmission, then device connection and configuration is enabled, but the existing home architecture is altered and aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces existing sensors in the home environment as intermediaries to enable device connection without physical proximity requirements. These sensors act as mediators that relay information between IoT devices and the assistant device, allowing configuration while maintaining aesthetic home architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/proximity-based beacon signal transmission system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical proximity for wireless communication, the system uses existing sensors to detect and identify devices, eliminating the need for proximity arrangement while preserving home aesthetics.
2Ease of operation
If Internet of Things devices are arranged in proximity to the assistant device for beacon signal transmission, then device connection is enabled, but configuration becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service configuration by allowing the system to automatically detect, identify, and configure IoT devices using existing sensors. The assistant device autonomously performs device discovery and configuration without requiring complex manual setup or proximity arrangement, simplifying the configuration process while maintaining connection capability.
3Ease of operation
If distributed command processing is implemented with satellite modules, then user interaction is enhanced and configuration is simplified, but device architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assistant device into a central unit and multiple satellite modules distributed throughout the home. Each satellite module can independently process commands and interact with users, distributing the computational load and enabling easier configuration. The segmentation allows the system to scale and adapt to different home layouts without requiring complex centralized processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy configuration and aesthetic integration of voice-activated home automation without requiring proximity to assistant devices, maintaining the existing home layout and enhancing user interaction through distributed command processing.
Implementation Method 1
receive an audio input of at least one user from a microphone
Implementation Method 2
transmit a wireless signal to at least one smart device, the wireless signal including a request for information about the smart device
Data Source
AI summary
A voice assistance system is described, comprising a microphone, a processor with memory instructions configured to receive an audio input of at least one user from the microphone to identify at least one object associated with a symbol of a database, determine the preferred language associated with the symbol, transmit a wireless signal to at least one smart device, this smart device being able to interact with an object associated with a database symbol, either through a signal managed by an infrared ray activation module, and by means of a signal managed by an activation module housed in electrical derivation boxes, a power transistor providing to drive a classic relay connected to the object associated with the database symbol, such system comprising at least one further microphone, at least one further processor with memory instructions configured to receive an input put audio, and an additional loudspeaker.