Dynamic Wake Word Assignment for Proximity Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where multiple communication devices with similar wake words are in close proximity, a wake word intended for one device can inadvertently trigger another device, leading to unintended activation, especially in noisy or specific incident contexts where unique wake words are necessary to avoid confusion and background noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a server and communication devices equipped with processors to determine contextual information at an incident scene, calculate phonetic distances between potential wake words, and assign unique wake words to each device based on these calculations to prevent cross-activation, using a method that considers ambient noise, user preferences, and incident-specific vernacular to select words with sufficient phonetic distance and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple communication devices use the same wake word, then device simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to unintended activation of nearby devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different wake words to different communication devices based on their local context and identification. Each device receives a unique wake word assignment from the server, creating local differentiation while maintaining overall system functionality. This resolves the contradiction by allowing simple wake word operation at each device level while ensuring reliability through unique assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake word assignment is dynamic rather than static. The server can reassign wake words based on changing conditions such as device proximity, environmental noise characteristics, and incident context. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability while preserving operational simplicity, as users continue to use simple wake words but the system adapts assignments to prevent cross-activation.
2Device complexity
If wake words are selected without considering phonetic distance, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to similar-sounding wake words causing cross-activation
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary phonetic analysis and wake word assignment before devices are deployed to the field. By calculating phonetic distances and selecting appropriate wake words in advance, the system ensures reliable distinction without requiring complex real-time processing at each device. This preliminary action maintains low device complexity while ensuring high reliability through pre-optimized wake word selection.
3Reliability
If wake words are assigned dynamically based on contextual information, then reliability is improved by reducing cross-activation, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that performs all complex contextual analysis and wake word selection. Communication devices simply receive wake word assignments from the server without needing to perform complex phonetic calculations or contextual analysis themselves. This intermediary approach maintains high reliability through sophisticated processing while keeping individual device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical wake word differentiation with a networked information system. Instead of relying on hardware differences or complex local processing, the system uses server-based assignment and distribution of wake word information. This substitution achieves reliable wake word distinction without requiring complex mechanical or processing capabilities at each device.
4Reliability
If phonetic distance calculations are performed for all wake word pairs, then wake word distinction is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive computational analysis
Solution Approach 1:
Phonetic distance calculations and wake word compatibility analysis are performed in advance before devices need wake words. The server maintains pre-computed phonetic distance matrices and uses these pre-prepared data structures to quickly assign wake words when needed. This preliminary computation reduces real-time processing time while maintaining thorough phonetic analysis for reliable wake word separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) and apparatus for determining a unique wake word for devices within an incident. One system includes an electronic computing device comprising a transceiver and an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The electronic processor is configured to receive a notification indicative of an occurrence of an incident and one or more communication devices (105) present at the incident, determine contextual information associated with the incident and the one or more communication devices (105), and identify one or more wake words based on the contextual information. The electronic processor is further configured to determine a phonetic distance for each pair of wake words included in the one or more wake words, and select a unique wake word from the one or more wake words for each communication device (105) of the one or more communication devices (105) based on the determined phonetic distance.