Embedded Voice Control Module for Customizable Command Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embedded voice control systems for environmental control devices, such as lighting and HVAC, are static and limited in adaptability to individual user preferences, requiring constant cloud connectivity and lacking the ability to customize vocal command sets without network communication.
Innovation Solution
A control module with a microphone, audio processor, and data processor that can identify users and dynamically change vocal command sets based on user identity, allowing for customization of recognized commands without requiring network communication, using a voice response software and customization software to configure the module to recognize and respond to different vocal commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based voice processing services are used, then advanced voice processing capability and adaptability to user preferences are improved, but network connectivity requirement and subscription cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voice processing system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in cloud-connected mode for advanced processing and in offline mode for basic commands. The controller serves both as a local embedded system and as a networked device, making the system universal and adaptable to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between cloud-based and embedded voice processing based on network availability and user needs. The voice command set can be dynamically updated and customized without requiring permanent network connectivity, allowing the system to adapt its processing capability to current conditions.
2Device complexity
If embedded voice control with static firmware is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but adaptability to different users and command variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The voice processing functionality is segmented into separate components: the embedded controller handles basic voice recognition and execution, while voice command profiles and customization data are stored separately in memory or on external storage. This allows the core embedded system to remain simple while enabling advanced functionality through add-on components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes to voice command parameters such as recognized words, phoneme templates, and command mappings without modifying the underlying firmware. These parameters can be customized for different users and applications, providing flexibility while maintaining a simple embedded processing core.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complete firmware update is performed to change voice commands, then command set can be modified, but processing time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
Voice command profiles, recognition data, and customization parameters are prepared and stored in advance in memory or external storage. When customization is needed, the system loads the pre-prepared data without requiring firmware reprogramming, significantly reducing the time required to change command sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice command data and recognition templates are extracted from the firmware and stored separately in modifiable memory. This allows the command set to be changed by loading new data without touching the firmware, enabling rapid customization without system downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A control module, for lighting or other environmental control or the like has embedded voice responsive control capability. The recognizable command set supported by the control module is customizable. Software for a data processor configures the control module to identify a user in the vicinity of the control module and change voice response software based at least in part on identity of the user. The changed voice response software configures the control module, to recognize a customized set of vocal commands, e.g. associated with the identified user, in response to speech detected via a microphone and an audio processor of the control module, without requiring network communication. The control module issues control signals to equipment controlled by the module that correspond to the recognized commands of the customized vocal command set.