External Voice Control Module for Retrofitted Audio Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice control solutions require integration during manufacturing and cannot be retrofitted, leading to unnecessary hardware and complexity, as well as suboptimal microphone placement due to fixed locations, which is costly and burdensome for users who do not desire voice control functionality.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone electronic device with a processor, audio input interface, communication interfaces, and an audio encoder that can be externally added to devices to provide voice control functionality, allowing for flexible microphone placement and software upgrades without structural modifications, using industry standard connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voice control module is integrated into the device during manufacturing, then voice control functionality is built-in, but the device form factor increases and hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voice control functionality is segmented into a separate external device rather than being integrated into the source device. The external voice control device includes its own processor, audio input interface, and communication interface, allowing the source device to remain simple while gaining voice control capabilities through external connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The external voice control device serves multiple functions: it processes voice commands, communicates with the source device, and can potentially control multiple different source devices. This universal approach allows voice control functionality to be shared across different devices without each device needing its own integrated voice control module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voice control module is integrated into the device during manufacturing, then voice control functionality is built-in, but the device cannot be retrofitted with voice control
Solution Approach 1:
The source device is prepared in advance with the necessary communication interfaces and software support to receive and process voice control commands from external devices. This preliminary setup during manufacturing allows the device to be retrofitted with voice control functionality later without requiring structural modifications.
3Device complexity
If microphone is positioned at fixed location integrated with device, then device structure is simplified, but acoustic performance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone and audio input interface are extracted from the source device and placed in a separate external voice control device. This extraction allows the microphone to be positioned independently at locations optimized for acoustic performance, such as near the user's speaking position, without being constrained by the source device's physical location.
4Adaptability or versatility
If voice control functionality is added to all devices, then all devices have voice control capability, but cost increases for users who do not desire voice control
Solution Approach 1:
The voice control functionality is merged into a separate external device that can be shared among multiple source devices. Instead of each device having its own voice control hardware, a single external voice control device can service multiple devices, reducing the total quantity of hardware needed while maintaining voice control capability across the system.
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 cost-effective and efficient addition of voice control to devices, optimizing microphone placement and allowing for retroactive installation, reducing unnecessary hardware and complexity while accommodating user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
receive, by the audio input interface, an audio signal corresponding to a voice command from a transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, a system, a method, and a program for externally adding voice control functionality to another device are disclosed. The electronic device includes memory, a processor, an audio input interface, a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and an audio encoder. First return audio data is received by the first communication interface from a sink device. An audio signal corresponding to a voice command is received by the audio input interface from a transducer. The audio signal is encoded by the audio encoder to obtain second return audio data. The second return audio data is output by the second communication interface to a source device. The second return audio data is encoded by an audio encoder of the source device to obtain control data. A function of the source device is controlled based on the control data.