Far-field Digital Assistant Service Extension via Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital assistant systems require direct user interaction and proximity to the electronic device, limiting their functionality and convenience, especially due to device capability limitations and the need for users to be in close proximity for speech input and response.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows digital assistant services to be extended across multiple devices, enabling users to receive responses from either locally or remotely located devices based on user identity and device capabilities, thereby enhancing user interaction and mitigating device limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital assistant services are provided using a single electronic device, then device capability requirements are met, but user accessibility is limited by proximity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital assistant service into multiple independent components distributed across different electronic devices. Each device can independently provide or receive service components, allowing users to access the digital assistant from various locations without requiring proximity to a single device. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by improving accessibility while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal digital assistant service that can be accessed through multiple types of electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, smart speakers). The service architecture allows any device to function as both a service provider and a service receiver, creating multi-functionality that improves user accessibility without requiring users to be proximate to a specific device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital assistant services are extended to multiple devices, then user accessibility is improved, but device capability limitations persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service extension mechanism that acts as an intermediary between users and electronic devices with limited capabilities. When a user accesses the digital assistant through a device with limitations, the service extension automatically routes requests to appropriate devices or services that can fulfill the request, ensuring consistent service delivery across different device capabilities while maintaining adaptability to various hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts service parameters based on the capabilities of the accessing device. The system evaluates device characteristics (processing power, memory, network connectivity) and modifies service delivery parameters accordingly, allowing the digital assistant to maintain reliability across diverse devices by adapting its operation to match each device's specific capabilities rather than requiring uniform hardware specifications.
3Ease of operation
If users must be in close proximity to the electronic device for speech input, then speech recognition accuracy is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces service extension devices as intermediaries that can receive and process speech inputs from users at a distance. These intermediary devices capture speech signals and relay them to the digital assistant service, allowing users to interact with the system from remote locations while maintaining speech recognition accuracy through the intermediary's proximity to the user rather than requiring proximity to the main processing device.
4Productivity
If digital assistant services are provided across multiple devices, then service availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service architecture where the digital assistant service automatically manages its own distribution and coordination across multiple devices. The service extension mechanism autonomously determines which devices should receive or provide service components based on user location, device capabilities, and current service demands, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or centralized control while maintaining high service availability across the distributed system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant to provide extension of digital assistant services are provided. An example method includes, at an electronic device having one or more processors, receiving, from a first user, a first speech input representing a user request. The method further includes obtaining an identity of the first user; and in accordance with the user identity, providing a representation of the user request to at least one of a second electronic device or a third electronic device. The method further includes receiving, based on a determination of whether the second electronic device or the third electronic device, or both, is to provide the response to the first electronic device, the response to the user request from the second electronic device or the third electronic device. The method further includes providing a representation of the response to the first user.