HVAC Voice Control via Duplex Server Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems lack efficient hands-free and eyes-free interaction methods, particularly for controlling HVAC systems, which can be inconvenient for users who are occupied or unable to physically interact with traditional touch interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A building controller device equipped with a microphone, environmental sensor, and controller that identifies audio triggers to establish a duplex connection with a remote server, enabling voice-controlled interaction through a voice interaction module for controlling building automation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional touch interface is used for building control systems, then the user can directly control the system, but the user cannot interact hands-free when occupied or unable to physically interact
Solution Approach 1:
A remote server acts as an intermediary between the building controller device and the user's mobile device. The server receives voice commands from the building controller, processes them, and sends appropriate control signals back to control building systems, enabling hands-free operation without direct user interaction with the physical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch interface with a voice-based acoustic interface. The building controller device includes a microphone that captures voice commands, converting physical touch interactions into acoustic signal processing, allowing users to control systems without physical contact
2Speed
If voice recognition is implemented locally in the building controller device, then response time is fast, but the device requires significant processing power and memory
Solution Approach 1:
The voice processing system is segmented into two parts: local voice capture and command initiation at the building controller device, and voice recognition processing and control signal generation at the remote server. This distribution allows the building controller to remain simple while still achieving voice-controlled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The remote server serves as an intermediary that handles the computationally intensive voice recognition tasks. The building controller device sends captured voice signals to the server, which processes them and returns control commands, eliminating the need for complex local hardware while maintaining functional voice control
3Ease of operation
If a duplex connection is established between the building controller and remote server, then real-time voice interaction is enabled, but network resources are continuously consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The duplex connection is activated periodically only when needed - specifically when the environmental sensor detects conditions requiring user input or when voice commands are to be processed. The connection is established temporarily for the duration of the voice interaction and then closed, rather than maintaining continuous communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the environmental sensor continuously monitor building conditions and pre-identify situations that will require user interaction. This allows the duplex connection to be established only when necessary, based on pre-detected conditions that warrant user input
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller may be controlled in response to a natural language audio message that is not recognizable by the HVAC controller as a command, where the natural language audio message is translated into a command recognizable by the HVAC controller. Voice recognition software identifies a trigger phrase included in the natural language audio message and in response the HVAC controller performs an action. In response to identifying a trigger phrase at the HVAC controller, the HVAC controller may establish a single duplex connection with a remote server having a voice interaction module. An end user may then have a continuous dialog with the voice interaction module via the HVAC controller over the established single duplex connection. The voice interaction module may allow for an end user to interrupt the dialog at any time, as desired.