Inaudible Audio Query Activation for Multi-Device Voice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice-activated electronic devices require audible wake words, disrupting natural interactions and necessitating multiple activation steps, especially in environments with multiple devices or users, leading to response duplication issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing both audible and inaudible signals to seamlessly activate electronic devices without requiring wake words, enabling distinct and non-intrusive device control through inaudible frequencies, and ensuring intended functions are performed by authorized users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audible wake words are used to activate voice-activated electronic devices, then device activation is achieved, but natural interactions are disrupted and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the activation function from the audible domain to the inaudible domain. Inaudible signals (ultrasonic or infraasonic frequencies) are embedded within audible content to silently activate electronic devices without requiring users to speak wake words, thereby removing the activation burden while maintaining natural interaction flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary inaudible signal that acts as a bridge between audible content and device activation. This intermediary carrier wave modulates activation information that can be detected by electronic devices without being perceived by human users, enabling seamless activation without disrupting natural conversation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are deployed in an environment, then device coverage and accessibility are improved, but response duplication and coordination issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electronic devices transmit their device identifiers and status back to the content delivery system. This feedback loop enables the system to identify which devices are present, determine the most appropriate device for content delivery, and prevent duplicate responses by coordinating between multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the activation and response process by assigning unique device identifiers to each electronic device. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different devices, route content to specific devices based on their identifiers, and manage multiple devices independently without causing response duplication
3Ease of operation
If inaudible signals are used for device activation, then natural interactions are preserved and activation burden is removed, but signal detection and distinction from content becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibration principles by embedding inaudible signals within audible content. The inaudible activation signals are modulated onto carrier waves that are transmitted through the audio output of content devices, allowing electronic devices with microphones to detect these signals through acoustic vibration analysis without human perception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameters of the activation signals to inaudible ranges (ultrasonic above 20kHz or infraasonic below 20Hz). This parameter change allows the signals to remain undetected by human ears while being detectable by electronic devices equipped with appropriate sensors, thus preserving natural interaction while enabling reliable signal detection
4Reliability
If user authentication is implemented for device control, then security and authorized access are improved, but system complexity and activation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication by having users associate their unique device identifiers with their user accounts during initial setup. This self-service approach allows the system to automatically authenticate users based on their device identifiers without requiring manual authentication steps during content delivery, maintaining security while simplifying the user experience
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a processor, a receiver, and a transmitter. The transmitter may be configured to transmit an audible signal, an inaudible signal, or both. The inaudible signal may be associated with a content identifier of the audible signal. The transmitter may be configured to transmit the audible signal, the inaudible signal, or both, to a first electronic device, a second electronic device, or both. The receiver may be configured to receive a first message that includes a first input and a second message that includes a second input. The processor may be configured to determine whether the first input matches the second input. The transmitter may be further configured to transmit the first message to the first service on a condition that the first input and the second input are determined to match.