Inaudible Frequency Pairing for Multi-Device Voice Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for interacting with voice-activated electronic devices require audible wake words, disrupting natural user interactions and leading to disjointed experiences, especially in multi-user scenarios with potential for duplicate responses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing frequency pairing for device synchronization using audible and inaudible signals to enable seamless communication between devices, allowing users to interact naturally without invoking wake commands and reducing duplicate responses.
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 user interactions are disrupted and user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wake word activation mechanism from the audio interaction space and relocates it to an inaudible frequency band. This allows the device to be activated without disrupting natural audio conversations, as the activation signal operates in a frequency range invisible to human ears while remaining detectable to the device's audio processing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from audible frequency domain to inaudible frequency domain for device activation. By using frequency pairing where one frequency carries audible content and a paired inaudible frequency carries activation commands, the system adds a hidden dimension to audio communication that enables seamless activation without user disruption
2Ease of operation
If frequency pairing with inaudible signals is implemented, then seamless device activation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frequency pairing framework that can be applied across multiple device types and communication protocols. The same inaudible signal mechanism can activate different devices, manage audio routing, and coordinate multi-device interactions, reducing overall system complexity through a single versatile approach
Solution Approach 2:
The inaudible frequency signals act as an intermediary layer between user actions and device responses. Rather than directly processing complex user commands, the system uses these hidden frequency cues as simple triggers that initiate appropriate device behaviors, simplifying the overall signal processing architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are activated simultaneously, then comprehensive device control is achieved, but duplicate responses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique frequency pairings to different electronic devices, creating localized communication channels. Each device receives inaudible activation signals at its designated frequency, allowing simultaneous multi-device activation while maintaining distinct identification and preventing duplicate or confused responses through frequency-based device differentiation
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a processor, a receiver, and a transmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive a content signal. The transmitter may be configured to transmit the content signal. The transmitter may be configured to transmit an associated inaudible signal. The content signal, the associated inaudible signal, or both, may be transmitted to one or more electronic devices. Each of the one or more electronic devices may be configured with audio interfaces. The receiver may be configured to receive a respective message from each of the one or more electronic devices. Each respective message may be based on the associated inaudible signal. Each respective message may include a respective electronic device identifier. The transmitter may be configured to transmit one of the respective messages.