Intelligent Device Identification via Audio Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-device systems, a single user input can cause multiple devices to perform the same task, leading to duplicative or conflicting operations.

Innovation Solution

The system samples audio input with microphones on multiple electronic devices to identify a first device for determining the task and a second device for performing the task, ensuring that only the appropriate device executes the user's request.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices concurrently operate to respond to user input, then device coverage and accessibility are improved, but duplicative or conflicting operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice coverageVSAvoidoperation consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the task execution among multiple devices by identifying a primary device for task determination and a secondary device for task execution. This segmentation prevents duplicative operations while maintaining multi-device accessibility, as each device has a specific role in the task execution workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary selection mechanism that receives user input and determines which device should execute the task. This intermediary layer (the device selection logic) mediates between multiple competing devices and the user input, ensuring that only the appropriate device executes the task while others remain idle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If all devices process user input independently, then response speed is improved, but resource waste and conflicting operations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device identification and task assignment before full task execution begins. By pre-determining which device should execute the task based on input sampling and device capability assessment, the system avoids unnecessary processing by other devices, thus conserving energy while maintaining fast response through parallel readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements partial action by having only the selected device execute the full task while other devices perform minimal input sampling and then remain idle. This partial participation model reduces overall resource consumption while maintaining the capability for rapid response, as devices can quickly assess input and defer to the selected device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3832497B1Intelligent device identification
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 APPLE INC
  • EP3832497B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3832497B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3832497B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of identifying an electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices for performing a task, the method comprising: sampling, with a microphone at each of two or more of the plurality of electronic devices, audio input; identifying a first electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices for determining a task associated with sampled audio input; determining, with the first electronic device, the task based on the sampled audio input; identifying a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices for performing the task; and performing, with the second electronic device, the task, wherein the second electronic device is not the first electronic device.