Multi-path energy level arbitration for device selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple electronic devices, existing systems face challenges in efficiently determining which device should respond to user speech commands, leading to potential confusion and inefficiency due to the lack of effective arbitration mechanisms for selecting the appropriate device to interact with the user.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-path calculations for energy levels on electronic devices, which include a first low-power circuit for standby mode and a second more powerful circuit for active mode, allows for the determination of speech-energy and ambient-energy values to arbitrate which device should respond to user inputs by analyzing audio signals and selecting the nearest device based on these energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single powerful circuit is used for energy level calculations, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two circuits based on operational state: a first circuit for standby mode and a second circuit for active mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use minimal power during standby while providing high-precision calculations when actively processing audio signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by switching between two different circuits with different power characteristics. The first circuit operates with low power consumption for standby, while the second circuit provides higher performance when needed, effectively changing the system's power state based on requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple electronic devices operate in standby mode continuously, then response readiness is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic power management by switching between standby and active modes. During standby, the first low-power circuit maintains basic functionality, while the second circuit activates only when audio signals are detected, creating a dynamic response system that balances readiness with power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first circuit performs preliminary audio signal detection and energy level calculations during standby mode, preparing the system for potential activation without requiring the full power of the second circuit. This preliminary action ensures rapid response capability while minimizing power consumption.
3Productivity
If arbitration mechanisms are implemented to select the nearest device, then interaction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical arbitration mechanisms with acoustic energy level comparisons. By calculating and comparing energy levels from multiple devices, the system determines the nearest device through signal strength analysis rather than complex coordination protocols, simplifying the arbitration process.
Solution Approach 2:
Each device independently calculates its own energy levels and participates in arbitration autonomously. The system uses self-service arbitration where devices broadcast their energy level information and the receiving device determines the nearest source based on comparative analysis, eliminating the need for centralized arbitration servers.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes, in part, techniques for performing multi-path calculations for energy levels on an electronic device. For instance, the electronic device may include a first circuit and a second circuit, where the first circuit uses less power than the second circuit. As such, when operating in a standby mode, the electronic device may use the first circuit to calculate energy levels at the electronic device, such as speech-energy values and ambient-energy values. Additionally, while operating in an active mode, the electronic device may active the second circuit and then use the second circuit to calculate the energy levels at the electronic device. The first circuit and the second circuit can send/receive current energy levels between one another so that the electronic device can continually calculate the energy levels even when the electronic device switches between modes of operation.