Network Microphone Voice Control for Multi-Zone Media Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems lack effective voice control capabilities for controlling media playback settings and selecting streaming services based on user identity and preferences, leading to limited user interaction and content selection flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A network microphone device (NMD) that interprets voice commands by considering environmental acoustics and user identity, applies filters to correct for distortions, and determines directionality, enabling precise control of media playback systems and intelligent selection of streaming services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voice control is added to media playback systems, then user interaction and content selection flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voice control functionality with existing media playback systems by integrating a voice-activated controller that communicates with playback devices over a network. The controller merges voice processing, user identification, and media control functions into a unified system, enabling voice-based operation without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice-activated controller serves as an intermediary between the user and the media playback system. It receives voice commands, processes them through speech recognition, identifies users, and translates intentions into control signals for playback devices, thereby simplifying the interaction interface while managing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If voice commands are processed without environmental acoustic correction, then device complexity is reduced, but voice command accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs acoustic feedback by having playback devices transmit their actual audio output back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to measure acoustic distortions in the environment and applies corresponding corrections to voice command signals, improving recognition accuracy by compensating for room acoustics and interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts signal processing parameters based on measured acoustic conditions. By monitoring environmental factors such as reverberation and noise levels, the system changes processing parameters like equalization curves and filter characteristics to optimize voice command accuracy under varying acoustic conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user identification is implemented in voice control, then personalized control capability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary user identification before processing voice commands. By establishing user profiles and authentication in advance, the system can personalize media selection and playback settings without requiring continuous complex verification during each command, reducing real-time measurement demands while maintaining personalization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interaction by accurately interpreting voice commands, allowing personalized control of media playback settings and streaming services based on user identity, improving the listening experience in multi-zone environments.
Implementation Method 1
A network microphone device (NMD) may receive voice input
Implementation Method 2
a playback device to output test tones via the speaker, receive the test tones via the microphone
Data Source
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AI summary
A voice input comprising a command word, one or more media variable instances, and one or more zone variable instances is received. A media playback system command corresponding to the command word is determined. Media content corresponding to the one or more media variable instances is identified. The media playback system may execute the media playback system command on the media content based on the one or more zone variable instances.