Networked Device Audio Analysis for Smart Home Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional switches for controlling fixtures in buildings are limited to single purposes and lack the capability to serve multiple functions, making them inefficient for modern smart home systems.
Innovation Solution
A system of networked devices that can communicate with each other to identify target locations and target devices using real-time audio data analysis, dynamically identifying a master device and controlling associated target devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional switches are used for controlling fixtures, then the switch structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the switch can only serve a single purpose and lacks multi-functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms traditional single-function switches into multi-functional networked devices that can control fixtures, detect audio parameters, identify target locations, and communicate with other devices. The switch is enhanced with audio sensors, processors, and network communication capabilities, allowing it to serve as both a control device and a sensing device within the smart home ecosystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single switch device: fixture control, audio parameter detection, target location identification, and network communication. By merging these previously separate functions into one integrated device, the system achieves multi-functionality while reducing the overall number of components needed in the smart home system.
2Extent of automation
If traditional switches are used, then the device complexity is low, but the communication capability and intelligence level are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables switches to autonomously detect audio parameters, identify their own target locations, and determine master-device status without requiring external configuration. The switches automatically analyze audio data, calculate distance to targets based on audio intensity, and dynamically adjust their role in the network, achieving self-service intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where switches continuously monitor audio parameters, compare detected values with thresholds, and adjust their behavior accordingly. The system uses feedback from audio intensity measurements to dynamically identify target locations and determine which device should serve as the master device for controlling fixtures.
3Measurement precision
If audio data analysis is implemented for target identification, then the precision of target location identification is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having switches analyze only the necessary audio parameters (intensity, frequency) required for target identification rather than performing complete audio processing. The system processes audio data to the extent needed for location determination, avoiding unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining sufficient precision for smart home control applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Multipurpose systems can include networked devices configured to include microphones, motion sensors, video cameras, touchscreens, optical sensors, speakers, or other suitable devices. The networked devices can include networking capabilities that enable the networked device to communicate with target devices and other networked devices. A system of networked devices can identify a target location or a target device by analyzing audio signals received at microphones of the networked devices. For example, a plurality of networked devices can identify a particular networked device that is in closest proximity to a user by analyzing an audio intensity of an audio signal received at the plurality of networked devices. The identified networked device can serve as a master device that can control a state of target devices.