Proximity-Based Voice Assistant Linking for Lower Power Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice-assisted devices consume excessive power due to continuous listening for keywords, leading to unpredictable device activation and unverified user intent, while proximity-based unlocking solutions lack verification of user intent.
Innovation Solution
A follower device with a transceiver and controller for establishing a wireless communication link with a leader device, enabling device attribute transmission and disabling unnecessary modules based on functionality equivalence, and incorporating biometric authentication for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If voice-assisted devices continuously monitor keywords to enable quick response, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The follower device function module is enabled only periodically or on-demand based on proximity detection, rather than continuously monitoring keywords. The controller enables the follower device function module in response to detecting a leader device within proximity, and disables it when the leader device is absent, thus achieving quick response when needed while conserving power during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the activation state of the follower device function module based on proximity conditions, eliminating the need for continuous user interaction or manual power management. The controller autonomously enables or disables the function module based on whether a leader device is detected in proximity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share the same keyword and are in close proximity, then keyword detection capability is improved, but unpredictable device activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces asymmetric roles between leader device and follower device. The leader device continuously monitors keywords and remains always-on, while the follower device is disabled by default and only activates when proximity to the leader is detected. This asymmetric architecture eliminates unpredictable activation by ensuring only the leader device responds to keywords, while followers remain dormant unless specifically triggered
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity detection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the follower device and keyword monitoring functionality. Before the follower device can activate its keyword monitoring, the controller must first detect the presence of a leader device through proximity sensing, thus preventing unauthorized or unpredictable activation by intermediate devices
3Ease of operation
If proximity-based unlocking uses only device presence detection, then ease of operation is improved, but user intent verification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through biometric authentication. When a follower device is detected in proximity to the leader device, the controller does not immediately unlock the leader device. Instead, it first requests and verifies biometric authentication from the user, ensuring that the person present actually intends to unlock the device. This feedback loop maintains ease of operation while restoring reliability through intent verification
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A very short range wireless communication system and method is disclosed. The communication system includes a leader device and one or more follower devices. The leader device may establish a link only when the follower devices are in proximity. The leader device may determine that one or more follower devices each have a functional module with an equivalent functionality to a functional module in the leader device. The leader device may disable the functional modules in the follower devices. The functional module of the leader device in the system is used instead of the follower device functional modules which may reduce power in the system.