Remote Voice Assistant Access via Intermediary Server

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current voice assistants limit remote access to their functionalities, requiring users to be physically near the device for voice command recognition, restricting access to all features.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for remote access to a voice assistant that establishes a second communication channel with a voice assistant via a telecommunications network, using identification and authentication data to activate a remote operating mode, allowing voice commands to be transmitted and processed securely from a distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the voice assistant requires physical proximity for voice command recognition, then the microphone can reliably capture speech signals, but the user cannot remotely access all assistant functionalities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the remote terminal and the voice assistant. The server receives voice commands from the remote terminal, transmits them to the voice assistant, and relays responses back to the terminal. This intermediary enables remote access without requiring the terminal to directly interface with the assistant's microphone, resolving the contradiction between remote accessibility and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is segmented into distinct functional components: a terminal for user interaction, a server for coordination and protocol handling, and the voice assistant for local execution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling remote access capability without overwhelming complexity in any single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the voice assistant processes all voice commands locally, then response time is fast, but security and access control are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidcommand processing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server serves as a security intermediary that validates authentication credentials and manages access control before allowing voice commands to reach the assistant. This centralized security layer enhances reliability by providing robust access control while the efficient server-assistant communication minimizes processing delays through optimized data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the voice assistant uses standard telecommunication protocols, then compatibility with conventional terminals is achieved, but remote access functionality cannot be directly implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal compatibilityVSAvoidremote access functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server implements multi-functionality by handling both standard telecommunication protocol compliance for compatibility and additional remote access functionality through parameter extension. It can process conventional call signaling while simultaneously activating remote operating mode, enabling the system to maintain broad compatibility while adding advanced remote access capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extends standard telecommunication parameters with additional fields that carry remote access control information. By modifying existing protocol parameters rather than creating entirely new communication protocols, the system maintains compatibility with conventional terminals while enabling remote access functionality through parameter enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3661161B1Method and system for remote voice access to voice assistant services
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 ORANGE SA
  • EP3661161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3661161B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3661161B1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for remotely accessing a voice assistant adapted to establish telephone communications with a communication terminal via a telecommunications network. The method is remarkable in that it comprises steps of establishing an initial communication with a calling terminal, obtaining, through the established communication, an identification data for the voice assistant, transmitting a message to establish a second communication to the identified voice assistant, the message including at least one parameter adapted to activate a remote operating mode for the voice assistant, and connecting the first and second communications.