RF Sensing Gesture Interface for Voice Assistants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice assistants require users to verbally specify objects, which can be cumbersome and may not be intuitive or accessible for individuals with speech impediments or limited vocabulary.
Innovation Solution
A method using radio frequency (RF) sensing to detect user gestures while receiving an utterance, determining the associated object, and transmitting an enhanced directive to a smart assistant device to perform actions, allowing users to control objects with gestures and brief utterances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users verbally specify objects to voice assistants, then the assistant can understand commands, but the interaction becomes cumbersome and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gesture recognition as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the voice assistant. The system captures gesture data from the user's movements and combines it with voice commands to automatically identify the target object, eliminating the need for users to verbally specify object names and thereby reducing the time and effort required for interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal specification mechanism with a gesture-based recognition system. Instead of requiring users to verbally name objects, the system uses computer vision and gesture recognition algorithms to interpret hand movements and gestures as commands, substituting the verbal communication channel with a visual-gestural one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users verbally specify objects, then the assistant can process commands, but accessibility is reduced for individuals with speech impediments or limited vocabulary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the voice assistant universally accessible by enabling it to interpret multiple types of input: verbal commands, gestures, and combinations thereof. This multi-functional input capability allows individuals with speech impediments or limited vocabulary to interact with the assistant through gestures alone, thereby expanding the user base and improving accessibility without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gesture recognition system serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between users with speech difficulties and the voice assistant. By capturing and interpreting gesture data as a standalone command channel, the system enables accessible interaction for users who cannot or choose not to use verbal speech, thereby enhancing adaptability and inclusivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses RF sensing to detect gestures, then gesture recognition is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components already present in smartphones and computing devices. The camera, which is universally used for photography and video, is also employed for gesture recognition. The processor and operating system are utilized for both general computing tasks and gesture processing. This approach enables gesture control capability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple purposes.
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
Enables users to intuitively control objects by combining gestures with utterances, improving accessibility for those with speech impairments or limited vocabulary, and enhancing the interaction with voice assistant devices.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using radio frequency sensing, that the user performed a gesture while making the utterance
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a user equipment receives, via a microphone, an utterance from a user and determines, using radio frequency sensing, that the user performed a gesture while making the utterance. The user equipment determines an object associated with the gesture and transmits an enhanced directive to an application programming interface (API) of a smart assistance device. The enhanced directive is determined based on the object, the gesture, and the utterance. The enhanced directive causes the smart assistant device to perform an action.