Smart Dock Activating Voice Recognition via Audio Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices face inconvenience in accessing device functionalities when the device is not in close proximity, as existing voice recognition activation requires manual interaction with the device's finger controls or graphical user interface.
Innovation Solution
A smart dock with integrated microphone and processor that receives audio input to transmit a message to the device, activating its voice recognition mode, allowing users to interact with the device using voice commands from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice recognition capabilities are included in the portable electronic device, then users can access functionalities using audible voice commands, but an initial activation step requiring manual interaction with finger controls or GUI is needed before voice commands can be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The dock serves as an intermediary device between the user and the portable electronic device. It receives audio input from the user, processes it to determine activation intent, and automatically transmits activation commands to the device. This mediator eliminates the need for manual activation steps on the device itself, allowing users to activate voice recognition mode remotely using only voice commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the audio input to identify activation intent before the device needs to be activated. The dock analyzes the audio signal, determines whether the user intends to activate voice recognition mode, and prepares and sends the appropriate activation command in advance, so the device is already in the correct state when the user finishes speaking.
2Productivity
If the portable electronic device is not in close proximity to the user, then the device can be stored or charged remotely, but the user is unable to utilize device services in a timely and convenient manner
Solution Approach 1:
The dock acts as a remote control intermediary that extends the user's ability to interact with the device beyond physical proximity. By capturing audio input and transmitting control commands through the connector, the dock enables users to activate voice recognition mode and control device functions from a distance, making remote device access as convenient as close-range interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical requirement of physical proximity and manual finger controls with an acoustic field-based interaction model. Users can issue voice commands that travel through air to the dock, which then translates them into electronic control signals. This substitution allows interaction without direct physical contact or close proximity to the device.
3Loss of time
If manual finger controls or GUI interaction are required for activation, then precise device control is possible, but the activation process becomes time-consuming when the device is not nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual finger controls and GUI interactions with acoustic signal processing. The dock captures audio input, processes it to identify activation intent, and automatically generates and transmits the appropriate activation command. This substitution eliminates the time required for manual navigation through menus or button presses, reducing activation time to simply the duration of the voice command.
Solution Approach 2:
The dock performs preliminary analysis of the audio input to determine activation intent before the device needs to be activated. By pre-processing the audio signal and preparing the activation command in advance, the system minimizes the total activation time, so the only delay is the natural time required for the user to speak the activation phrase.
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 convenient and timely access to device functionalities without the need for manual interaction, allowing voice recognition mode activation and operation from a distance, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone (114) integrated within the housing. The processor (202) is operable to receive audio input from the microphone (114)
Data Source
AI summary
A dock for a portable electronic device including a housing, a connector extending from the housing to connect the portable electronic device to the dock, a microphone integrated within the housing, and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to receive audio input from the microphone, and in response to the audio input, transmit a message to the portable electronic device via the connector to activate a voice recognition mode of the portable electronic device.