Smart Electronic Faucet Hybrid Voice Processing for Low-Lag Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart faucets with voice recognition technology suffer from significant lag due to network delays when communicating with remote servers, making them impractical for time-sensitive water control tasks, and local processing is impractical due to memory and processing power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid system that processes time-sensitive voice commands locally using integrated computing resources and delegates less time-sensitive commands to remote servers, utilizing a combination of local and network-connected computing resources for efficient command execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voice commands are processed remotely via network-connected servers, then the command library can be extensive and comprehensive, but significant lag occurs due to network delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments command processing into two categories: time-sensitive commands (e.g., turn on/off, adjust temperature) are processed locally by the faucet's embedded processor, while non-time-sensitive commands are processed remotely via network-connected servers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain an extensive command library while ensuring quick response for critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet's embedded processor acts as an intermediary that receives voice commands, determines whether they are time-sensitive, and routes them appropriately - either processing them locally or forwarding them to remote servers. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by managing the trade-off between local speed and remote capability.
2Loss of time
If voice commands are processed locally using embedded computing resources, then response time is reduced, but memory and processing power are insufficient for comprehensive command recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the command set based on processing requirements. The embedded processor handles time-sensitive commands with limited processing needs, while more complex commands that require greater computational resources are handled remotely. This allows the faucet to have adequate local processing power while still supporting comprehensive command recognition through remote processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing capabilities are applied to different command types based on their specific needs. Time-sensitive commands receive local processing for immediate response, while non-time-sensitive commands are processed remotely with more robust computational resources. This local quality approach optimizes the balance between response time and processing capability.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical valves are used to control water flow, then the system is simple and reliable, but users cannot control the faucet when their hands are preoccupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical valve control with voice-based electronic control. The embedded processor receives voice commands, interprets them, and translates them into appropriate valve control signals. This substitution enables hands-free operation while maintaining reliability through the use of electronic sensors and actuators that can detect and respond to voice inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet system provides self-service by automatically detecting voice commands and executing the appropriate control actions without requiring manual intervention. The embedded processor continuously monitors for voice inputs and autonomously adjusts water flow based on the interpreted commands, freeing users from the need to physically manipulate the faucet controls.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed smart electronic faucet system controls the flow of water being dispensed using voice commands. The disclosed smart electronic faucet system is a hybrid system that uses the computing resources available locally within the faucet itself for time-sensitive commands and the computing resources of a network connected server system or computing device for commands that do not have a time-sensitivity. After receiving a voice command, the disclosed smart electronic faucet system analyzes the command to determine if the command is time-sensitive and if so, uses computing resources located within the faucet to process the command to determine the control action to be taken by the faucet. Otherwise, the faucet sends the command to a server computer or computing device that is remotely located but communicatively connected to the faucet, which then processes the command and returns the control action to be taken by the faucet.