Speech Recognition Interface for Home Appliances With Fewer Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home appliances often require users to manually manipulate buttons to select functions, which can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the operation, necessitating a more user-friendly and remote operation capability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a microphone unit and speaker unit into home appliances for speech recognition, allowing users to operate the appliances through voice commands without direct manipulation, and simplifying the control panel design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If various buttons and manipulators are provided for selecting functions and options, then the home appliance can provide various functions, but the manipulation becomes difficult for users not familiar with the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button manipulation with voice-based speech recognition control. The microphone unit captures user speech, which is then processed by a speech recognition algorithm to execute corresponding functions, eliminating the need for physical manipulator interaction while maintaining full functionality access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces speech recognition technology as an intermediary between the user and the home appliance control system. Instead of direct mechanical interaction with buttons, the user's voice commands are translated into control signals through the speech recognition module, simplifying the interaction process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various buttons and manipulators are provided for selecting functions and options, then the home appliance can provide various functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex system of physical buttons and manipulators from the home appliance control interface. By eliminating these mechanical components and replacing them with a microphone unit and speech recognition software, the physical device complexity is reduced while preserving all necessary control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical manipulators with an acoustic-based control system. The microphone unit and speech recognition algorithm replace numerous physical buttons, switches, and dials, significantly simplifying the device's physical structure while maintaining full operational capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various buttons and manipulators are provided for selecting functions and options, then the home appliance can provide various functions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes numerous physical manipulators and buttons from the appliance, reducing the bill of materials and assembly requirements. The simplified control interface requires fewer components, leading to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining full functionality through voice-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical manipulator assemblies with a cost-effective acoustic sensor (microphone) and software-based speech recognition system. This substitution reduces component count, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers overall manufacturing costs while preserving all control functions.
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
Enhances usability by allowing voice-activated operation, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the aesthetic appeal of appliances by eliminating the need for complex manipulators.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone unit and a speaker unit for outputting sound
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a home appliance capable of being operated by speech of a user. The home appliance includes a main body forming an outer appearance, a microphone including at least one sensing portion disposed to direct to the front of the main body to detect speech of a user, and a speaker unit disposed to be spaced apart from the microphone unit by a predetermined distance.