Voice-Activated Vehicle Key With Segmented Low-Power Trigger Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for voice-activated operations in vehicles that are efficient in terms of size and power consumption, while also being capable of performing various tasks such as locating the vehicle, detecting events, and reporting incidents.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced vehicle key with a low power trigger sensor and processor that can detect voice triggers, execute voice commands, and communicate with the vehicle's systems to generate location indications, detect events, and report occurrences, using a rechargeable power supply that can be charged within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full processor is always on to handle voice commands, then voice activation capability is improved, but power consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a low-power trigger sensor that continuously monitors for wake words, and a full processor that activates only when triggered. This segmentation allows the voice activation capability to be maintained while dramatically reducing overall power consumption, as the complex processor remains dormant most of the time.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-power trigger sensor performs preliminary detection of wake words before activating the full processor. This preliminary action filters out unnecessary processor activations and ensures that the expensive-to-run processor is only engaged when actually needed, optimizing the balance between capability and power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If a full processor is always on to handle voice commands, then voice activation capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture separates the always-on trigger detection function from the full processor, allowing the key fob to maintain voice activation capability with a minimal always-on component. The full processor can be activated temporarily when needed, reducing the need for permanent hardware infrastructure and thus decreasing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a continuous monitoring element and the activation trigger for the processor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining full voice activation capability.
3Speed
If the processor is always active, then response time to voice commands is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger sensor performs preliminary detection of wake words in advance, maintaining a low-level readiness state. When the wake word is detected, the processor is already primed to activate immediately, achieving fast response times without requiring the processor to remain in a high-power state continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic triggering based on wake word detection rather than continuous processor operation. The trigger sensor continuously (or periodically) checks for activation signals, and only activates the processor when necessary, creating an efficient rhythm of activity that balances response time with power consumption.
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 voice-activated operations with reduced size and power consumption, allowing for efficient vehicle location, event detection, and incident reporting, while maintaining functionality both inside and outside the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a low power trigger sensor that may be configured to detect a voice trigger
Data Source
AI summary
A enhanced vehicle key and a method for voice activation, the method may include supplying power to a low power trigger sensor of a enhanced vehicle key, by a power source of the enhanced vehicle key; wherein the supplying of power is preceded by powering the enhanced vehicle key while a part of the enhanced vehicle key is positioned within an ignition switch of a vehicle; detecting, by the low power trigger sensor, a voice trigger; awakening, following the detection, a processor of the enhanced vehicle key; searching, by the processor, for a voice command; and when finding the voice command then executing the voice command.