Virtual Assistant Input Mode Selection via Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual assistant applications struggle to efficiently determine the appropriate input mode for processing user requests, leading to unnecessary processing and bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically selects an input mode for a virtual assistant application based on received input signals, such as image and audio data, by determining the presence of recognized objects or spoken queries, and transmitting only relevant signals to a remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the virtual assistant processes all input signals (image and audio) simultaneously, then the accuracy of determining the appropriate input mode improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis by first checking simple conditions (e.g., whether the device is in pocket mode, basic audio activity detection) before proceeding to more complex processing. This preliminary action filters out cases that don't require full processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy for cases that do need detailed analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The input signal processing is divided into separate segments: image processing segment and audio processing segment. The system can independently evaluate each segment and combine results, allowing parallel processing that reduces total processing time while maintaining the accuracy of determining the appropriate input mode.
2Measurement precision
If the virtual assistant transmits all input signals to the remote server, then the content selection accuracy improves, but the bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the relevant input signals to the remote server based on the determined input mode. For example, if audio mode is selected, only audio data is transmitted; if image mode is selected, only image data is transmitted. This extraction of necessary information maintains content selection accuracy while significantly reducing bandwidth usage compared to transmitting all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing by determining the input mode locally and only transmitting the necessary subset of data to the server. This partial action (transmitting only what's needed rather than everything) reduces bandwidth consumption while the server still receives sufficient information to accurately select and present content.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the virtual assistant uses multiple input modes, then the versatility of the system improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal input mode determination mechanism that handles multiple input types (image, audio, and combinations) through a single integrated process. The virtual assistant application serves multiple functions: it can process pure image inputs, pure audio inputs, and combined inputs, all through the same application framework and content selection logic, thereby managing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which input processing path to follow based on the determined input mode. The processing pipeline is flexible and adapts its complexity in real-time: simple audio-only mode uses a straightforward processing path, while image-based modes may trigger more complex computer vision processing. This dynamic adaptation allows multiple input modes without requiring all processing capabilities to be always active, managing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for selecting an input mode are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving request data specifying a request to launch a virtual assistant application from a lock screen of a mobile device. In response to receiving the request data, input signals are obtained. A selection of an input mode for the virtual assistant application is made, from candidate input modes, based on the input signals. Each candidate input mode is of an input type different from each other input type of each other candidate input mode. The input types include an image type and an audio type. The input mode of the image type receives pixel data for input to the virtual assistant application. The input mode of the audio type receives audio input for the virtual assistant application. The virtual assistant application presents content selected based on input signals received using the selected input mode.