Virtual Partner Identification via Color Coding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When a user has multiple virtual partners within voice range, it becomes ambiguous which device a voice communication is referring to, leading to confusion, especially in scenarios where users need to interact with specific devices.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a unique name to each virtual partner by associating it with a specific color or object displayed on the device, allowing users to address the partner by mentioning the color or object before posing a query, ensuring only the corresponding virtual partner responds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user names each virtual partner to eliminate ambiguity, then device identification accuracy is improved, but user memory burden and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to device identifiers, where each virtual partner is assigned a distinct color that can be visually perceived. Users can identify and address specific virtual partners by referencing their associated colors (e.g., 'Blue, what's the weather?') rather than memorizing abstract names. This visual distinction system resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise device identification while eliminating the need for users to remember multiple device names.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual partners are deployed across different devices, then system versatility and functionality are improved, but communication ambiguity and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each virtual partner deployed across multiple devices is assigned a unique color identifier that persists across devices. This allows the system to maintain high versatility with multiple virtual partners while preventing communication ambiguity, as users can clearly identify which virtual partner they are addressing by referencing the color associated with the intended device.
3Measurement precision
If device names are made unique and memorable, then device distinguishability is improved, but the complexity of name management and assignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex name management with simple color assignment. Each device is assigned a distinct color from a predefined palette, eliminating the need for users to create, remember, or manage unique device names. The color-based identification system maintains high device distinguishability while significantly reducing the complexity of name management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for associating a name to a device/virtual partner is provided herein. During operation, virtual-partner “names” will be determined for each co-located virtual partner. When a task is conveyed to a virtual partner, the virtual partner will perform the task only if its “name” has been called. The “name” of each virtual partner will be associated with a color shown on a device screen (i.e., the device associated with the virtual partner), object shown on a device screen, and/or color of another indicator that is displayed on the device.