Proximity-Aware Voice Agent for Room-Based Device Naming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In homes with multiple voice agent devices, users face challenges in accurately controlling companion devices like lights and speakers due to the need to remember distinct names for each device, especially when devices are moved or when guests and children are unfamiliar with the device labels, leading to potential incorrect commands and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A personal assistant device system that maintains a companion device library with both short-cut and long-names, along with room locations, allowing it to determine the user's location and verify if the companion device name is unique and located within the same room, enabling accurate command execution and alerting users if the device is not in the same room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distinct unique names are assigned to each companion device for accurate identification, then device control accuracy is improved, but user learning burden and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device identification system is segmented into two parts: a simplified short-cut name for user interaction and a unique long-name for precise device identification. This segmentation allows users to use simple names like 'lights' while the system internally resolves them to specific devices based on location context, reducing user burden while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the voice agent system) that translates simple short-cut names into specific device commands by considering spatial context. The system acts as a mediator between the user's simplified input and the device's unique identification requirements, automatically resolving ambiguities based on room location and device proximity.
2Measurement precision
If users must remember distinct names for each device, then device control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing different naming conventions in different contexts. In each room, short-cut names can be shared or simplified, while the system maintains unique identification locally through the companion device library. This localized approach allows users to use simple names in their immediate context while the system handles unique identification behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically resolving short-cut names to specific devices using location context and the companion device library. Users don't need to manually learn or remember unique device names; the system autonomously performs the resolution based on spatial context, making the interaction simpler while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If shared short-cut names are allowed for multiple devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to device identification by incorporating room location information. When multiple devices share the same short-cut name, the system resolves ambiguity by considering which room the user is in and which devices are located in that room. This additional dimensional context (location) allows shared names to be used reliably without causing confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal assistant device configured to control companion devices may include a memory configured to maintain a companion device library including a plurality of companion device each associated with at least one long-name, short-cut name and companion device room location, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a user command from a microphone, extract a companion device name and action from the user command, determine whether the companion device name includes a unique name, and command a companion device associated with the unique name to perform the action from the user command in response to the user command including the unique name.