Voice Assistant Configuration via Audio and Optical Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in configuring voice-controlled devices, particularly those that rely primarily on audio interactions, due to unfamiliarity with network settings, leading to a poor 'out-of-box' experience.
Innovation Solution
The described architecture provides multiple approaches for configuring voice-controlled assistants using audible or optical signals, including user dialogue, customer service representative assistance via DTMF tones, and auto-configuration websites, to facilitate easy setup without extensive user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice-controlled assistant relies primarily on audio interactions, then user interaction becomes hands-free and convenient, but configuration becomes difficult for users unfamiliar with network settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a smartphone or computer) that mediates between the user and the voice-controlled assistant during configuration. This intermediary provides a visual interface to help users enter network settings, while the assistant receives configuration data through audio signals like DTMF tones, thus bridging the gap between simple voice interaction and complex configuration requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting available network configurations and preparing configuration options before user input is required. The assistant can scan for networks, retrieve default credentials, and present pre-prepared configuration data to the user through the intermediary device, reducing the complexity of the configuration process
2Manufacturing precision
If configuration requires user input of network settings, then device can be configured accurately, but user experience deteriorates due to unfamiliarity with technical details
Solution Approach 1:
The voice-controlled assistant performs self-service by automatically scanning for available networks, retrieving stored credentials, and configuring itself without requiring users to manually enter technical network settings. The system uses audio signals to confirm configurations and can autonomously connect to networks based on pre-stored or detected information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (typing network settings on a keyboard) with audio-based input methods (DTMF tones via telephone). This substitution allows users to configure the device through familiar voice-friendly interfaces while maintaining configuration accuracy through structured audio signal processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configuration methods are provided (DTMF tones, optical signals, websites), then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voice-controlled assistant is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple configuration methods including DTMF tone reception, optical signal detection, and website-based configuration. Each method serves as an alternative pathway to achieve the same configuration goal, allowing the system to adapt to different user preferences and technical environments without requiring separate devices for each method
Data Source
AI summary
A voice interaction architecture has a hands-free, electronic voice controlled assistant that permits users to verbally request information from cloud services. Since the assistant relies primarily, if not exclusively, on voice interactions, configuring the assistant for the first time may pose a challenge, particularly to a novice user who is unfamiliar with network settings (such as wife access keys). The architecture supports several approaches to configuring the voice controlled assistant that may be accomplished without much or any user input, thereby promoting a positive out-of-box experience for the user. More particularly, these approaches involve use of audible or optical signals to configure the voice controlled assistant.