Voice Assistant Bridge for Multi-Platform Interoperability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voice service platforms face challenges in seamlessly integrating and controlling diverse devices and services within a connected home environment, lacking effective connectivity and synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for voice interaction with appliances and services using cloud-based voice service platforms, where a setup agent scans the network environment, detects compatible platforms, and automatically installs or synchronizes apps, enabling communication and control across devices through various communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If voice service platforms use different cloud-based systems, then each platform can be optimized for its specific functions, but interoperability and connectivity between devices are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice service platform reliabilityVSAvoiddevice interoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bridge device that acts as an intermediary between voice service platforms and appliances. This bridge translates commands from different voice platforms (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant) into appliance-specific protocols, enabling interoperability without compromising the reliability of individual platforms. The bridge serves as a mediator that resolves the contradiction by allowing diverse platforms to communicate with various appliances through a standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If devices are configured to work with different cloud-based voice service platforms, then each device can be optimized for its platform, but achieving true connectivity within a connected home becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configurationVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device is designed with multi-functionality to work with multiple voice service platforms (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant) and various appliance types simultaneously. This universal design allows a single device to handle diverse communication protocols and command formats, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying system integration while maintaining ease of operation for each individual platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a system supports multiple cloud-based voice service platforms, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of integration and synchronization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform compatibilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system architecture segments the integration complexity by separating the voice service platform interface from the appliance control interface. The bridge device divides functionality into distinct modules: one module handles communication with voice platforms, another handles appliance protocols, and a third performs command translation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall integration complexity while maintaining broad platform compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4066239B1Voice assistant with sound metering capabilities
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4066239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4066239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described are systems and methods for enabling voice interaction with appliances, services (e.g., media streaming services, gaming services, news feed services, social platform services, etc.), and the like by way of appropriate supplied apps (also referred to as "skills", "actions", or the like) which may be presented or downloaded to a smart device having associated therewith one or more cloud-based voice service platforms. Also described are systems that utilize one or more microphones to provide sound metering for control purposes.