Voice Assistant Tap Input for Secure Code Entry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Voice-controlled devices face challenges in intuitive operation, particularly in situations requiring privacy, such as entering sensitive information, where verbal interactions may not be suitable due to ambient noise or privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
A voice-controlled assistant equipped with a microphone array that interprets directional taps and non-verbal sounds as inputs, allowing users to enter codes and adjust settings without verbal commands, using light indicators to convey zone designations and utilizing machine learning for pattern recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice interaction is used for hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but privacy and security are compromised when entering sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between voice mode and tap mode based on the operational context. When sensitive information entry is detected, the system transitions from accepting voice commands to accepting only tap inputs, providing context-aware security without requiring manual mode selection from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tap input as an intermediary interaction method between voice and traditional physical input. Taps provide the privacy of non-verbal input while maintaining the hands-free convenience of voice interaction, serving as a mediator that satisfies both security and ease-of-use requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interaction modes are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interaction processing into distinct modules: voice recognition module, tap detection module, and context management module. Each module handles specific input types independently, and the context manager coordinates between them based on operational state, reducing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a unified tap detection mechanism that serves multiple functions: it can detect taps for code entry, taps for command input, and taps for navigation. This universal tap interface handles diverse interaction scenarios without requiring separate hardware or processing paths for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and intuitive non-verbal code entry and control operations, enhancing user experience by providing a hands-free, privacy-focused interaction method that differentiates between verbal interactions and non-verbal cues.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone array to capture taps and identify a direction of the taps
Data Source
AI summary
A voice controlled assistant having a housing to hold one or more microphones, one or more speakers, and various computing components. The voice controlled assistant facilitates transactions and other functions primarily through verbal interactions with a user. In some situations, a transaction may require entry of a code, which the user may wish to enter in a non-verbal way. The voice controlled assistant is configured to analyze an audio signal to detect user interactions with the surface of the voice controlled assistant and to interpret the detected interactions as entry of the code.