Devices and methods for interacting with a control system that is connected to a network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building automation systems lack an efficient and integrated method for translating natural language voice commands into actionable commands for various building automation controllers, such as HVAC and security systems, across a network, leading to complexity and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected building automation system utilizing a voice command manager, first and second voice sensor devices, and a processor to translate natural language voice commands into commands understandable by building automation controllers, allowing for centralized management and execution of commands across different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional building automation system is used without a centralized voice command manager, then each device operates independently, but the system lacks integrated control and requires individual device training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voice sensor devices and building automation controllers into a unified system architecture centered around a voice command manager. This manager consolidates the function of translating natural language commands into device-specific commands, eliminating the need for individual device training and enabling centralized control across the entire building automation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice command manager serves as a universal interface that can interpret natural language commands and translate them into appropriate commands for multiple different types of building automation controllers (HVAC, lighting, security, etc.). This single device performs the function that would otherwise require multiple individual voice recognition systems, one for each controller type.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are processed at each individual device, then device independence is maintained, but user interaction becomes complex and training is required at each device
Solution Approach 1:
The voice command manager acts as an intermediary between the user's natural language voice commands and the building automation controllers. It receives the raw voice input, translates it into the appropriate command format for the target device, and sends it along. This mediator eliminates the need for users to learn device-specific command structures while maintaining efficient command translation through a centralized processing point.
3Productivity
If natural language translation is performed locally at each device, then response time may be faster, but system resources are distributed and less efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the natural language processing and translation capabilities into a single centralized voice command manager rather than distributing this function across multiple devices. This consolidation allows the system to utilize the processing resources of one device efficiently, avoiding redundant translation capabilities at each controller and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining command execution efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building automation system may be controlled in response to a natural language voice message. The natural language voice message may be recorded and then sent to a voice command manager via a network. The natural language voice message is then translated into a command recognizable by a building automation controller of the building automation system. Voice recognition software may be used to create a natural language text based message from the recorded natural voice message, and the natural language text based message may then be translated into the command recognizable by the building automation controller. In response to the command, the building automation controller may perform the desired action.