Voice Command Router for Multi-Brand Smart Appliances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dedicated remote controls can only operate a single type of consumer electronic device and lack the capability to work with voice-controlled devices from different consumer brands, limiting their versatility in controlling multiple smart appliances.
Innovation Solution
A controlling device that receives voice input from a user, determines the intended smart appliance, and formats voice commands according to the specific protocol used by each appliance, allowing it to transmit commands to multiple smart appliances from various brands using different communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated remote control is designed to work with a specific consumer electronic device using proprietary communication protocols, then the reliability of control for that specific device is improved, but the adaptability to work with other devices from different brands is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is designed with multiple communication protocol modules that support different proprietary protocols (e.g., Apple Siri protocol, Google protocol, Amazon Alexa protocol). The processor can automatically detect which protocol the target device uses and switch to the corresponding protocol module, enabling a single remote to control multiple types of devices from different brands while maintaining reliable control for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control dynamically changes its communication parameters (protocol type, data format, transmission method) based on the detected target device. The processor analyzes the target device's characteristics and adjusts the communication protocol parameters accordingly, allowing the remote to adapt its behavior to match the specific requirements of each device while preserving reliable control performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control supports multiple communication protocols to work with different brands, then the adaptability to control multiple devices is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device automatically detects which communication protocol the target device uses without requiring manual configuration by the user. The processor analyzes the target device's response characteristics and autonomously selects the appropriate protocol module, making the complexity management self-service rather than user-dependent. This reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining multi-protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary layer between the user and multiple communication protocols. It provides a unified interface for users to issue commands while handling the complexity of protocol selection and conversion internally. The processor translates user commands into the appropriate protocol format based on the target device, shielding users from protocol complexity while enabling multi-device compatibility.
3Reliability
If voice commands are formatted according to specific protocols for different smart appliances, then the reliability of command execution is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device pre-loads and caches multiple communication protocol formatting templates in its memory before actual use. When a voice command is received, the processor quickly matches the command type with the appropriate pre-formatted protocol template for the detected device, avoiding time-consuming real-time protocol analysis and formatting. This preliminary preparation maintains high command execution accuracy while reducing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, system and method for using a controlling device for receiving voice input to control the operation of voice controlled smart appliances and, more particularly, to a controlling device for recognizing voice commands and for use in routing a signal, based on voice commands from the user, to two or more voice controlled smart appliances from different consumer brand names.