Voice Command Timer and Indicator System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in providing efficient audio command functionality, as they often interrupt users or drain battery life by maintaining a constant listening state, and users find it difficult to discover and utilize available audio commands due to their complexity.
Innovation Solution
A computing device sets a command entry timer based on a predetermined threshold, outputs indicators for supported audio commands after the timer expires if no input is received, and updates the timer based on user speech patterns to minimize interruptions and improve usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the computing device maintains the microphone in a constant, active listening state, then audio commands can be received immediately, but battery life is significantly drained
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing a command entry timer that periodically checks for user input rather than continuously listening. The microphone is activated only when the timer expires and no input is detected, creating a periodic listening pattern that conserves battery while maintaining responsiveness to audio commands
2Adaptability or versatility
If the computing device analyzes audio input to infer audio commands, then voice recognition functionality is provided, but users experience distracting interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by displaying indicators of supported audio commands before the user actually speaks. This allows users to see what commands are available and expected, preventing frustrating interruptions by ensuring the device is properly primed to recognize the intended command
3Adaptability or versatility
If the set of possible audio commands is expanded, then functionality is enhanced, but users find it difficult to discover and utilize the commands
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the comprehensive list of audio commands by displaying only the most relevant commands based on current context and usage patterns. This segmentation makes the large set of possible commands manageable and discoverable without overwhelming the user with the complete command set
4Ease of manufacture
If the command entry threshold is set to a fixed value, then system operation is simple, but it cannot adapt to different user speech patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the command entry threshold adaptive rather than fixed. The threshold automatically adjusts based on analyzed user speech patterns, allowing the system to adapt to individual users while maintaining simple operation. The adaptation occurs transparently in the background without requiring user configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
In an example implementation of the disclosed technology, a method includes setting a command entry timer based on a predetermined command entry threshold. The method also includes receiving an indication of user input to prompt receipt of an audio command and, responsive to determining that the command entry timer has expired since receiving the indication of user input, outputting, for display, at least one indicator associated with at least one supported audio command that is associated with at least one function of the computing device. The method also includes receiving a plurality of audio input samples and updating the command entry threshold based on plurality of audio input samples.