Voice Device Control Timing for Faster Command Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device control systems take a significant amount of time to execute a predetermined process after a user utters a voice command, leading to delays in device operation.

Innovation Solution

A device control apparatus and method that recognizes user voice inputs to identify the target device and operation content, and controls the activation timing of the device based on the recognized voice, distinguishing between driving-related and non-driving-related devices to optimize operation timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system performs voice recognition and waits for user confirmation before executing device operations, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the response time from user voice input to device activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments device operations into two categories: driving-related devices (requiring confirmation for safety) and non-driving-related devices (executing immediately). This segmentation allows the system to apply different confirmation requirements based on device type, thereby reducing unnecessary confirmation delays while maintaining safety for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its confirmation behavior based on the type of device being controlled. For non-driving-related devices, the system executes operations immediately without confirmation, while for driving-related devices, it requests user confirmation. This dynamic adaptation optimizes response time based on the operational context and device criticality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the system requests user confirmation for all device operations, then the safety and accuracy of operation is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into different handling paths based on device type. Non-driving-related devices follow a simplified path with immediate execution, while driving-related devices follow a more complex path requiring confirmation. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity burden by applying simplified logic where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different levels of confirmation requirements to different device types based on their local characteristics and safety implications. Non-driving-related devices receive immediate execution (lower confirmation level), while driving-related devices receive confirmation prompts (higher confirmation level). This local differentiation optimizes the balance between safety and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If the system executes device operations immediately after voice recognition, then the response time is reduced, but the reliability of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides device operations into two distinct segments: driving-related devices that require user confirmation and non-driving-related devices that execute immediately. This segmentation enables the system to achieve fast response times for non-critical operations while maintaining high reliability through confirmation for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines the execution timing based on the identified device type. For non-driving-related devices, execution occurs immediately without confirmation, achieving minimal response time. For driving-related devices, the system dynamically inserts a confirmation step to ensure reliability, adjusting the execution flow based on operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3782856B1Device control apparatus, and control method for controlling devices
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 RENAULT SA
  • EP3782856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782856B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782856B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a device control apparatus comprising a detector for detecting sound and a controller for controlling the device, the controller recognizes the user's voice using the sound data detected by the detector, identifies the type of the operation target device to be operated among the plurality of devices and the operation content of the operation target device based on the recognized voice, and controls timing of activating the operation target device in the operation content according to the type of identified operation target device.