Voice Control of Distributed Speakers Across Audio Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home entertainment systems lack a seamless method to control multiple distributed audio devices using voice commands, requiring manual operation of separate devices and lacking integration for unified audio control.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes voice-controlled devices with automatic speech recognition to receive voice commands, identify intended audio operations, and communicate with distributed speakers to execute commands across a network, allowing users to control multiple audio outputs with voice instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate mechanical inputs are used to control each audio device, then device control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice, remote controls) with voice recognition technology. The system uses microphones to capture spoken commands, processes them through speech recognition algorithms, and executes corresponding control actions on audio devices, eliminating the need for physical mechanical inputs while maintaining control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal voice-controlled system that can manage multiple different types of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, home theater systems) through a single interface. The centralized control system recognizes and executes commands for various device types, making the control mechanism multi-functional rather than requiring separate controls for each device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate mechanical inputs are used for each audio device, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical input operations with voice commands, allowing users to control audio devices through natural speech rather than physical interactions. This eliminates the need to manually select devices, navigate menus, or press buttons on multiple remote controls, significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The voice recognition system automatically identifies the user's intent and executes the appropriate control action without requiring manual configuration or device selection. The system serves itself by interpreting spoken commands and directly translating them into device control actions, eliminating the need for users to perform complex manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If distributed audio devices are not integrated, then device independence is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidunified audio management

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized control system as an intermediary between the user and multiple distributed audio devices. This mediator receives voice commands, determines the appropriate target device or group of devices, and transmits control signals to the appropriate audio equipment, enabling unified management while preserving device independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple device types and configurations. It can identify and control various audio devices, manage audio routing between different zones, and execute commands for diverse audio setups, providing adaptability across different scenarios while maintaining device independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10878815B2Processing spoken commands to control distributed audio outputs

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A system that is capable of controlling multiple entertainment systems and/or speakers using voice commands. The system receives voice commands and may determine audio sources and speakers indicated by the voice commands. The system may generate audio data from the audio sources and may send the audio data to the speakers using multiple interfaces. For example, the system may send the audio data directly to the speakers using a network address, may send the audio data to the speakers via a voice-enabled device or may send the audio data to the speakers via a speaker controller. The system may generate output zones including multiple speakers and may associate input devices with speakers within the output zones. For example, the system may receive a voice command from an input device in an output zone and may reduce output audio generated by speakers in the output zone.