Voice Control Mode Switching for Electronic Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses face challenges in efficiently controlling their functions, particularly with voice recognition, due to complexities in user interfaces and errors in voice recognition technology, especially when using multiple voice input methods.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a voice input unit, storage, and controller that distinguishes between two voice task modes, providing specific voice guide information for each mode and displaying feedback messages for voice recognition errors, allowing users to efficiently control the device through voice commands while minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple voice input methods are used, then voice control functionality is enhanced, but user confusion increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice control functionalityVSAvoiduser control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the voice input system into distinct segments: a first voice input unit (microphone in the electronic apparatus) and a second voice input unit (microphone in the external apparatus). Each segment has its own dedicated voice task mode, preventing confusion about which microphone to use. The controller identifies and processes voice start commands from different sources separately, with each mode having unique voice guide information displayed on screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that receives voice input from either the first or second voice input unit and routes it to the appropriate voice task mode. The system uses voice guide information as an intermediary feedback mechanism to confirm to the user which mode is active and what commands are recognized, reducing confusion about system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple voice input methods are used, then voice control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice input methodsVSAvoidvoice task mode management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both first and second voice task modes within a single device. The same controller processes voice commands from either microphone source, manages both voice task modes, and displays appropriate voice guide information. This universal approach avoids duplicating entire control systems while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between first and second voice task modes based on which voice start command is detected. The controller identifies the source of the voice command and activates the corresponding mode, with dynamic display of appropriate voice guide information. This dynamic adaptation allows complex functionality without requiring permanent configuration for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If voice recognition technology is used, then control convenience is improved, but recognition errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol convenienceVSAvoidvoice recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback through voice guide information displayed on the screen, showing users what voice commands are recognized and what functions are available. This feedback mechanism helps users understand whether their voice input was correctly recognized and guides them to use appropriate commands, reducing errors caused by unrecognized or misinterpreted voice input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2860726B1Electronic apparatus and method of controlling electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2860726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2860726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2860726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus and a method of controlling the electronic apparatus are provided. The method includes: receiving a voice command; and if the voice command is a first voice start command, changing a mode of the electronic apparatus to a first voice task mode in which the electronic apparatus is controlled according to further voice input, and if the voice command is a second voice start command, changing the mode of the electronic apparatus to a second voice task mode in which the electronic apparatus is controlled according to the further voice input received via an external apparatus which operates with the electronic apparatus. Therefore, providing efficiency and flexibility in controlling the electronic apparatus by using a microphone of the electronic apparatus or a microphone of the external apparatus.