Voice-Controlled Secondary Device Pairing via Natural Language
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in allowing users to discover, pair, and configure secondary devices for voice control without relying on non-natural language inputs, especially when primary devices provide limited or no non-natural language input capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A computing system and method that enables users to interact with secondary devices using natural language commands through a primary speech-responsive device, allowing discovery, pairing, and configuration of secondary devices using voice input, with customizable names and commands stored in user profiles, and utilizing cloud services for processing and control signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If natural language input is used to control computing devices, then user interaction convenience is improved, but the ability to discover, pair, and configure secondary devices deteriorates due to lack of non-natural language input options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration process that bridges natural language control and device pairing. The system uses speech recognition to detect user intent, then transitions to an intermediary state where visual or tactile confirmation is provided, allowing the user to complete device discovery and pairing without abandoning natural language interaction entirely. This mediator layer resolves the contradiction by combining the convenience of voice input with the reliability of confirmed configuration actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (buttons, switches, manual navigation) with speech recognition technology for device configuration. Users speak commands to initiate device discovery, pair secondary devices, and configure settings, eliminating the need to physically interact with device interfaces. This substitution maintains ease of operation while achieving full device configuration capability through natural language processing.
2Reliability
If non-natural language input methods are used for device configuration, then device pairing reliability is improved, but user interaction convenience deteriorates due to required physical inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input modalities into a unified configuration process. Speech recognition handles high-level commands and intent detection, while visual feedback and simple tactile confirmations provide reliability checks. This combination allows the system to maintain the reliability of traditional configuration methods while achieving the convenience of natural language interaction, resolving the contradiction between pairing reliability and user convenience.
3Measurement precision
If traditional configuration methods are used, then device control precision is improved, but the complexity of the configuration process increases due to multiple input types required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration interface that handles multiple device types and configuration scenarios through a single speech-based entry point. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including device discovery, pairing, naming, and control configuration all through natural language commands. This universal approach maintains precise device control while eliminating the need for users to navigate different configuration modes or learn multiple input methods, thereby reducing overall process complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Natural language controlled devices may be configured to activate command recognition in response to one or more wake words. Techniques are provided to enable a voice controlled system to detect or receive an indication of a secondary device available to be controlled. The voice controlled system communicates with the secondary device to obtain information related to the secondary device. The voice controlled system may output of an audio query requesting audio input data related to controlling the secondary device from a user and generate, based on the requested audio input data, recognition data utilized to recognize of at least part of one or more commands to issue one or more controls to the secondary device.