Voice-Controlled Audio Zone Management System
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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 and natural language understanding to receive voice commands, identifying intended actions and associating them with specific audio zones and devices, allowing for centralized control of multiple speakers and audio sources through a networked architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of separate devices is used to control multiple audio devices, then each device can be controlled independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of controlling multiple devices separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control of multiple distributed audio devices into a single unified voice command system. Instead of requiring users to manually operate each separate audio device, the system merges control functions by using a single voice-activated controller that can issue commands to multiple devices simultaneously, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing the apparent complexity of controlling multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voice-activated controller as an intermediary between the user and multiple audio devices. This intermediary device receives voice commands, processes them through speech recognition, and translates them into control signals for distributed audio outputs, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with each individual audio device.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control of multiple audio devices is implemented, then ease of operation improves through unified control, but device complexity increases due to the need for integration and networked architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The voice-activated controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal control interface for various types of distributed audio devices. It can control different audio outputs (speakers, headphones, audio streams) through a single device, making the system versatile while providing unified control that improves ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (physical buttons, switches, or direct device connections) with acoustic field-based control through voice commands. This substitution uses speech recognition technology to translate acoustic signals into control actions, simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity of integrated control through automated processing.
3Ease of operation
If voice-controlled devices with speech recognition are used, then ease of operation improves through natural language input, but device complexity increases due to the need for speech processing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The voice-activated controller acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of speech recognition and natural language processing. By centralizing these complex processing functions in a dedicated controller rather than requiring each audio device to have its own speech processing capability, the system improves ease of operation while managing overall device complexity through centralized intelligence.
Data Source
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.