Voice-Controlled Hierarchical Task Network Planning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated planning systems are inefficient for complex environments involving human actions or combined human-machine actions, lacking effective feedback mechanisms and being computationally expensive, especially when multiple users are involved.
Innovation Solution
A voice-controlled hierarchical task network system that uses a microphone to receive voice commands, processes them into digital data, and generates tasks from a Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) plan, with the ability to confirm or modify the plan based on user feedback, and execute repair processes if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated planning systems are used for complex environments involving human actions, then the system can execute automated planning tasks, but the computational cost becomes excessive and the system lacks effective feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated planning process into hierarchical task networks (HTN) that decompose complex planning problems into smaller, manageable sub-tasks. This segmentation reduces computational complexity by breaking down the overall planning problem into hierarchical levels, where each level handles specific aspects of the planning task, thereby reducing the computational burden while maintaining automated planning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice-based feedback mechanisms that allow users to provide real-time input and confirmation during the planning process. The system incorporates feedback loops where user responses (via voice commands) are processed to adjust and refine the HTN plan dynamically, making the automated planning system more adaptive and efficient by incorporating human feedback without requiring excessive computational resources
2Extent of automation
If conventional automated planning systems are used for complex environments involving human actions, then the system can execute automated planning tasks, but effective feedback mechanisms are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements voice-based feedback mechanisms where users can provide real-time input, confirmation, or modification requests during HTN plan execution. The system processes voice commands as feedback signals to dynamically adjust the planning process, making feedback delivery effective and user-friendly without requiring complex interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual feedback interfaces (such as buttons, switches, or complex UI interactions) with voice-based acoustic input. This substitution simplifies the feedback mechanism by allowing users to interact naturally through speech, improving ease of operation while maintaining automated planning functionality
3Extent of automation
If conventional automated planning systems are used when multiple users are involved, then the system can execute planning tasks, but the system performs poorly and lacks coordination capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the HTN planning system with universal capabilities to handle multiple users and various task types within a unified framework. The system can coordinate different users' objectives and constraints through a common HTN structure, allowing flexible adaptation to multi-user scenarios while maintaining automated planning execution
Solution Approach 2:
The voice-based feedback mechanism enables real-time coordination among multiple users by allowing each user to provide input and receive updates about the planning process. The system processes feedback from multiple sources and adjusts the HTN plan accordingly, improving reliability in multi-user environments through continuous communication and coordination
4Ease of operation
If traditional interfaces are used in environments where they are inconvenient or unavailable, then the system can provide user interaction, but user interaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interfaces (such as keyboards, mice, or touchscreens) with voice-based acoustic input mechanisms. This substitution allows users to interact with the task management system hands-free, improving ease of operation in environments where traditional interfaces are inconvenient or unavailable, while maintaining or enhancing productivity through efficient voice command processing
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies and techniques for voice-controlled planning control. A system command manager processes voice commands, and a system planning manager generates a Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) plan and transmitting at least a portion of the HTN plan to a processing device via a communications interface. The system planning manager is configured to generate a task from the HTN plan and determine if a voice command confirmation was received from the processing device in response to the generated task. The system planning manager may then generate a subsequent task from the HTN plan if the voice command confirmation is received from the processing device, and execute a repair process on the HTN plan if the voice confirmation is not received.