Voice Device Status Indication via Extracted LED Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice-activated electronic devices are limited in their ability to control both local and remote devices, require display screens for status indication, and are not easily deployable across different smart home and media environments without increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A voice-activated electronic device with a small form factor that uses natural language voice commands to control local and remote devices, includes visual indicators like full-color LEDs for status, and can send media information, allowing for eyes-free and hands-free operation across various environments through network connectivity and adaptable form factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If display screens are used to indicate status of voice processing, then user interface functionality is improved, but device cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visual indication function from the main device body and implements it through separate LED indicators positioned around the device perimeter. This allows status indication without requiring expensive display screens, resolving the contradiction between user interface functionality and device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LED indicators to create simplified visual representations of device status rather than using full display screens. This copying approach provides essential status information (microphone active, speaker active, etc.) at a fraction of the cost of display screens while maintaining core user interface functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If voice-activated electronic devices are designed with fixed form factors, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different smart home and work environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electronic device with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to function in multiple environments (smart home, work, portable) without requiring different device variants. The device can be mounted on desks, walls, or carried portably, providing environmental adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single standardized design.
3Reliability
If electrical connectors have complex three-dimensional structures, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex three-dimensional mechanical connector structures with flat planar electrical connectors that rely on electrical contact rather than mechanical interlocking. This substitution maintains connection reliability through proper electrical contact while dramatically reducing manufacturing precision requirements and production costs.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
This application is directed to an electronic device having an overall exterior and electronic components contained therein. The electronic components includes a first electrical connector configured to supply power and/or data to the electronic components and/or to output data signals from the electronic components when the first electrical connector is connected to an external power and/or data connector. The first electrical connector includes first electrical contacts configured in a pattern that is substantially co-planar with a base surface of the electronic components. A base portion of the overall exterior includes a first opening corresponding to a position and size of the first electrical connector in the base surface of the electronic components. The first opening enables the first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector to couple electrically with corresponding electrical contacts of the external power and/or data connector provided at a second surface external to the electronic device.