Voice-Controlled Device Selection Using Spoken Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice-controlled systems struggle to individually control multiple devices in a set, particularly in large spaces where devices of the same type are difficult to distinguish and remember by name, and gesture control lacks feedback.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that uses a voice-controlled system to present identifiers to devices in a set, allowing users to reference these identifiers in subsequent voice commands to specify which devices to control, enhancing individual control through a conversational interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are controlled by voice commands using names or groups, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases when individual device control is needed in large spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments device identification into multiple levels: initial voice command for general device selection, then identifier presentation (visual/audible) for specific device differentiation. This segmentation allows users to control devices individually without remembering all device names, reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary identifier presentation step between the voice command and device execution. This intermediary (displaying visual/audible identifiers) mediates between the user's voice input and the actual device control, resolving the contradiction by providing clear device differentiation without requiring complex device naming schemes.
2Ease of operation
If gesture control is used to point at devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to lack of feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by presenting visual and audible identifiers to the user after receiving a voice command. This feedback loop allows users to confirm which specific device(s) will be controlled, ensuring reliable and accurate device selection without the ambiguity of gesture-based pointing.
3Productivity
If all devices are controlled simultaneously by voice command, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation worsens when individual device control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its control mechanism based on user input. After receiving a voice command, the system presents identifiers for confirmation, allowing users to dynamically select which specific devices to control. This dynamic approach maintains productivity by enabling batch control when appropriate while providing individual device control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a set of devices (101, 102, 103, 104 and 105) is proposed. The method is performed by a voice-controlled device (100). In response to receiving (S201) a first voice command of a user comprising a first reference to at least one device of the set of devices and a control command to be performed on the at least one device of the set of devices, the voice-controlled device presents (S202) an identifier in association with each of the at least one device of the set of devices. In response to receiving (S203) a second voice command from the user comprising a second reference to one or more of the identifiers, the voice-controlled device controls (S204) one or more of the at least one device of the set of devices which can be identified based on the second reference comprised in the second voice command to execute the control command comprised in the first voice command.