Voice-Controlled Device TV State Detection via Acoustic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice-controlled devices struggle to reliably control multiple audio-video systems in complex home environments using voice commands, as they often require physical manipulation and cannot accurately determine the state of external devices like televisions.
Innovation Solution
A voice-controlled multimedia device (VCMD) that uses infrared LEDs and HDMI ports to communicate with and control external audio-video systems, detecting user voice commands and determining the state of external devices to route audio or video content appropriately between internal and external speakers or displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice recognition technology is used to control audio-video systems, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to accurately detect device state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (microphone listening for TV audio output) between the voice-controlled device and the audio-video system. This intermediary allows the system to indirectly detect the TV's power state by monitoring for the presence or absence of audio signals, thereby improving reliability without compromising voice-controlled ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the audio output from the TV through the microphone and using this information to adjust control behavior. When audio is detected, the system infers the TV is on and routes content accordingly; when no audio is detected, it infers the TV is off and prevents content routing, creating a reliable feedback loop that enhances both reliability and operational accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio-video systems are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for state monitoring and routing logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through automatic state detection using the microphone to listen for TV audio output. Instead of requiring manual state input or complex polling mechanisms, the system autonomously detects TV power state by monitoring audio presence, and automatically routes content based on this detection, reducing the complexity of multi-system management while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic state monitoring systems with an acoustic detection mechanism. By using the microphone to listen for TV audio output rather than implementing complex electrical polling or state querying systems, the solution simplifies the device architecture while enabling support for multiple audio-video systems with different connectivity options
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless voice-controlled operation of multiple electronic devices without physical interaction, ensuring content is played on the appropriate device based on user commands and device states, enhancing user experience by reducing setup complexity and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A voice-controlled multimedia device (VCMD) that uses infrared LEDs and HDMI ports to communicate with and control external audio-video systems
Implementation Method 2
a state monitor that listens for the presence of TV audio using a microphone of the VCMD
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a microphone of a voice-controlled device, a speech input, generating an electrical signal having a first gain level that is below a gain threshold for audible detection by a user, transmitting the electrical signal to the speaker and detecting, by the microphone, an audio signal that includes a combination of ambient noise and a probe audio signal, wherein the probe audio signal is output by the speaker based on the electrical signal. The method further includes determining a power level of the probe audio signal and determining a state of the display based on the power level of the probe audio signal.