Voice Assistant Display Layout for Stable Smart Home Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices with voice-activated functions lack the ability to control multiple electronic devices beyond internet-based services and do not provide a cost-effective, visually informative interface for hands-free and eyes-free operation in smart home environments.
Innovation Solution
A display assistant device with a microphone, speaker, and display screen that constantly listens to its surroundings, providing audio and visual feedback, and can control media devices and smart home devices within a smart home environment, featuring a compact design with a low center of mass for stability and mechanical protection against falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated operating system is used to implement voice-activated functions, then the device can perform multiple tasks and control various electronic devices, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voice-activated function from the complex operating system environment. The display assistant device implements voice processing and device control capabilities independently, without requiring a full operating system. The voice assistant processor handles voice inputs, interprets commands, and controls electronic devices directly, separating this functionality from the need for complex OS layers like those in mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified, cost-effective architecture using inexpensive components: a basic processor, microphone array, display screen, and speaker. Instead of using expensive mobile device hardware with sophisticated operating systems, the display assistant device uses affordable components that perform the specific voice-activated control function efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
2Extent of automation
If mobile devices with sophisticated operating systems are used for voice activation, then multiple functions can be performed, but the device cannot constantly detect voice inputs from surroundings without activation
Solution Approach 1:
The display assistant device operates autonomously with constant voice detection enabled by default. The voice assistant processor continuously monitors the audio environment through the microphone array without requiring user activation or OS-level permission. When voice inputs are detected, the system automatically processes and responds to commands, managing its own operation independently of external control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If simplified electronic devices with microphone and speaker are used, then cost is reduced, but the benefits of display screen are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges audio and visual communication capabilities into a single integrated device. The display assistant device combines the display screen, microphone array, and speaker into one unit that provides both visual information presentation and audio interaction. This integration allows the device to deliver comprehensive user experience with eyes-free and hands-free operation while maintaining cost-effectiveness through shared hardware resources and unified control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to a display assistant device that acts as a voice-activated user interface device. The display assistant device includes a base, a screen and a speaker. The base is configured for sitting on a surface. The screen has a rear surface and is supported by the base at the rear surface. A bottom edge of the screen is configured to be held above the surface by a predefined height, and the base is substantially hidden behind the screen from a front view of the display assistant device. The speaker is concealed inside the base and configured to project sound substantially towards the front view of the display assistant device.