Voice Interface Dynamic Endpoint Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voice-based digital assistants are limited by the need for a central control device that is expensive, difficult to manufacture and maintain, and requires users to be within reach, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts when controlling multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling multiple devices using a voice-based user interface with dynamically switchable endpoints, allowing input and output devices to be dynamically selected based on user requests, eliminating the need for a central control device and enabling seamless interaction with devices across a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central control device is used to activate the digital assistant, then the assistant can be activated, but the user must be within reach of the central control device at all times
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the digital assistant functionality across multiple endpoint devices distributed throughout the environment (smartphones, tablets, computers, smart speakers) rather than concentrating it in a single central control device. This allows users to access the assistant from any location by simply picking up or approaching any endpoint device, eliminating the constraint of needing to be within reach of one specific device.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple endpoint devices are equipped with universal digital assistant capabilities, allowing each device to independently activate and control the assistant. This multi-functionality ensures that regardless of which endpoint device the user interacts with, the same comprehensive assistant services are available, providing spatial flexibility while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple central control devices are used to control multiple devices, then coverage is improved, but the actions of the devices are independent of one another and may conflict with one another
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control logic of multiple endpoint devices through a centralized digital assistant service that processes all device control requests. When any endpoint device receives a voice command, it transmits the command to the centralized service, which maintains a unified understanding of the environment and coordinates device actions to prevent conflicts. This combining approach ensures reliable action coordination while maintaining broad device coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital assistant service acts as an intermediary between multiple endpoint devices and controlled devices. Rather than allowing endpoint devices to directly control other devices (which could lead to conflicting actions), the intermediary service receives all control requests, processes them through a unified context model, and dispatches coordinated commands to the appropriate devices, ensuring reliable and conflict-free operation.
3Extent of automation
If a central control device is used, then voice commands can be processed, but the device is expensive and difficult to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the complex voice processing and device control logic from the endpoint devices and places it in a centralized digital assistant service. This allows endpoint devices to remain simple, inexpensive hardware platforms (such as standard smartphones or basic smart speakers) while the sophisticated automation capabilities reside in the cloud-based service, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of equipping each endpoint device with full voice processing and device control capabilities (which would be expensive and complex), the system creates a virtual copy of the digital assistant service that runs centrally in the cloud. Each endpoint device simply connects to this service copy, receiving the same advanced capabilities without needing expensive local hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full automation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of controlling a digital assistant with dynamically switchable endpoint devices, comprising: dynamically selecting a respective input endpoint device and a respective controlled device for each of a plurality of voice-based requests from a user to the computing system, including: at a first point in time, acquiring respective instances of a first voice input from a first set of two or more input endpoint devices; obtaining a representative copy of the first voice input based on the respective instances of the first voice input that have been acquired from the first set of two or more input endpoint devices; determining a first actionable intent based on the representative copy of the first voice input; and dispatching a first encoded instruction to a first controlled endpoint device selected from the plurality of controlled endpoint devices in accordance with the first actionable intent.