Integrated Voice Control in Load Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless enabled lighting devices require a separate handheld or desktop virtual assistant for voice control, which can be inconvenient and prone to outages or software issues, limiting user satisfaction and flexibility in controlling lighting devices.
Innovation Solution
A wireless enabled load control device with integrated voice control that can receive and process voice commands, transmitting them to cloud service platforms for processing and executing instructions on connected devices, eliminating the need for a separate voice control interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate handheld or desktop virtual assistant is used for voice control, then voice control functionality is provided, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to additional components and potential outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the voice control interface directly into the load control device, merging previously separate functions (voice recognition and load control) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for a separate virtual assistant while providing voice control capability, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate virtual assistant is used, then voice control is available, but reliability worsens due to outages and software bugs in the separate device
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the voice control interface into the load control device itself, the patent creates a unified system where voice commands are processed locally. This eliminates reliability issues associated with separate virtual assistants experiencing outages or software bugs, as the voice control functionality becomes an inherent part of the load control device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate virtual assistant is used, then voice control functionality is provided, but ease of operation decreases due to the need for additional devices and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voice control interface and load control functions into a single device, eliminating the need for users to set up and operate separate virtual assistants. This integration significantly improves ease of operation, as users can simply speak commands to the load control device itself without additional setup or multiple devices.
4Device complexity
If voice control is integrated into the load control device, then device complexity decreases, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating voice control into the load control device simplifies the overall system structure, it does increase manufacturing complexity. The patent addresses this by incorporating a microphone array and voice processing capabilities directly into the load control device's circuit board, requiring integrated manufacturing processes that combine acoustic and electronic components in a single unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless enabled load control device having integrated voice control is disclosed. The load control device may be connected to a variety of local and remote devices, including lighting devices and smart appliances, as well as various cloud service platforms. The load control device may receive a voice command from a user. The load control device may transmit the voice command to a first cloud service platform for processing to determine an instruction included in the voice command. The determined instruction may be provided to a second cloud service platform connected to the first cloud service platform. The first and second cloud service platforms may be connected to a device to be controlled based on the voice command. The cloud service platforms can adjust an operation of the device based on the determined instruction.