Voice-Triggered Smart Speaker Setup Without Physical Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting smart devices to a wireless network, such as smart speakers, require physical buttons or mobile phone intervention, which are cumbersome and costly, and lack user-friendly interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method using voice commands to initiate a wireless connection setup protocol, such as WPS, by detecting voice inputs and sending probe requests to a target access point, eliminating the need for physical buttons or mobile phone assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If WPS button is used for wireless connection setup, then connection setup is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase due to physical button requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing operation with a voice command recognition system. The microphone detects voice inputs and the processing unit interprets voice commands to trigger wireless connection setup, substituting mechanical interaction with acoustic field-based interaction. This eliminates the need for physical buttons while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice commands as an intermediary between the user and the wireless connection setup function. Instead of direct mechanical button pressing, the user speaks a voice command that is captured by the microphone, processed by the processing unit, and translated into the appropriate connection setup actions, providing a more natural interaction interface.
2Ease of operation
If mobile phone application is used for Wi-Fi configuration, then connection setup is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring mobile phone intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the electronic device to perform wireless connection setup independently without requiring external mobile phone assistance. The device uses its own microphone to detect voice commands and its own processing unit to execute the connection setup protocol, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on mobile phone applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex multi-device interaction process (mobile phone application controlling device configuration) with a simple voice command system. The voice-based interface allows direct user control of the electronic device without needing to coordinate with a mobile phone, simplifying the operational workflow.
3Ease of operation
If voice command detection is implemented, then user-friendly interaction is achieved, but device complexity increases due to microphone and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing microphone and processing unit that are already required for smart speaker functionality (voice assistant, audio processing). By reusing these existing components for the additional function of triggering wireless connection setup, the patent avoids adding significant complexity while enabling user-friendly voice-based interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the voice command recognition capability with the existing wireless connection setup protocol. The same microphone and processing unit that handle voice assistant functions are also used to detect and interpret connection-triggering voice commands, merging multiple functions into existing hardware and software resources rather than adding separate dedicated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for triggering a wireless connection of an electronic device to a target wireless access point is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises detecting a voice command inputted at a microphone of the device; and sending, from the electronic device to the target wireless access point, a probe request indicating that the electronic device is compatible with a wireless connection setup protocol.