Voice-Controlled Light Switch Microphone Array Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home automation systems lack efficient voice-controlled interfaces for managing power loads, leading to suboptimal user interaction and accuracy in speech recognition, especially in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
Voice-controlled light switches equipped with multiple microphones strategically positioned on the switch and faceplate, using beamforming and noise-cancellation techniques to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for accurate speech recognition and remote processing of voice commands to control various home appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are positioned at different locations on the switch and faceplate, then speech recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the microphone array into multiple segments positioned at different locations on the switch and faceplate. Each microphone segment captures audio from different spatial perspectives, and the system selectively activates specific segments based on the switch position and estimated user location, thereby improving speech recognition accuracy while managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific microphone pairs from the multiple positioned microphones based on real-time conditions including switch position and user location estimation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize speech capture for each situation without requiring all microphones to be continuously active, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If beamforming and noise-cancellation techniques are applied, then speech recognition efficacy is improved, but processing requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beamforming and noise-cancellation techniques as preliminary processing steps to pre-enhance the speech signal before further recognition processing. By proactively reducing noise and enhancing the speech component in advance, the system improves recognition efficacy while reducing the computational burden and energy consumption of subsequent processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies noise-cancellation and beamforming selectively rather than continuously, activating these energy-intensive processing techniques only when speech recognition is required or when environmental noise levels exceed certain thresholds. This partial application reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining high recognition efficacy when needed.
3Measurement precision
If microphones are strategically positioned on both the switch and faceplate, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faceplate serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for the light switch and simultaneously serves as a mounting surface for microphones. By integrating the microphone mounting function into the existing faceplate structure, the system achieves strategic microphone positioning that improves signal-to-noise ratio without adding separate manufacturing steps or components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
Improves speech recognition accuracy and efficacy by selecting optimal microphone pairs based on switch position and user location, enabling seamless voice-controlled management of home appliances and devices.
Implementation Method 1
using beamforming and noise-cancellation techniques to enhance signal-to-noise ratio
Implementation Method 2
selecting optimal microphone pairs based on switch position and user location
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes, in part, voice-controlled light switches that act as voice-controlled endpoints at which users may provide voice commands. These light switches may physically couple to a power source, as well as to one or more appliances. The light switches may include physical switches to selectively provide power to the appliances, either in a binary fashion (on or off) or along of spectrum of positions. In either instance, the appliances coupled to the light switches may include lights, electrical outlets, home appliances (e.g., dishwashers, washing machines, etc.), factory machinery, or any other device that receives electrical power.