Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC (Redmond, WA)

The invention describes a system and method for choosing a device to target from a larger number of devices that could be used to provide a response from an assistant to an end-user. The system determines that a similar trigger phrase used in an utterance has been heard by multiple devices that are in proximity to one another at around the same time. The devices that are candidates can collect information about attention patterns, such as the eye movements towards a device, to determine which device was most likely recipient of the utterance. The system is able to control the virtual assistant to reply only via the selected device.

The advancements in machine learning, language understanding and artificial intelligence is transforming how people interact with computers. Virtual assistants, such as Siri.TM. Google Now.TM., Amazon Echo.TM. And Cortana.TM., are examples of a shift in human-computer interaction. To aid with specific computer-based tasks, a user might depend on an assistant virtual. The user may communicate with the assistant by saying, “Assistant, schedule a meeting with John Smith Tuesday at 10 11 am.” The virtual assistant uses natural language processing to interpret the user’s spoken command and then executes the user’s request.

Although virtual assistant technology is now accurate, reliable and user-friendly as a method for users to communicate with their surroundings. The user typically wants or requires multi-tasking so that multiple tasks can be accomplished while working in an environment that is in the presence of multiple virtual assistant-enabled devices. Unfortunately, attempting to use the services of a virtual assistant using the same device can cause confusion, and several devices (or additional devices) may attempt to respond to the user. Innovative and better methods for improving these interactions between users and virtual assistants are needed.

According to a first aspect, a system for selecting a computing device that can give access to virtual assistants comprises several processors or one or more machine-readable medium. The instructions include instructions that when executed by any processor, trigger a system to detect the initial spoken utterance recorded as an audio signal by a primary device at a single point. It also includes an activation phrase to engage virtual assistants, and receiving from the primary device a corresponding attention signal. The instructions enable the system to decide, based on the first attention signal it is determined that the first device was the likely intended recipient device of the first trigger phrase, and respond to the initial spoken word by the first device, in response to the determination that the first device was most likely to be the recipient device.

The method of providing access to a virtual assistant through computers includes the following methods: determining the initial spoken utterance that is recorded by a device that is a first one in the form of an audio signal the first time, which includes a trigger phrase that allows you to connect with a virtual assistant and receiving from the device an initial attention signal about the first time. The method further includes making a determination, based on the first attention signal that the first device is the likely to be the intended recipient of the first trigger and then rendering an answer to the initial spoken word through the first device in response to the conclusion that the first device was themost likely intended recipient device.

This Summary is provided to provide a range of concepts in a simplified form , which are further discussed below in the detailed description. This Summary is not designed to highlight the most important features or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter and is not designed to restrict the scope of the claims. In addition the claimed subject matter isn’t restricted to only implementations that resolve the disadvantages mentioned in any part of this disclosure.

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

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