A first device is installed at a first location in a first space visible to a user. A second device is installed at a second location in a second space not visible to the user. A control method acquires line-of-sight information indicating a line-of-sight direction of the user from a camera. The line-of-sight direction of the user is determined based on the line-of-sight information. In a case where the line-of-sight direction indicates a third location other than the first location, a second dictionary corresponding to the second device is acquired from a plurality of dictionaries including a first dictionary corresponding to the first device and the second dictionary. Sound data indicating speech of the user is acquired from a microphone, a control command corresponding to the sound data is generated using the second dictionary, and the control command is transmitted to the second device.

This relates to systems and processes for using a virtual assistant to control electronic devices. In one example process, a user can speak an input in natural language form to a user device to control one or more electronic devices. The user device can transmit the user speech to a server to be converted into a textual representation. The server can identify the one or more electronic devices and appropriate commands to be performed by the one or more electronic devices based on the textual representation. The identified one or more devices and commands to be performed can be transmitted back to the user device, which can forward the commands to the appropriate one or more electronic devices for execution. In response to receiving the commands, the one or more electronic devices can perform the commands and transmit their current states to the user device.

A system and method are provided for facilitating hands free and precise movement, translation and repositioning of a movable mechanical apparatus, including an operating room lighting system, mounted to a mechanically-movable base component including, for example, an articulable or articulated robotic-type arm, according to user input pointing commands, including laser or other like pointing commands initiated by a user. The user provides hands free designation of a point of focus with a pointing device. A sensor associated with the movable mechanical apparatus automatically detects the designated point of focus and a processor determines and executes a scheme of movement for moving the movable mechanical apparatus from a current position to a position proximate to the designated point of focus. A collision avoidance scheme is also provided for safety and to alert the user as to the presence of any impediment in the determined scheme of movement.

This relates to systems and processes for using a virtual assistant to control electronic devices. In one example process, a user can speak an input in natural language form to a user device to control one or more electronic devices. The user device can transmit the user speech to a server to be converted into a textual representation. The server can identify the one or more electronic devices and appropriate commands to be performed by the one or more electronic devices based on the textual representation. The identified one or more devices and commands to be performed can be transmitted back to the user device, which can forward the commands to the appropriate one or more electronic devices for execution. In response to receiving the commands, the one or more electronic devices can perform the commands and transmit their current states to the user device.

A method for controlling an electrical appliance, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The control method comprises: receiving a voice control instruction (S101); when the identity of a user who issued the voice control instruction is determined to be a child, acquiring a child knowledge graph (S102); when determined that a control object is a first electrical appliance, determining whether a knowledge expression corresponding to the first electrical appliance exists in the child knowledge graph (S103); if a knowledge expression corresponding to the first electrical appliance doesn't exist in the child knowledge graph, then not responding to the voice control instruction; otherwise, carrying out processing on the voice control instruction according to the knowledge expression corresponding to the first electrical appliance in the child knowledge graph (S104).

A method includes receiving a text message from a client device. The text message contains a request for information related to an industrial process control and automation system. The method also includes parsing the text message to identify the information being requested. The method further includes transmitting one or more queries for the information being requested and obtaining the information being requested. In addition, the method includes generating a natural-language response containing the information being requested and transmitting the natural-language response for delivery to the client device. The one or more queries could include at least one query to a historian associated with the control and automation system. The request for information could include a request for one or more values of one or more process variables associated with the control and automation system or a request for information identifying a status of specific equipment in the control and automation system.

Voice interfaces in process control systems are disclosed herein. One disclosed example method includes authenticating an RFID device, and, based on authenticating the RFID device, receiving voice instructions, where the voice instructions include settings data for a process control device of a process control system. The example method also includes determining, using a processor, the settings data based on the voice instructions, and storing the settings data.

A display device for controlling a home appliance by using voice recognition according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit, a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with the home appliance, and a control unit configured to: receive a voice command; when the intention of the received voice command is to request an object handling method, determine an operation mode of the home appliance for handling an object based on information of the object; and transmit, to the home appliance, a control command for operating the home appliance in the determined operation mode.

This relates to systems and processes for using a virtual assistant to control electronic devices. In one example process, a user can speak an input in natural language form to a user device to control one or more electronic devices. The user device can transmit the user speech to a server to be converted into a textual representation. The server can identify the one or more electronic devices and appropriate commands to be performed by the one or more electronic devices based on the textual representation. The identified one or more devices and commands to be performed can be transmitted back to the user device, which can forward the commands to the appropriate one or more electronic devices for execution. In response to receiving the commands, the one or more electronic devices can perform the commands and transmit their current states to the user device.

Voice interfaces in process control systems are disclosed herein. One disclosed example method includes authenticating an RFID device, and, based on authenticating the RFID device, receiving voice instructions, where the voice instructions include settings data for a process control device of a process control system. The example method also includes determining, using a processor, the settings data based on the voice instructions, and storing the settings data.