Google Inc.

Willard McClellan

Amy Martin

Jung Guen Tak

Jung Geun Tak

A voice-activated electronic device including a first portion with a first internal surface having a first attachment structure, and a second portion with a second internal surface having a second attachment structure. The first and second internal surfaces have compatible shapes that permit the first and second portions to be moved from a separated position to a joined position, where when the first portion and the second portion are in the joined position the first and second internal surfaces form a nested arrangement. The first and second attachment structures form a secure but separable connection to one another when the first and second portions are in the joined position. The first and second portions are configured to be joined securely and separated through manual human manipulation of one or both of the first portion and the second portion to move the first and second portions between separated and joined positions.

Voice-activated electronic device assembly with separable base

A method is implemented at an electronic device for visually indicating a voice processing state. The electronic device includes an array of visual indicators and one or more microphones. The electronic device collects via the one or more microphones audio inputs from an environment in proximity to the electronic device and initializes processing of the audio inputs. A state of the processing is then determined from among a plurality of predefined voice processing states, and for each of the visual indicators, a respective predetermined illumination specification is determined in association with the determined voice processing state. In accordance with the identified illumination specifications of the visual indicators, the electronic device synchronizes illumination of the array of visual indicators to provide a visual pattern indicating the determined voice processing state. The visual pattern is displayed on the surface of the electronic device and includes one or more discrete illumination elements.

LED design language for visual affordance of voice user interfaces

This application is directed to an electronic device having an overall exterior and electronic components contained therein. The electronic components includes a first electrical connector configured to supply power and/or data to the electronic components and/or to output data signals from the electronic components when the first electrical connector is connected to an external power and/or data connector. The first electrical connector includes first electrical contacts configured in a pattern that is substantially co-planar with a base surface of the electronic components. A base portion of the overall exterior includes a first opening corresponding to a position and size of the first electrical connector in the base surface of the electronic components. The first opening enables the first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector to couple electrically with corresponding electrical contacts of the external power and/or data connector provided at a second surface external to the electronic device.

Planar electrical connector for an electronic device

A method is implemented at an electronic device for visually indicating a voice processing state. The electronic device includes at least an array of full color LEDs, one or more microphones and a speaker. The electronic device collects via the one or more microphones audio inputs from an environment in proximity to the electronic device, and processes the audio inputs by identifying and/or responding to voice inputs from a user in the environment. A state of the processing is then determined from among a plurality of predefined voice processing states, and for each of the full color LEDs, a respective predetermined LED illumination specification is determined in association with the determined voice processing state. In accordance with the identified LED illumination specifications of the full color LEDs, the electronic device synchronizes illumination of the array of full color LEDs to provide a visual pattern indicating the determined voice processing state.

Growing community of inventors

Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Willard McClellan