Accelerometer-Based Voice Search Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices face challenges in efficiently facilitating voice-based search requests due to limitations in user interface design and orientation-dependent functionality, which can lead to accidental activation of voice recognition and complexity in initiating and stopping voice inputs.
Innovation Solution
A portable device system that utilizes orientation changes and hand gestures, detected by an accelerometer, to initiate and stop voice recognition, allowing users to record voice inputs by tilting the device and apply them to a search interface, with the option to shake the device to clear search results and start a new search.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice recognition is activated through traditional buttons or touch screen, then voice input functionality is available, but accidental activation occurs and user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or touch-based voice activation methods (buttons, touch screen icons) with an accelerometer-based detection system. The accelerometer senses specific physical gestures (tilting, shaking) to trigger voice recognition, substituting mechanical sensor technology for complex software-based UI controls and reducing the risk of accidental activation.
2Ease of operation
If voice recognition is continuously active, then voice input is readily available, but battery consumption increases and accidental activations occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping voice recognition continuously active, the system uses periodic activation triggered by specific accelerometer gestures. The voice recorder remains inactive until the user performs a predetermined gesture (such as tilting the device), at which point it activates temporarily to record voice input, then deactivates. This periodic on-demand activation significantly reduces battery consumption while maintaining ease of use.
3Ease of operation
If orientation switching is used to control voice input, then gesture-based control is achieved, but functionality is lost in certain orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the accelerometer-based gesture control system universal across all device orientations. Rather than restricting voice activation to specific orientations (where the display might be in landscape or portrait mode), the accelerometer detects gestures in any orientation. The system recognizes tilting and shaking gestures regardless of how the device is held, making the voice input functionality adaptable and versatile in all orientations.
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
Enables seamless voice-based search functionality by accurately detecting user intentions through orientation and gesture recognition, improving user interaction and reducing accidental activations, thus enhancing the voice search experience on portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
A portable device system that utilizes orientation changes and hand gestures, detected by an accelerometer, to initiate and stop voice recognition
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate voice-based search of information. For example, a portable device may be in a first orientation to present a display of a graphical user interface, such as a search interface presented within a web browser of the portable device. When the portable device is in a second orientation different from the first orientation, the portable device records a voice input for the graphical user interface. When the portable device is back to the first orientation, the portable device applies the voice input to the graphical user interface. When the user shakes the portable device, the portable device re-initializes the graphical user interface for a subsequent input.