Audio Input Mode Switching for Hands-Free Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conferencing on consumer electronics devices becomes challenging when users need to access information or take notes while participating in conferences, especially in environments where hands-free operation is necessary, such as driving or exercising, due to the difficulty in optimally accessing the device without disrupting the conference.
Innovation Solution
A consumer electronics device with a conferencing application that allows users to switch between audible input configurations, enabling audio communication in one mode and information access or note-taking in another, using voice commands and text-to-speech conversion, allowing hands-free operation and visual or auditory information presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access information or take notes during conferencing on CE devices, then information accessibility and note-taking capability are improved, but hands-free operation becomes difficult and conference continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The audio input functionality is segmented into two distinct modes: conference mode for audio communication and command mode for device control. The system automatically switches between these modes based on detected speech patterns, allowing users to access information and take notes during conferencing while maintaining hands-free operation. The segmentation enables the same hardware to serve dual purposes without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The audible input configuration is made dynamic by automatically switching between conference mode and command mode based on real-time speech analysis. The system detects when user speech differs from conference participant speech and transitions modes accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows seamless transition between hands-free conferencing and hands-free device control, resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and hands-free operation capability.
2Loss of information
If users manipulate the CE device to access information during conferencing, then information accessibility is improved, but conference audio communication may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of the device with voice-based command recognition. Users issue audible commands to access information and take notes without physically touching the device. The speech-to-text conversion system processes these commands while the conferencing audio stream remains uninterrupted, as the system can distinguish between user commands and conference speech. This substitution eliminates the conflict between information access and audio continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device switches between audible input configurations, then operational versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting speech patterns and switching between conference mode and command mode without user intervention. The speech-to-text conversion system analyzes incoming audio to determine whether it originates from the user or conference participants, and automatically adjusts the audible input configuration accordingly. This self-service approach masks the underlying complexity of configuration switching, presenting a simple interface to users while maintaining high operational versatility.
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 users to access information and take notes during conferences without interrupting the audio communication, enhancing usability in various environments by allowing hands-free operation and multi-modal information delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The note taking feature is configured for converting audio from the user received at least over the second audible input configuration to text for viewing on the display of the CE device
Implementation Method 2
subsequent to receiving the command the information may be provided audibly on the CE device using text to speech conversion software
Data Source
AI summary
A consumer electronics (CE) device is configured to execute a conferencing application for a user to audibly communicate with at least one other person at least through a first audible input configuration configured for providing audio from the user to the other person. While executing the conferencing application, the CE device receives an audible input configuration command to change from the first audible input configuration to a second audible input configuration that is configured to not provide audio from the user to the other person and is also configured for receiving audible CE device commands from the user. In the second audible input configuration, the CE device thus receives audible commands from the user to either access information and provide the information to the user, and/or to initiate a note taking feature that converts audio from the user to text for viewing of the text on the CE device.