Audio Output Mode Switching for Command Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio devices struggle to recognize spoken commands in noisy environments due to ambient noise interference, leading to ineffective task execution.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically adjust audio output between mono and stereo modes based on volume levels, with the processor controlling audio signal transmission to speakers and potentially muting microphones when volume exceeds a threshold to enhance command recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device outputs audio in stereo mode to provide better audio quality, then the audio output quality is improved, but the microphone's ability to recognize spoken commands in noisy environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between stereo and mono audio output modes based on the detected volume level. When the volume exceeds a threshold, the system transitions from stereo to mono mode, and the microphone is muted. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize both audio quality and command recognition accuracy according to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the audio output parameter (stereo/mono mode) and microphone state (active/muted) based on the volume level parameter. By monitoring the volume threshold and adjusting these parameters accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining high audio quality and ensuring accurate command recognition in noisy environments.
2Reliability
If the device increases audio volume to improve sound output, then the audio output quality is improved, but the ability to detect spoken commands deteriorates due to noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
When the audio volume exceeds the threshold, the invention extracts or isolates the audio output function by switching to mono mode and muting the microphone. This separation allows the audio system to operate at high volume without the microphone picking up interfering sounds, thus maintaining both high audio quality and command detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting the volume level before command recognition is attempted. When high volume is detected, the microphone is proactively muted in advance to prevent noise interference, ensuring that command recognition can proceed accurately when the user does speak.
3Reliability
If the device uses multiple speakers for stereo output, then the audio quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple speakers serve dual functions: they provide high-quality stereo audio output when needed, and they can operate in mono mode when command recognition is prioritized. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware configuration to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selectively modifying an initial audio output of a device that has at least two speakers is provided. The method comprises detecting a volume level of the initial audio output; comparing the volume level to a threshold; based on the comparison, controlling reproduction of the initial audio output by a selective execution of: (i) responsive to the volume level being inferior to the threshold, transmitting an identical audio signal to each one of the speakers for reproducing a modified audio output being of a mono audio output type; and (ii) responsive to the volume level being superior to the threshold, transmitting respective audio signals to the speakers for reproducing the modified audio output, the respective audio signals being different from one another and where the modified audio output is of a stereo audio output type.