Audio Processing for Public Transport Announcements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of wireless earphones and headphones face difficulties in acquiring important ambient voice information, such as public transportation announcements, while using these devices, as they often need to stop using them to focus on their surroundings, leading to missed important information.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus equipped with a microphone, output interface, and processor that collects and analyzes ambient audio signals to determine if the user is on public transportation, identifies voice signals from transportation acoustic devices, and outputs relevant guidance information, using an AI model to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the user wears wireless earphones and headphones continuously, then audio playback is maintained, but ambient voice information such as public transportation announcements cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing function by separating the music playback path from the ambient voice collection path. The electronic apparatus collects ambient voice information through its own microphone system independently from the music playback, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that collects ambient voice information and selectively outputs it to the user. This intermediary mechanism filters and presents only relevant ambient information (such as transportation announcements) while maintaining the music playback function, resolving the conflict between continuous audio consumption and ambient awareness.
2Loss of information
If the user stops using electronic apparatus to listen to surroundings, then ambient voice information can be acquired, but audio playback is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the audio playback function and ambient voice collection function into a single operating system. Both functions share the same electronic apparatus and can operate simultaneously, allowing the user to maintain music playback while also receiving ambient voice information through the integrated microphone and processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an audio playback device and as an ambient voice collection device. The same device can simultaneously provide music entertainment and environmental awareness, eliminating the need for the user to choose one function over the other.
3Loss of information
If the user turns off electronic apparatus to listen to surroundings, then complete ambient awareness is achieved, but device functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously collecting and processing ambient voice information in the background while the device is in use. The system proactively identifies and prepares relevant ambient information (such as upcoming station announcements) before the user needs to attend to it, allowing the user to remain engaged with audio playback while still benefiting from ambient awareness.
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 conveniently receive and act on important information, like stop announcements, without needing to manually switch off their devices, ensuring they do not miss critical messages while allowing continuous use of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone; an output interface; a memory configured to store information on a plurality of stops; and a processor configured to: based on an audio signal received through the microphone
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided. The controlling method includes, based on an audio signal being received through a microphone, determining whether a user is on a public transport; detecting whether the audio signal includes a voice signal output through an acoustic device of the public transport; determining whether the voice signal from the acoustic device includes a voice signal for guiding at least one stop from among a plurality of stops; and outputting information on the at least one stop.