Audio Recipient Identification Using Existing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intercom systems are often expensive, inflexible, and lack the ability to dynamically direct audio to specific individuals within a home or office setting, limiting their functionality and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor and memory that detects audio input intended for a recipient, derives the recipient's identity, and transmits the audio to an associated information handling device, utilizing existing network devices to establish a dynamic and targeted communication channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional intercom systems are used, then audio transmission functionality is provided, but the system becomes expensive and requires specialized hardware installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio transmission functionalityVSAvoidspecialized hardware installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing information handling devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) perform intercom functions by integrating audio input detection, identity derivation, and audio transmission capabilities into devices that users already possess. This eliminates the need for specialized intercom hardware while maintaining reliable audio transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the existing computational resources, processors, and communication capabilities of standard information handling devices to perform intercom functions. The devices serve themselves by detecting audio input, deriving recipient identities, and transmitting audio without requiring external specialized hardware infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional intercom systems are used, then audio transmission is possible, but the system lacks the ability to dynamically direct audio to specific individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio transmission capabilityVSAvoiddynamic audio direction to specific persons
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic audio direction by detecting audio input containing recipient identification information, deriving the intended recipient's identity in real-time, and routing audio transmissions dynamically to the identified recipient's device. This allows the system to adapt audio routing based on the specific content and context of each communication rather than following fixed broadcast patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system derives recipient identity from the audio input itself, creating a feedback loop where the content of the audio message determines its destination. The audio input contains identification information that feeds back into the routing decision, enabling precise targeting of communications to intended recipients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If standard information handling devices are used instead of specialized intercom hardware, then cost and installation complexity are reduced, but the ability to detect and route audio to specific recipients must be implemented through software

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware requirementsVSAvoidautomatic recipient identification and routing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based routing system of conventional intercoms with a software-based system that processes audio input, derives recipient identities through computational analysis, and routes transmissions electronically. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while implementing automatic recipient identification and routing through software algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by using software processing instead of hardware switching mechanisms. The processor executes code to detect audio input parameters, derive identity information from audio content, and dynamically route transmissions based on these derived parameters, replacing fixed hardware routing with flexible software-controlled parameter-based routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10497368B2Transmitting audio to an identified recipient
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US10497368B2 patent drawing
  • US10497368B2 patent drawing
  • US10497368B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for transmitting audio to an identified recipient. A method includes detecting, by a processor, audio input at a first information handling device. The audio input is intended for a recipient. The method includes deriving an identity of the intended recipient of the audio input based on the audio input. The method includes transmitting the audio input to a second information handling device that is associated with the intended recipient.