Audio Routing System for Mobile Voice Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device voice command systems face challenges in obtaining clear audio input, especially when the user is far from the device or when the device is obstructed, leading to ineffective voice recognition and the need for separate remote microphones that have battery limitations and encumbrance issues.
Innovation Solution
An audio routing system with multiple audio units installed in electrical outlets throughout a home or office, each equipped with a microphone, speaker, and wireless/data capabilities, allowing voice commands to be routed to a mobile device without requiring the device to be in vocal range, using wireless or power-line carrier connections and voice recognition logic to detect and process commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate remote microphone ensemble (headset or earpiece) is used to obtain clear audio input, then voice recognition accuracy is improved, but battery life is reduced and device portability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate audio processing unit (head unit) as an intermediary device that handles voice recognition and audio processing tasks. This unit contains its own microphones and processing capabilities, allowing the mobile device to remain in a low-power state while still enabling voice commands through the head unit's always-on voice recognition system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two separate functional components: a mobile device and a head unit. The head unit is dedicated to audio input and voice recognition, while the mobile device handles other functions. This segmentation allows the mobile device to conserve battery by not continuously running its microphones and voice recognition system.
2Reliability
If the mobile device is kept within close proximity to the user for voice commands, then voice recognition reliability is improved, but device portability and user freedom of movement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head unit serves as a mediator that captures and processes voice commands remotely. It contains microphones and voice recognition logic that can detect and process voice commands from a distance, eliminating the need for the mobile device to be held close to the user's mouth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of holding the mobile device close to the user's mouth with an electronic/audio-based system. The head unit's microphones and audio processing capabilities substitute for the proximity-based voice recognition, allowing users to issue commands from a distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the voice command system is always active during sleep mode to wake the device, then hands-free interaction capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the always-on voice recognition function into a dedicated head unit that operates independently. The mobile device can enter low-power sleep mode while the head unit remains active, handling wake-word detection and initial voice command processing without draining the mobile device's battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The head unit acts as an intermediary that handles the power-intensive always-on voice recognition tasks. It processes wake words and initial voice commands, then communicates with the mobile device only when needed, allowing the mobile device to conserve power while maintaining hands-free interaction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving sound by a first audio unit installed in an electrical outlet, routing audio data corresponding to the received sound from the first audio unit to a second audio unit installed in a second electrical outlet, and sending the audio data to a mobile device using a wireless link between the mobile device and the second audio unit. Routing the audio data may include receiving the audio data from the first audio unit by a third audio unit and routing the audio data to the second audio unit by the third audio unit serving as a router. The data may be routed using table driven routing, on-demand routing or some other appropriate routing protocol. The method may also include performing voice recognition on the audio data and detecting a command word and routing command word data to the second audio unit.