Audio Sensor Network for Multi-User Geo-Location

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional home AI systems fail to distinguish between multiple users in a common environment, leading to limited personalization and inconvenience, and are device-dependent, restricting natural location-based interactions.

Innovation Solution

A device-independent AI environment using audio sensors for geo-location and tracking of multiple users, where audio event data from geographically-dispersed AI clients is centrally received and processed to identify and triangulate user locations, enabling natural voice interactions and device-free location-based applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional home AI systems process commands without voice analysis or use single-user login, then system operation is simple, but multiple users cannot be distinguished and personalization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user distinction capabilityVSAvoidvoice analysis complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual user identification methods (login screens, device handoff) with automatic acoustic field analysis. The system uses audio sensors to detect and analyze voice characteristics, replacing the mechanical interaction of users manually identifying themselves with automated acoustic recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-identification of users through automatic voice analysis without requiring user intervention. The acoustic field analysis automatically detects user presence and identity, eliminating the need for users to manually log in or identify themselves to the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If smartphone-based AI is used for location services and calls, then device-dependent functionality is achieved, but users must carry devices and interactions are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-based interaction naturalnessVSAvoiddevice dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the AI functionality from the smartphone device by distributing audio sensors throughout the environment (home, office, outdoor areas). Each sensor becomes an independent node in a network, eliminating the need for a central device and enabling location-based interactions without carrying a smartphone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The environmental audio sensor network provides multiple functions including location tracking, call initiation, and AI interactions without requiring a dedicated device. The same sensor infrastructure supports various applications, replacing the need for smartphone-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If audio sensors are distributed throughout the environment for continuous tracking, then device-independent location tracking is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-independent tracking capabilityVSAvoidsensor network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network infrastructure as an intermediary that manages the distributed audio sensors. The network handles data collection, processing, and coordination between sensors, reducing the complexity burden on individual sensor nodes and enabling scalable deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 natural and personalized AI interactions by independently geo-locating users within the AI environment, allowing device-independent telephone calls and enhancing user experience without the need for users to carry devices, improving convenience and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

audio sensors for geo-location and tracking of multiple users

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

audio event data from geographically-dispersed AI clients is centrally received and processed to identify and triangulate user locations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9830554B2Establishing audio connections between users being continuously tracked by collaborative sensors

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 LUMIN LLC

AI summary

Audio sensors collaborate for geo-location and tracking of multiple users. Different users can be independently geo-located and tracked within the AI environment. Location is determined from two or more AI clients of known locations that detect an event such as a human voice command to connect a call with a specific user. Responsive to classification of the event in view of the estimated location, a command for an AI action, such as connecting a call between users, is received for a response to the event at the AI clients that detected the event, or others.