Audio Trigger Detection Using Frequency-to-Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in activating speech recognition functionality without consuming excessive power, particularly when users cannot or prefer not to physically interact with the device, and existing methods for voice command activation are prone to unnecessary activation in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that convert audio frequency domain signals into voltage signals, determine their characteristics, and compare them to an audio trigger command, activating the audio user interface when the voltage range information matches the trigger command, using a frequency-to-voltage converter and voltage comparators to efficiently manage power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If speech recognition function is activated continuously, then voice command detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing system into two segments: a low-power audio capture unit that continuously monitors for trigger sounds, and a high-power speech recognition unit that activates only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable voice command detection when required while significantly reducing average power consumption by keeping the heavy processing unit dormant most of the time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing audio signals and detecting trigger sounds continuously in a low-power state before full speech recognition is needed. The audio capture unit pre-processes signals and identifies potential triggers, then activates the full speech recognition function only when a trigger is detected, avoiding unnecessary high-power operation.
2Ease of operation
If audio trigger activation is used, then hands-free operation is enabled, but false activation occurs in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors audio for trigger sounds and provides feedback to the control unit. When a potential trigger is detected, the system enters a verification state where it monitors for additional audio patterns or silence periods to confirm the trigger intent, reducing false activations in noisy environments while maintaining hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its sensitivity and activation thresholds based on the current audio environment. In noisy conditions, the system raises the threshold for trigger detection or requires longer duration signals, while in quiet environments it becomes more sensitive. This dynamic adaptation maintains hands-free operation reliability across varying acoustic conditions.
3Speed
If processor runs speech recognition continuously, then voice command processing speed is improved, but battery drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by having the low-power audio capture unit continuously monitor for trigger sounds at a lower processing rate, then activating the high-speed speech recognition processor only periodically when a trigger is detected. This periodic activation pattern maintains fast voice command processing capability when needed while dramatically reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the essential trigger detection function from the full speech recognition processor and places it in a separate low-power audio capture unit. This extraction allows the heavy processing capabilities to be removed from the continuously running component, enabling fast processing when activated while minimizing battery drain during idle periods.
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 efficient and hands-free activation of audio user interfaces with reduced power consumption, minimizing unnecessary activation and ensuring accurate detection of voice commands in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
converting an audio frequency domain signal into one or more voltage signals
Implementation Method 2
comparing the characteristics of the one or more voltage signals with one or more characteristics of an audio trigger command
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises converting an audio frequency domain signal into one or more voltage signals. Then the characteristics of the one or more voltage signals are determined. Afterwards the characteristics of the one or more voltage signals are compared with one or more characteristics of an audio trigger command. Activation of an audio user interface is then activated on the basis of the comparison.