Automated Translation in Multiparty Communication Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiparty communication systems, such as audio or video conference calls, face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for human translators when participants speak different languages, leading to slowed progress and complexity in translation processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automated system that converts audio streams from participants into text streams using speech-to-text techniques and then translates these text streams into multiple languages in real-time, allowing participants to subscribe to and receive translations on their devices, thereby eliminating the need for human translators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If human translators are engaged to translate between languages in multiparty communication sessions, then translation accuracy is improved, but the progress speed of the communication session deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoidcommunication progress speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human translators with an automated translation system that uses speech-to-text conversion and machine translation algorithms. This substitution eliminates the time delay introduced by human processing while maintaining translation functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between translation accuracy and communication speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces text streams as an intermediary between spoken language and translation. By converting speech to text and then translating the text, the system creates a mediated translation process that can be automated and executed rapidly, avoiding the bottleneck of direct human translator intervention while preserving translation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If human translators are engaged to provide translation services, then translation quality is improved, but the cost of the communication session deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs automated translation technology that provides translation services at minimal marginal cost. Unlike human translators who command high fees, the automated system can serve multiple participants across numerous language pairs without proportional cost increases, effectively replacing expensive human resources with a scalable automated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple translators are engaged to handle three or more languages, then translation coverage is improved, but the complexity of the translation process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation coverageVSAvoidtranslation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal translation system that handles multiple language pairs through a single automated platform. Rather than coordinating multiple specialized translators for different language combinations, the system provides multi-language translation coverage through unified speech-to-text and machine translation components, reducing coordination complexity while expanding language support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple translators into a single automated translation system. By combining speech-to-text conversion, machine translation, and text-to-speech synthesis into an integrated system, the patent eliminates the need to manage multiple independent translators, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining comprehensive language coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If automated translation systems are implemented, then cost is reduced and speed is improved, but the level of automation deteriorates (due to need for human translators)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation speedVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the translation process into distinct automated components: speech-to-text conversion, machine translation, and text-to-speech synthesis. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and automated, with clear interfaces between stages, thereby achieving high automation levels while maintaining translation quality and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11783135B2Systems and methods for providing and using translation-enabled multiparty communication sessions

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 VONAGE BUSINESS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing a translation-enabled multiparty communication session utilize a translation service that is configured to receive individual audio streams from each participant in the communication session, and which then generates a participant text stream for each participant based on their audio stream. This can be accomplished using speech-to-text techniques. Each participant's text stream is then translated into a different language to create a translated participant text stream. Individual participants in the communication session can then subscribe to the translated participant text streams to view a translation of what each participant is saying during the communication session.