Bone Conduction Body Language Detection via Sensor Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing context-based computing systems fail to accurately capture and interpret body language, which conveys rich physical, emotional, and mental context more effectively than facial expressions, due to limitations in current sensing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A device uses bone conduction to detect body language by sending signals through a sensor network connected to the user, modifying them based on bone conduction techniques, and comparing these signals to a body language reference model to determine the user's physical, mental, and emotional state, which can be used for targeted advertising and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing sensing technologies are used to detect body language, then the system can capture some contextual information, but the accuracy and richness of body language detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody language detection accuracyVSAvoidrich information expressed by body language
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments body language detection into multiple independent sensing channels: vibration sensors for physical movements, acoustic sensors for vocal cues, and optical sensors for facial expressions. Each sensor type captures specific aspects of body language independently, and their results are integrated to achieve comprehensive and accurate detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediary components that process raw sensor data and translate it into meaningful body language interpretations. These models act as mediators between the physical sensing layer and the application layer, extracting rich information patterns that would be impossible to detect with simple threshold-based methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then body language can be captured more accurately, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody language detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal sensor modules that can be deployed in multiple locations on the body, each performing the same sensing function. These multi-functional sensor units can detect vibrations, acoustic signals, and optical changes, allowing the system to maintain high detection accuracy while using standardized, replaceable components that simplify overall system design and maintenance.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor network incorporates self-calibration and self-diagnosis capabilities. Each sensor automatically adjusts its parameters based on environmental conditions and performs health checks, reducing the need for manual configuration and maintenance. This self-service functionality compensates for the increased number of sensors by automating management tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If bone conduction technology is used to detect body language, then accurate detection of physical, mental, and emotional state is achieved, but the ease of operation and user comfort may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical, mental, and emotional state detectionVSAvoiduser comfort and convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies bone conduction sensors only at specific locations where bone proximity to the skin provides optimal signal transmission, such as the temporal bone and mandible. This localized application ensures high detection precision for mental and emotional states while minimizing the overall contact area, thereby maintaining user comfort and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bone conduction sensors are designed with adaptive pressure control that dynamically adjusts the contact force based on user feedback and detected signal quality. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal sensing conditions for accurate detection while preventing excessive pressure that would reduce user comfort, allowing the system to adapt to different users and situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach allows for accurate detection and interpretation of body language, enabling context-aware applications to provide relevant advertisements and feedback based on the user's physical, mental, and emotional state, enhancing user engagement and experience.

Implementation Method 1

The signal is then propagated through a bone of the user by at least a portion of the plurality of vibration sensors. Propagation of the signal through the bone of the user causes the signal to be modified.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBone conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10108984B2Detecting body language via bone conduction
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US10108984B2 patent drawing
  • US10108984B2 patent drawing
  • US10108984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for detecting body language via bone conduction. According to one aspect, a device can detect body language of a user. The device can generate a signal and send the signal to a sensor network connected to a user. The device can receive a modified signal from the sensor network and compare the modified signal to a body language reference model. The device can determine the body language of the user based upon comparing the modified signal to the body language reference model.