Breathing Apparatus Voice-to-Text Conversion for Emergency Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency workers face challenges in simultaneous use of breathing apparatus and communication devices, leading to inconvenience and confusion due to overlapping voice messages during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained breathing and communication apparatus that integrates a microphone, voice activity detection processor, voice-to-text processor, transmitter, receiver, and display device, allowing for clear text message transmission and display, even in noisy environments, via a communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If emergency workers use separate communication devices (walkie-talkies) in addition to breathing apparatus, then communication capability is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to managing multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication device functions (microphone, speaker, radio transceiver) directly into the breathing apparatus unit. The microphone is positioned within the face mask to capture speech, and the speaker is integrated into the same housing, eliminating the need for separate walkie-talkie devices while providing complete communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: providing breathable air through the breathing circuit and simultaneously capturing, transmitting, and playing back audio communications. This multi-functional integration allows emergency workers to use a single device for both life-support and communication needs.
2Speed
If multiple emergency workers speak simultaneously using conventional voice communication, then communication speed is maintained, but information clarity deteriorates due to overlapping voice messages creating confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital audio processing system that acts as an intermediary between the microphones and speakers. The processor captures audio from all users, digitally processes the signals to separate and identify individual speakers, removes overlapping portions, and reconstructs clear sequential messages before outputting them through the speakers. This intermediary processing layer eliminates confusion while maintaining communication speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate communication devices are used, then communication function is provided, but ease of operation worsens due to inconvenience of simultaneously managing breathing apparatus and communication device
Solution Approach 1:
The communication components (microphone, speaker, control circuitry) are physically integrated into the breathing apparatus housing. The microphone is positioned within the face mask structure, and the speaker is mounted in the same unit, allowing emergency workers to communicate without handling separate devices, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
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
Enhances communication efficiency by converting spoken words and informative sounds into text messages, reducing confusion and improving work efficiency among emergency workers by providing clear and distinct messages even when multiple users speak simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
A microphone can receive sound when a user speaks and converts the received sound into a voice signal
Implementation Method 2
A voice activity detection processor can detect spoken words and informative sounds from the first user's voice signal. For this detection, the voice activity detection processor can remove noise from the voice signal
Implementation Method 3
A transmitter of the transmitting module can send the message to a receiver on second apparatus, similar to the first, used by the second user. The message can be sent via a communication network
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained breathing and communication apparatus is described that can facilitate communication between a first user and a second user. A microphone can record sound when the first user speaks. The microphone can convert the recorded sound to a voice signal. A voice activity detection processor can detect spoken words and informative sounds of the first user from the converted voice signal. For this detection, the voice activity detection processor can remove noise from the voice signal. A voice-to-text processor can convert the detected words and informative sounds to a text message. A transmitter of the transmitting module can transmit the text message to a receiver of the second user via a communication network. A display device of the second user can display the text message on a graphical user interface. Related methods, apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.