Dynamic Speech Output Rate Adjustment for Natural Interaction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with speech recognition functions output speech responses at a fixed rate, leading to unnatural interactions and difficulties in conveying complex information effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a processor and memory that adjusts the speech output rate based on specific conditions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of speech synthesis to better match user understanding and comprehension by varying the speed of speech output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic device outputs speech response at a fixed speech output rate, then the device complexity is reduced and the operation is simplified, but the user interaction becomes unnatural and complex information is difficult to convey effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction naturalnessVSAvoidspeech output control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed speech output rate to a variable speech output rate that adapts to different conditions. The processor dynamically adjusts the speech output rate based on multiple factors including user characteristics (age, hearing ability), environmental conditions (noise level), and content characteristics (complexity, importance). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the speech output flexible and adaptive while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the speech output rate parameter according to various conditions. The system changes the speech rate parameter based on user profiles (slower for elderly or hearing-impaired users), environmental noise levels (slower in noisy environments), and content importance (slower for critical information). This parameter adjustment approach improves user interaction naturalness while keeping the control mechanism systematic and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the electronic device uses a fixed speech output rate, then the system is simpler to implement, but the effectiveness of conveying complex information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation conveyance effectivenessVSAvoidspeech synthesis control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the speech output rate parameter based on content characteristics and user needs. For complex information, the system automatically reduces the speech output rate to improve comprehension. This parameter adjustment enhances information conveyance effectiveness by adapting the speech rate to match the complexity of the information being delivered, while the structured approach to parameter selection keeps implementation complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user responses and comprehension indicators to adjust speech output rate. When the system detects that information is complex or that the user is having difficulty understanding, it slows down the speech output. This feedback-driven adjustment improves reliability of information conveyance while using systematic feedback processing to manage control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the electronic device outputs speech at a fixed rate, then the processing time and computational resources are reduced, but user understanding and retention of complex information is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeech processing efficiencyVSAvoiduser comprehension effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making speech output rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system processes speech at different rates depending on real-time conditions, allowing faster speech when information is simple and user comprehension is confirmed, and slower speech when information is complex or user understanding is uncertain. This dynamic approach balances processing efficiency with comprehension effectiveness by adapting speed to content and user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the speech output rate parameter based on content complexity and user characteristics. For simple information delivered to capable users, the system maintains higher speech rates for efficiency. For complex information or users with comprehension challenges, the system reduces speech rate to improve understanding. This conditional parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between productivity and comprehension effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11854527B2Electronic device and method of controlling speech recognition by electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11854527B2 patent drawing
  • US11854527B2 patent drawing
  • US11854527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device for adjusting a speech output rate (speech rate) of speech output data.