Real-Time Emotion Detection from Speech Audio Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the ability to effectively detect and interpret human emotions from speech in real-time, limiting their application in customer service, assistive technologies for individuals with autism, and enhancing natural language processing in robots.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning-based system that uses an audio receiver, processing system, and notification system to classify emotions from human speech signals, employing signal processing techniques and deep learning neural networks for real-time emotion detection and notification, with optional speech-to-text functionality and periodic model updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real-time emotion detection is implemented using machine learning classifiers, then emotion recognition accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemotion recognition accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides emotion detection into distinct processing stages: audio signal acquisition, preprocessing (noise reduction, feature extraction), machine learning classification, and result notification. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate processing layers including signal preprocessing modules and feature extraction components that bridge raw audio input and the machine learning classifier. These intermediaries simplify the classifier's task by providing pre-processed, relevant features, thereby maintaining accuracy while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If deep learning neural networks are used for emotion classification, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of audio signals before they reach the deep learning neural network. Audio preprocessing steps including noise reduction, segmentation, and feature extraction are completed in advance, allowing the neural network to receive pre-processed input and make faster predictions during real-time operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies selective processing where not all audio data receives full deep learning analysis. Instead, the system uses lightweight preprocessing for all inputs and reserves computationally intensive neural network processing for cases where higher accuracy is needed or when preliminary analysis indicates complex emotional states require deeper analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If periodic training and updates of the machine learning model are implemented, then emotion detection performance is improved, but system maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemotion detection performanceVSAvoidsystem maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where detected emotions and associated metadata are stored and can be used to retrain the machine learning model periodically. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously improve performance by learning from accumulated real-world data, with automated processes managing the retraining workflow to minimize manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the machine learning model to perform self-updates through automated retraining processes. The system automatically manages data collection, preprocessing, model retraining, and deployment without requiring manual expert intervention for each update cycle, thereby improving reliability while keeping maintenance complexity manageable through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12119022B2Cognitive assistant for real-time emotion detection from human speech
Publication Date: 2024.10.15 SINHA RISHI AMIT
  • US12119022B2 patent drawing
  • US12119022B2 patent drawing
  • US12119022B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods used in a cognitive assistant for detecting human emotions from speech audio signals is described. The system obtains audio signals from an audio receiver and extracts human speech samples. Subsequently, it runs a machine learning based classifier to analyze the human speech signal and classify the emotion observed in it. The user is then notified, based on their preferences, with a summary of the emotion detected. Notifications can also be sent to other systems that have been configured to receive them. Optionally, the system may include the ability to store the speech sample and emotion classification detected for future analysis. The system's machine learning classifier is periodically re-trained based on labelled audio speech data and updated.