Franking Machine Voice Interface With Secure Acoustic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional franking machines lack the capability for acoustic communication and storage of audio files, leading to inadequate user interaction and potential security risks due to noise pollution and incorrect input activation of virtual assistants.

Innovation Solution

A smart franking machine equipped with acoustic input and output devices, including a loudspeaker and microphone, connected via the Internet for secure communication with remote servers, utilizing speech assistants like Alexa to enhance user interaction and security through encrypted data transfer and plausibility checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If acoustic output devices (loudspeaker) are added to the franking machine, then user interaction and information delivery are improved, but device complexity and noise pollution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interactionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic output device serves multiple functions: delivering audio feedback to users, providing security warnings, and enabling voice-based interactions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple communication channels into a single component type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic output device acts as an intermediary between the control unit and the user, translating digital commands and status information into audible signals. This mediator role improves user interaction by providing intuitive audio feedback without requiring direct interface manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If speech assistants with always-active microphones are integrated, then voice-based command execution is improved, but false activation by similar sound waves increases security risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice-based command executionVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives continuous feedback from the acoustic input device and actively monitors the acoustic environment. It compares detected sound patterns against predefined activation criteria, providing feedback control that prevents false activation while maintaining voice command functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of acoustic signals before triggering command execution. The control unit evaluates whether detected sounds meet the uniqueness threshold for activation commands, performing this check in advance to prevent false activation by similar sound waves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If audio files are stored in the franking machine, then acoustic communication capability is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic communication capabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of audio file storage by implementing selective storage based on file size thresholds and prioritizing essential acoustic communication files. This parameter adjustment allows the franking machine to maintain acoustic communication capability while optimizing storage capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables secure and intuitive acoustic communication, reducing noise pollution and incorrect input issues while improving user interaction and security by using speech assistants for command execution and plausibility checks.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic output device (8) configured to output acoustic signals, in particular speech or music files... The acoustic output device may include at least one electro-acoustic transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-acoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

A Postbase100-type franking machine from the applicant Francotyp-Postalia GmbH includes a touchscreen and a piezoelectric sound transducer (e.g. beeper)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11630897B2Goods processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 FRANCOTYP POSTALIA AG & CO KG

AI summary

A goods processing apparatus includes a controller including a program memory, a security module, a first communication interface that is configured to, in cooperation with the security module, securely communicate with a remote server, and an acoustic output device electrically connected with the controller and configured to output audio files or sound files. The security module and the first communication interface can be electrically connected with the controller. The program memory may store a program to control the acoustic output via the acoustic output device. The program can facilitate external commands being transmitted from the remote server, or from one or more other internet sources, to the controller. Via security measures, operational security of the goods processing apparatus is prevented from being negatively affected, or harmful code is prevented from being transmitted to controller.