Intelligent Microphone System for Voice Control Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Device manufacturers face challenges in implementing automatic speech recognition (ASR) and voice control due to the complexity and cost of selecting and configuring microphones, analog-to-digital converters, and digital signal processors, leading to sub-optimal solutions or the exclusion of these features.
Innovation Solution
An integrated 'off-the-shelf' intelligent microphone system that includes a microphone array, analog-to-digital converters, digital signal processors, and automatic speech recognition circuitry, providing high-quality audio processing and voice control capabilities with minimal configuration, suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If device manufacturers select and configure various components (microphones, ADCs, DSPs) for voice control, then voice control functionality is achieved, but engineering resources and time are substantially expended and sub-optimal solutions result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete audio processing components (microphones, ADCs, DSPs, source separation modules, ASR circuitry) into a single integrated intelligent microphone system. This integration eliminates the need for manufacturers to separately select and configure each component, thereby reducing engineering complexity while maintaining full voice control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent microphone system performs multiple functions within a single device: audio signal acquisition, analog-to-digital conversion, digital signal processing, acoustic source separation, and automatic speech recognition. This multi-functionality allows manufacturers to implement voice control without needing to integrate multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If device manufacturers invest substantial resources to implement voice control with properly configured components, then optimal audio processing is achieved, but development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent microphone system comes pre-configured with optimized components and pre-programmed audio beamformers calibrated to the microphone array. This preliminary configuration of audio processing parameters and calibration data eliminates the need for manufacturers to perform time-consuming setup and optimization, while ensuring high-quality audio processing from deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-programmed audio beamformers and calibration data that enable the intelligent microphone to automatically optimize its performance without requiring external configuration or adjustment. This self-service capability reduces development time while maintaining optimal audio processing quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If device manufacturers leave out voice control entirely to avoid engineering challenges, then development resources are conserved, but voice control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all necessary voice control components into a single intelligent microphone device, the system enables manufacturers to add voice control capability with minimal manufacturing complexity. The unified design eliminates the need to manage multiple separate components, making voice control adoption straightforward.
4Adaptability or versatility
If discrete components are used for audio processing, then system flexibility is maintained, but overall system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates microphones, ADCs, DSPs, source separation modules, and ASR circuitry into a single intelligent microphone system. This consolidation maintains functional flexibility while reducing the number of discrete components that need to be selected, configured, and managed, thereby lowering overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to improving audio processing using an intelligent microphone and, more particularly, to techniques for processing audio received at a microphone with integrated analog-to-digital conversion, digital signal processing, acoustic source separation, and for further processing by a speech recognition system. Embodiments of the present disclosure include intelligent microphone systems designed to collect and process high-quality audio input efficiently. Systems and method for audio processing using an intelligent microphone include an integrated package with one or more microphones, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), source separation modules, memory, and automatic speech recognition. Systems and methods are also provided for audio processing using an intelligent microphone that includes a microphone array and uses a preprogrammed audio beamformer calibrated to the included microphone array.