Interpreter Desk Audio Channel Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interpreter desks in digital conferencing systems require manual selection of relay channels for translation, which can lead to indirect and potentially low-quality translations, as they do not account for interpreter preferences or the quality of available languages.

Innovation Solution

An interpreter desk equipped with a processing unit that suggests suitable audio input channels for translation based on interpreter preferences and language quality, automatically selecting the best available language for translation, considering active interpreters and audio signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual selection of relay channels is used, then interpreters can choose any available language channel, but the selection process is time-consuming and may result in indirect translations through multiple relay channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterpreting efficiencyVSAvoidtime for channel selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit pre-calculates and suggests optimal relay channels by evaluating language quality indicators and interpreter preferences before the interpreter makes a selection. This preliminary analysis automates the assessment process that would otherwise require manual evaluation of multiple channels, reducing the time needed to identify the best translation path while maintaining interpreting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple relay channels are provided for selection, then interpreters have more language options, but the complexity of the interface and selection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanguage channel optionsVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit automatically evaluates language quality indicators and interpreter preferences to generate suggested relay channel recommendations. This self-service approach allows the system to manage the complexity of multiple language options internally, presenting simplified recommendations to the interpreter rather than requiring them to manually navigate through complex interface options, thus maintaining versatility while reducing perceived complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If interpreters manually select relay channels without quality indicators, then the system is simpler to operate, but translation quality may deteriorate due to indirect translations through multiple channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation qualityVSAvoidease of channel selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the interpreter by displaying suggested relay channels based on language quality indicators and interpreter preferences. This feedback mechanism guides the interpreter toward high-quality translation paths without requiring them to manually evaluate each channel's quality, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving translation reliability through informed selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If the system automatically suggests relay channels based on preferences and quality indicators, then translation quality is improved, but the processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation qualityVSAvoidprocessing unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical selection processes with automated electronic processing. The processing unit uses algorithms to evaluate language quality indicators and interpreter preferences, substituting the manual assessment mechanism with computational processing. This increases translation quality through systematic evaluation while the electronic implementation manages the complexity more efficiently than manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3207693B1Interpreter desk for a conferencing system
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 TELEVIC CONFERENCE NV
  • EP3207693B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3207693B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An interpreter desk for a conferencing system is presented comprising • a first interface configured to select an audio input channel from a plurality of audio input channels, each corresponding to a different language, from which selected audio input channel a translation into a target language is to be performed, said first interface being configurable, • a processing unit arranged to suggest one or more audio input channels and corresponding language as a source language for translation into the target language, based on at least one user preference and an indication of the number of times the original language has already been translated, and • a second interface, configured to select an audio output channel to send out the translation to a conference participant.