Masking Device for Virtual Assistant Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual assistant devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, constantly listen for activation terms, potentially exposing sensitive user information, as they are connected to networks, leading to security concerns when users discuss confidential matters.
Innovation Solution
A masking device that partially blocks the virtual assistant's microphone, using acoustical materials to attenuate sound and a processor to control audio communication channels, allowing users to initiate interactions while preventing unwanted listening by the virtual assistant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the virtual assistant constantly listens for activation terms, then the user can easily initiate interactions verbally, but sensitive information may be exposed to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The masking device acts as an intermediary between the user and the virtual assistant. It includes a microphone to receive user speech, a processor to analyze the speech for sensitive information, and a speaker to output masked versions of the speech to the virtual assistant. This intermediary structure allows the system to filter and control what information reaches the virtual assistant, preventing direct exposure of sensitive data while still enabling interaction initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the audio communication channel into multiple components: the original microphone input, the processing stage that identifies sensitive information and activation terms, and the speaker output that creates a masked version. This segmentation allows selective transmission of information - activation terms can trigger responses while sensitive content is masked or blocked, resolving the contradiction between ease of interaction and information security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the masking device blocks the virtual assistant microphone, then sensitive information is protected, but the user cannot initiate interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The masking device dynamically adjusts its blocking behavior based on real-time analysis of the audio input. The processor continuously monitors the microphone input to detect activation terms and sensitive information, then dynamically controls the speaker output accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between different states: fully blocked when sensitive information is detected, partially open when activation terms are present, and normally open during regular conversation, thus maintaining both protection and interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of audio transmission based on content analysis. When an activation term is detected, the processor modifies the transmission parameter to allow the activation term to reach the virtual assistant. When sensitive information is detected, the transmission parameter is changed to mask or block that portion of the audio. This parameter-based control enables selective permeability of the masking device, resolving the contradiction between blocking and enabling interaction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the masking device processes all audio through a speaker, then information security is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct acoustic transmission (mechanical sound wave propagation from microphone to virtual assistant) with an electronic processing pathway. The processor analyzes the digital representation of the audio signal and controls the speaker to output only the desired portions. This substitution of mechanical transmission with electronic control enables sophisticated security processing while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure consisting of basic components: microphone, processor, and speaker.
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
Prevents virtual assistants from processing sensitive information during conversations, maintaining user privacy by selectively allowing or blocking audio communication channels based on predefined key terms, ensuring secure handling of sensitive data.
Implementation Method 1
a body configured to at least partially block a virtual assistant microphone of the virtual assistant
Data Source
AI summary
A masking device for a virtual assistant, the masking device including a body configured to at least partially block a virtual assistant microphone of the virtual assistant, and an assistant initializer in or on an inside of the body. The masking device also includes a masking device microphone on an outside of the body, and a processor communicatively connected to the assistant initializer and the microphone. The processor is configured to employ the assistant initializer to control an audio communication channel to the virtual assistant in response to the microphone receiving a first audio key term from a user.