Mobile Device Self-Identification via Voice Query and Acoustic Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently locating and identifying mobile devices, particularly when they are in silent or vibrate mode, making it difficult for users to find them among multiple similar devices, and preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device self-identification system that uses a microphone to detect ambient sound queries, such as 'Where are you?', and responds with a predefined sound or phrase, like 'Here I am', allowing users to identify their device even when it's in silent or vibrate mode, and recognizing authorized users before responding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices are set to silent or vibrate mode to prevent unauthorized access and reduce noise, then security and noise control are improved, but the ability to locate and identify the device among multiple similar devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voice recognition system that mediates between the silent device state and the user's need to locate the device. The system captures ambient voice queries, processes them through speech-to-text conversion, and triggers appropriate device responses, enabling location identification without requiring the device to emit audible signals during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alert mechanisms (vibration, audible ringtones) with an acoustic field-based voice recognition system. Instead of relying on mechanical vibrations or loud sounds to locate a device, the system uses acoustic signal capture, digital speech processing, and text-to-speech generation to enable device identification while maintaining silent operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mobile devices of the same model are used by different users, then device functionality and accessibility are improved, but the difficulty of identifying one's own device among others increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique voice response characteristics to each device or user. The system can customize the voice identity, tone, or specific phrases used by each device when responding to location queries, allowing users to distinguish their own device from others based on these localized vocal characteristics rather than generic identical responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the concept of visual color differentiation to the acoustic domain by enabling devices to emit distinct voice responses. Just as different colors help visually distinguish objects, different voice patterns, pitches, or identified speaker characteristics help acoustically distinguish between multiple identical devices, allowing users to identify their own device through its unique vocal signature.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If voice query functionality is added to locate mobile devices, then device locatability is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and misappropriation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring voice authentication before the device responds to location queries. The system pre-configures authorized user voice profiles and validates the querying voice against these profiles before triggering any device response. This preliminary authentication step ensures that only authorized users can activate the device's location response functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the device provides voice-based confirmation of its location status only after verifying the authenticity of the query. The system monitors and analyzes the voice input, compares it against authorized user profiles, and only then generates the appropriate location response. This feedback loop with authentication built-in prevents unauthorized access while maintaining the locatability function.
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 users to easily locate their mobile device by voice query and ensures only authorized users can activate the response, preventing unauthorized access and device misappropriation.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient sound signal may be detected using a microphone of a mobile device
Implementation Method 2
a current position of the mobile device may be output using a speaker of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for locating and identifying mobile devices are described. According to various embodiments, an ambient sound signal may be detected using a microphone of a mobile device. Thereafter, it may be determined that the ambient sound signal corresponds to a predefined user query for assistance in locating the mobile device. A predefined response sound corresponding to the predefined user query may then be emitted, using a speaker of the mobile device. Additionally, user identification information may be displayed on a screen in response to detecting contact with the mobile device using at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.