Mobile Terminal Microphone Path Switching for Wake Word Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals with speech recognition capabilities cannot perform speech recognition when in power saving or sleep mode, requiring users to manually exit the mode before using speech recognition functions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal with a microphone path switching unit and an interrupt generator that allows speech recognition to activate and release the power saving mode by comparing input audio information with stored audio, generating an interrupt signal to convert the mode back to speech recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the terminal enters power saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but speech recognition capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio processing functionality by separating the low-power audio detection path from the full speech recognition path. The audio information input unit and interrupt generator operate independently with minimal power consumption to detect wake words, while the main speech recognition processor remains inactive during power-saving mode, enabling selective activation of full speech recognition capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring for specific audio patterns (wake words) even in power-saving mode. The interrupt generator is pre-configured with target audio information to compare against incoming audio signals, so that when the designated wake word is detected, the system can immediately exit power-saving mode and activate full speech recognition without requiring user intervention or manual mode switching.
2Loss of energy
If the baseband chip is deactivated in power saving mode to conserve energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to perform speech recognition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential audio detection function from the full baseband chip functionality. Instead of completely deactivating audio processing capabilities, the patent isolates and maintains a minimal audio information input path that consumes significantly less power. This extracted function is sufficient for detecting wake words while allowing the main baseband chip to enter low-power state, thus reducing energy loss while preserving speech recognition availability through wake word activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the terminal to automatically exit power-saving mode through voice commands. The interrupt generator continuously monitors audio input and automatically triggers mode transition when the predetermined wake word is detected, eliminating the need for manual user intervention to activate speech recognition functions while in power-saving state.
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual key input is required to exit power saving mode before using speech recognition, then power saving mode stability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical manual operation (physical key input) with an acoustic field-based operation (voice recognition). Instead of requiring users to physically press keys to exit power-saving mode, the patent implements an audio information processing path that detects wake words and automatically triggers mode transition. This substitution maintains power-saving mode stability through continuous monitoring while dramatically improving ease of operation through natural voice activation.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If the terminal remains in power saving mode to conserve energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the user cannot access speech recognition functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by establishing a continuous audio monitoring loop that compares incoming audio signals against stored wake word patterns. The interrupt generator receives audio information from the microphone, compares it with predetermined target audio information, and provides feedback by generating an interrupt signal when a match is detected. This feedback mechanism enables automatic mode conversion from power-saving to speech recognition mode based on voice input, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining energy efficiency during extended idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile terminal, which includes a microphone path switching unit for switching a microphone signal path used to input audio information from a microphone; an interrupt generator for storing audio information and for generating an interrupt signal if the audio information from the microphone path switching unit and the stored audio information substantially correspond with each other; and a controller for controlling the microphone path switching unit to route the audio information from the microphone to the interrupt generator if the mobile terminal enters a power saving mode and for releasing the power saving mode if the interrupt signal is generated while in the power saving mode. Accordingly, since a mobile terminal releases a power saving mode and enters a speech recognition mode, if a specific speech or a sound is input while in the power saving mode, a user can telephone or send a short message despite the terminal being in the power saving mode.