Multirotor Voice Control With Propeller Noise Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-rotor aircraft are inherently unstable and require complex remote control devices for operation, leading to security issues and 'Jello' effect in captured images due to oscillations caused by inexperienced pilots.

Innovation Solution

A voice control method using speech recognition to convert voice commands into flight control signals, with noise reduction techniques such as filtering and cancellation to mitigate motor noise interference, allowing the aircraft to be controlled without a traditional remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional radio control devices are used, then the aircraft can be controlled, but the operation becomes complex and requires training, and inexperienced pilots cause oscillations and security problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical radio control system with a voice-based acoustic control system. The voice recognition unit captures and processes spoken commands, converting them into control signals for the aircraft, thereby eliminating the need for physical remote control devices and reducing operational complexity for users.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft system performs self-control through voice recognition technology. The control unit automatically interprets voice commands and adjusts flight parameters without requiring manual intervention through complex remote controls, enabling the system to serve itself in the control process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If voice control is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but motor noise interferes with voice signal recognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates the voice signal from the noisy acoustic environment by using dedicated voice recognition units that filter and process only relevant audio frequencies. The system separates the control-relevant voice commands from the motor noise through selective signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The voice recognition unit acts as an intermediary between the pilot and the flight control system. It captures the pilot's voice commands, processes them to remove noise interference, and translates them into control signals, thereby mediating the communication while filtering out harmful motor noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If voice commands are used for control, then remote control burden is eliminated, but noise from motors affects the entire voice band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidvoice signal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional acoustic communication channel with an electronic voice recognition and processing system. This electronic system can selectively filter and process voice signals, removing motor noise interference while preserving the integrity of the control commands.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The voice recognition unit serves as an intermediary that captures raw audio signals, processes them through noise filtering algorithms, and extracts clean voice commands. This intermediary processing layer prevents motor noise from degrading the voice signal quality before it reaches the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Improves aircraft stability and reduces oscillations, enabling safer operation and higher quality image capture independent of pilot skill, by effectively filtering and canceling noise from voice commands.

Implementation Method 1

an audio acquisition means (101) adapted to receive an audio signal carrying voice commands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

filtering out from the voice signal the noise components by means of stopband filters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

cancelling the noise components by means of a cancellation technique... the noise signal, processed by said transfer function, is subtracted from the audio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal cancellation: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3669357B1Remotely controlled multirotor aircraft controlled by human voice
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SARONIKOS TRADING & SERVICES UNIPESSOAL LDA
  • EP3669357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3669357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3669357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-rotor remote control aircraft for capturing audio and/or video signals and a method for remote controlling said aircraft by means of voice commands. In particular it concerns the mitigation of the effects of the audio noise produced by motors and propellers on reception and detection of the voice commands. Audio acquisition means are provided for receiving the voice commands while noise acquisition means are devoted for capturing the environmental noise. The mitigation of the noise effects is achieved by filtering means and a cancellation technique. With the cancellation technique the noise part contained in the signal captured by the noise acquisition means is equalized to the noise part contained in an audio signal carrying the voice commands and then it is subtracted from said audio signal.