Privacy-Preserving Vocal Interaction via Obfuscated Speaker Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home assistant devices compromise user privacy by transmitting speaker identities outside the home environment for vocal interaction analysis, which raises concerns about data security and personal information protection.
Innovation Solution
A home assistant device and method that captures vocal queries, identifies speakers, generates obfuscated names, and processes answers to maintain user privacy by replacing obfuscated names with original names within the device, ensuring that speaker identities are not disclosed externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If speaker identity is transmitted outside the home environment for vocal interaction analysis, then personalized services and speaker recognition features are improved, but user privacy and data security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an obfuscation layer as an intermediary between the user's real identity and the external processing system. The speaker's real name is transformed into an obfuscated identifier (e.g., hash or encoded form) that serves as a mediator, allowing the external system to process personalization requests without directly accessing the user's actual identity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling personalized services through the intermediary while protecting the original identity from exposure.
2Measurement precision
If speaker identity is transmitted externally, then speaker recognition and personalization features are enabled, but data security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the speaker's identity information in an obfuscated form (hash or encoded identifier) that can be transmitted externally for recognition purposes. This copy serves the functional need for speaker recognition and personalization while the original unobfuscated identity remains securely stored locally. The external system processes the copy without accessing the sensitive original data, thus maintaining data security while enabling accurate speaker recognition.
3Ease of operation
If real speaker names are used in external communications, then personalized interactions are achieved, but privacy protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the identity parameter from its original form (real speaker name) into a different representation (obfuscated identifier or hash). This parameter change maintains the uniqueness and identifiability needed for personalized interactions while removing the direct link to the user's actual identity. The external system can still perform personalized operations using the transformed parameter, but the original sensitive information remains protected and is not lost, only obscured.
Data Source
AI summary
A home assistant device and a method for privacy-preserving vocal interactions. A microphone captures an audio signal corresponding to a vocal user query. The identity of the speaker is determined, and an obfuscated name is generated corresponding to the identified speaker. The audio signal is analysed to determine the intent of the user and a personalized answer is generated in combination with the obfuscated name. This answer is then de-obfuscated by reintroducing the speaker name. The de-obfuscated answer is rendered to the speaker.