Pronunciation Correction System Using Acoustic Deviation Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current self-driven language learning systems have limited capabilities in automatically detecting pronunciation errors and providing effective feedback for correcting pronunciation, lacking adaptation to the user's native language and learning context.

Innovation Solution

A system that compares user pronunciation with a target pronunciation, generating recommendations based on user-specific and language-specific information, using cognitive analysis and machine learning to provide aural and visual feedback, and continuously learning from user interactions to improve pronunciation correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If self-driven language learning systems are used, then learning flexibility and accessibility are improved, but pronunciation detection accuracy and feedback effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelearning flexibilityVSAvoidpronunciation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated pronunciation feedback by comparing user pronunciation representations against target pronunciation representations. The feedback mechanism provides tailored corrections based on detected deviations, enabling self-driven learners to receive accurate pronunciation guidance without human instructors. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining learning flexibility while improving pronunciation detection accuracy through computational comparison and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual pronunciation assessment with automated computational systems that use speech recognition and analysis algorithms. The system substitutes human teacher evaluation with machine-based detection of pronunciation deviations, maintaining accessibility while improving measurement precision through sophisticated acoustic analysis and comparison algorithms.

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

2Productivity

If automated pronunciation detection is implemented, then feedback availability is improved, but adaptability to user-specific context deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback availabilityVSAvoidadaptability to user context
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts pronunciation feedback based on user-specific characteristics, native language, and learning progress. The feedback mechanism adjusts its complexity and focus according to the user's individual context, transitioning from generic to personalized corrections. This enables high feedback availability while maintaining adaptability through dynamic adjustment of correction strategies based on user profile and performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes feedback parameters based on user-specific conditions, including native language background, proficiency level, and individual pronunciation patterns. By adjusting feedback parameters dynamically, the system maintains high productivity in providing feedback while adapting to diverse user contexts and learning needs through parameter modification rather than rigid fixed responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive user information is collected for tailored feedback, then feedback effectiveness is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary collection and processing of user information during initial setup and ongoing interactions. User profiles, native language data, and pronunciation baselines are established in advance, enabling tailored feedback without requiring complex real-time analysis of all user characteristics. This preliminary action reduces the complexity burden during actual feedback generation while maintaining high feedback effectiveness through personalized corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11682318B2Methods and systems for assisting pronunciation correction
Publication Date: 2023.06.20 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11682318B2 patent drawing
  • US11682318B2 patent drawing
  • US11682318B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments for assisting pronunciation correction are described. A representation of a user pronunciation of an utterance is received. A representation of a target pronunciation of the utterance is identified. The representation of the user pronunciation of the utterance is compared to the representation of the target pronunciation of the utterance. A recommendation associated with correcting the user pronunciation of the utterance is generated based on the comparing of the representation of the user pronunciation of the utterance to the representation of the target pronunciation of the utterance and information associated with the user.