Proximity-Based Voice Recognition Trigger for Hands-Free Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voice recognition systems require users to press a button or speak a predetermined trigger word, which is inconvenient and prone to errors due to ambient noise, making it difficult to accurately initiate voice input.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses proximity and movement sensors to determine when a device is positioned close to a user, such as near the lips, to automatically trigger voice recognition without the need for manual input, minimizing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a predetermined trigger word is used to initiate voice input, then the voice recognition can be activated, but it takes quite a long time to start the voice input because the user can start the voice input only after sound or light feedback is given

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice input start speedVSAvoidtime to start voice input

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the user's voice presence and device proximity before the actual voice input is needed. By continuously monitoring whether the user is present and close to the device, the system prepares for voice input activation in advance, eliminating the delay caused by waiting for feedback after speaking a trigger word.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical feedback system (sound or light feedback required before voice input) with an automatic sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring the user to wait for feedback, the system uses proximity sensors and voice detection algorithms to automatically determine when the user is ready to speak, substituting the manual feedback mechanism with automated environmental sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a predetermined trigger word is used to initiate voice input, then the voice recognition can be activated, but it is difficult to specify the starting point of the voice input due to various noises (e.g., voices of others) produced in the same space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice input initiation easeVSAvoidvoice input starting point accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system focuses on detecting voice characteristics from a specific local area (close to the device) rather than processing all voices in the environment. By using proximity sensors to identify users within a certain distance and analyzing voice patterns from that localized region, the system can distinguish the target user's voice from ambient noises and other speakers more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces proximity detection and voice pattern analysis as intermediary mechanisms between the trigger word and voice input activation. These intermediaries help filter and identify the correct voice source by analyzing spatial information and voice characteristics, serving as a mediator to distinguish the user's voice from background noises and other speakers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a button press is used to initiate voice input, then the voice input can be started, but the user cannot perform the voice input when the user cannot use his/her hands freely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice input activation convenienceVSAvoidvoice input availability in different situations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the user is present and ready to speak, eliminating the need for manual button pressing. The proximity sensors and voice detection algorithms work autonomously to identify the user and activate voice input functionality, allowing hands-free operation in situations where the user cannot use their hands freely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an automatic sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical hand interaction, the system uses proximity sensors, voice activity detection, and pattern recognition to automatically initiate voice input, substituting mechanical operation with automated environmental sensing and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12444433B2Method and system for providing voice recognition trigger and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 VTOUCH

AI summary

A method for providing a voice recognition trigger and a system therefor, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium are provided. The method for providing the voice recognition trigger includes: calculating a distance change between a device and an object on the basis of proximity information detected by the device; and determining whether or not the voice recognition trigger of the device is provided with reference to the distance change between the device and the object.