Sound Output Control for Nearby Voice Recognition Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The recognition rate of voice recognition devices is reduced due to sound or noise output from other electronic devices in the same space, necessitating a method to selectively control and mute sound outputs from these devices to improve voice command recognition.

Innovation Solution

A sound output control system and method that utilizes a server to transmit sound output stop commands to electronic devices connected via a network, determining the location of voice recognition devices and selectively controlling sound outputs based on their identification information to minimize noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sound output from electronic devices is not controlled, then the audio function of electronic devices is maintained, but the voice recognition rate is reduced due to noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice recognition rateVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection to identify whether a voice command is being input to the voice recognition device before sound output occurs. Based on this advance detection, the system proactively controls electronic devices to stop or reduce sound output, preventing noise interference before it degrades voice recognition accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the operational state of electronic devices and the voice recognition device, detecting sound output states and voice command input states in real-time. Based on this feedback information, the system dynamically adjusts sound output control decisions to optimize voice recognition conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sound output is stopped from all electronic devices, then voice recognition rate is improved, but sound output from devices in different spaces is unnecessarily limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice recognition rateVSAvoidselective sound control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the spatial location of the voice recognition device and applies sound output control selectively only to electronic devices located in the same space. Devices in different spaces maintain their normal sound output, achieving localized noise control that preserves overall system adaptability and versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments electronic devices based on their spatial relationship to the voice recognition device, categorizing them into 'same space' and 'different space' groups. Sound output control is applied differently to each segment, allowing selective muting of only those devices that would interfere with voice recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4297020B1Electronic device, control method thereof, and sound output control system of the electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4297020B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4297020B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4297020B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an electronic device, a control method thereof, and a sound output control system of the electronic device, for example, a technique for controlling sound that is output from an electronic device located in the same space as a voice recognition device. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: a communication device comprising communication circuitry configured to detect a voice recognition device within a specified distance of the electronic device; a storage device comprising a memory configured to store identification information of the detected voice recognition device; and a controller configured to compare, based on the communication device receiving identification information from a server of a voice recognition device that has received a voice command from a user, the received identification information with the identification information stored in the storage device, and to control, based on the controller determining that the received identification information is identical to the stored identification information, the electronic device to stop outputting sound.