Spatial Audio Property Determination for Voice Command Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in allowing users to conveniently and intuitively invoke operations through voice commands, particularly in determining the spatial properties of audio signals to accurately interpret and respond to user inputs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus with multiple microphones that receive audio information, determine spatial audio properties such as direction and distance, and use these properties to determine operational directives for performing specific actions or controlling device functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voice command recognition is implemented without spatial audio analysis, then the device can respond to voice inputs, but the accuracy of interpreting user intent and distinguishing foreground voice from background noise is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing task into separate functional modules: spatial audio property determination module, voice command recognition module, and operational directive determination module. Each module handles a specific aspect of audio processing, improving overall precision while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial audio properties (direction, distance, position) as intermediary parameters that bridge the gap between raw audio signals and voice command interpretation. These spatial properties serve as mediators that enhance the accuracy of user intent recognition without requiring direct complex analysis of audio waveforms.
2Ease of operation
If multiple microphones are used to determine spatial audio properties, then the accuracy of voice command interpretation improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the microphone array serve multiple functions: capturing audio signals for voice recognition, determining spatial properties for directional awareness, and enabling operational directives based on user position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while enhancing user interaction intuitiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines spatial audio properties and operational directives without requiring explicit user input about position or intent. The microphone array and processing system work autonomously to interpret user actions based on spatial characteristics, making interaction more intuitive while managing complexity through automation.
3Reliability
If spatial audio properties are used to determine operational directives, then the precision of device response to user intent improves, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs spatial audio property determination continuously or in advance of voice command recognition. By pre-calculating spatial parameters such as direction and distance from the microphone array, the system reduces real-time processing requirements and maintains high response accuracy without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time audio signal analysis with pre-determined spatial audio properties. Instead of analyzing full audio waveforms during voice command processing, the system uses previously calculated spatial parameters (direction, distance, position) to quickly determine operational directives, reducing computational time while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables users to interact with devices in a more intuitive and efficient manner by accurately interpreting voice commands based on spatial audio properties, allowing for precise control of device operations and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
receiving audio information by way of a plurality of microphones comprised by an apparatus, determining at least one spatial audio property of the audio information in relation to the apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
A method comprising receiving audio information by way of a plurality of microphones comprised by an apparatus, determining at least one spatial audio property of the audio information in relation to the apparatus, determining an operational directive based, at least in part, on the spatial audio property, and performing one or more operations in conformance with the operational directive is disclosed.