Speech Recognition Control Unit for Self-Output Echo Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with speech recognition functions often incorrectly operate due to speech output by the device itself, leading to unintended commands being issued.
Innovation Solution
A device with a speech recognition function that includes a loudspeaker, microphone, a first speech recognition unit, a command issuance unit, and a control unit, which prohibits command issuance based on speech output from the loudspeaker, using a second speech recognition unit to identify and prevent unintended commands, and optionally employing a downsampler and echo canceller to enhance accuracy and reduce computation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device uses speech recognition to control operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to incorrect operation from self-output speech
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the speech recognition unit and the command issuance unit. This control unit monitors speech output from the loudspeaker and selectively blocks commands when self-output speech is detected, thereby preventing incorrect operations while maintaining the ease of speech-based control
2Reliability
If the device prohibits command issuance based on speech output, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit that detects self-output speech and prohibits inappropriate command issuance is integrated into the existing speech recognition system rather than being implemented as a completely separate system. This merging approach adds the necessary reliability function while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing existing system components
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a speech recognition function which recognizes speech from a user, includes: a loudspeaker which outputs speech to a space; a microphone which collects speech in the space; a first speech recognition unit which recognizes the speech collected by the microphone; a command control unit which issues a command for controlling the device, based on the speech recognized by the first speech recognition unit; and a control unit which prohibits the command issuance unit from issuing the command, based on the speech to be output from the loudspeaker.