Spoken Communication System with Local Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home communication systems require users to be physically present and operate buttons, are hard-wired, and can record conversations without consent, compromising privacy, especially for sensitive family communications.
Innovation Solution
A spoken communication system with devices and a server that allow for spontaneous, multi-directional communication within a residence without the need for wake words, using proximity sensors and biometric authentication to ensure privacy and security, and isolate communications from internet capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If web-enabled communication techniques are used to enable spontaneous communication, then ease of operation is improved, but privacy is compromised due to service provider access to conversations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local server as an intermediary that relays communications between devices without requiring internet connectivity. This mediator architecture enables spontaneous communication while keeping data localized, preventing service providers from accessing private conversations. The server acts as a trusted local intermediary that facilitates communication without compromising privacy.
2Reliability
If hard-wired intercom systems are used to ensure reliable communication, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hard-wired connections with wireless communication technology. Devices communicate wirelessly through a local server, eliminating the need for physical cable installations while maintaining communication reliability. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic/wireless systems reduces installation complexity and device complexity while preserving reliable communication within the residence.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wake words are required to open communication channels, then privacy is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication channel management where channels can be opened through multiple modes: wake-word activation for privacy-sensitive situations, proximity-based automatic activation for casual household communication, and manual activation. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different communication contexts, providing both security when needed and ease of operation when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication channels when devices detect they are in close proximity through proximity sensors. This preliminary channel establishment eliminates the need for wake words during casual interactions, as the channel is already prepared and available for immediate use, improving ease of operation while maintaining privacy controls for other scenarios.
4Ease of operation
If communication channels remain open continuously for spontaneous communication, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic channel activation based on proximity detection and communication needs. Rather than keeping channels continuously open, the system periodically checks for nearby devices and activates channels only when needed. This periodic action allows spontaneous communication to occur naturally when devices are in proximity while minimizing energy consumption by keeping channels closed during periods of non-use.
Data Source
AI summary
A spoken communication system and method of transferring spoken communication, includes a plurality of communication devices, at least some configured to be positioned within an occupied structure, each of said communication devices including a processor, a microphone an audio output device and a communication circuit and being responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other communication devices and to receive spoken communications received by other of said communication devices and an internet connected server. The server is selectively in digital communication with the communication devices and adapted to receive a spoken audio stream request, said server responsive to receiving an audio stream request by opening communication channels with said communication devices that are connected with said server. The server is adapted to receive spoken communication captured by one of said communication devices that is in communication with said server. The server is adapted to send the spoken communication to all other communication devices in digital communication with the server over the open communication channels with the other communication devices, wherein communication channels are open among said communication devices that are connected with said server to communicate spoken communication among communication devices that are connected with said server. The server is adapted when in a home mode to keep the communication channels open irrespective of the presence of speech over the communication channels. The server is adapted when not in the home mode to open the communication channels in response to a spoken awake word and to maintain the communication channels open only in the presence of speech over the communication channels.