Utterer Selection by Device Orientation for Precise Speech Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to accurately associate an utterance with the correct utterer, especially when multiple candidates operate an operation device to declare their utterances, leading to low precision in identifying the speaker.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system and operation device that allow a selector to choose an utterer from among multiple candidates based on orientation information of the operation device or its movable parts, using sensors to determine the device's orientation and associate it with the utterance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each candidate operates their own operation device to make a declaration, then the system can capture all utterances, but the precision of associating utterance with utterer decreases due to timing mismatches and forgetfulness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of utterance-utterer associationVSAvoidoperation complexity for multiple candidates
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows the selector to autonomously specify the utterer using the operation device without requiring the utterer to perform declaration operations. The utterer simply needs to be selected by the selector based on orientation information, eliminating the need for complex self-declaration procedures and improving association precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of operating devices with orientation-based detection. Instead of requiring physical device operations from multiple candidates, the system uses orientation information (e.g., from cameras or sensors) to automatically identify which candidate is being addressed, substituting mechanical operations with automated detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operation device or movable portion is rotated to change orientation, then the system can adapt to different utterer positions, but the complexity of detecting and measuring orientation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different utterer positionsVSAvoidorientation detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device with movable portions serves multiple functions: it can detect orientation through sensors, display information to the selector, and communicate utterer identities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, making the orientation detection system more adaptable without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates complex sensor data into simplified orientation information. The system processes raw sensor measurements through algorithms that account for device rotation and movement, providing clean orientation data that maps to candidate positions without exposing the complexity of the detection process to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the system waits for declaration timing to match utterance timing, then association precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to waiting and coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming synchronization precisionVSAvoidtime delay for declaration coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the selector specify the utterer in advance, before the actual utterance occurs. The operation device captures orientation information and identifies the target utterer proactively, so that when the utterance happens, the association is already established, eliminating the need for timing synchronization and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4660997A1Information processing system, operation device, and program
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
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AI summary

An information processing system includes a processor configured to acquire operation information of an operation device that is configured such that each of plural candidates who possibly make an utterance is selectable and that is operated by a selector in a case where the selector selects an utterer from among the plural candidates, specify the utterer from among the plural candidates based on the acquired operation information, and associate the specified utterer with an utterance that is made in a case where the operation device is operated by the selector.