Vibration Sensor Speaker Identification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where multiple participants engage in verbal communication, especially over audio conference calls or in crowded spaces, it is difficult for listeners to identify who is speaking due to lack of visual cues and reliance on compressed and potentially distorted audio signals.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a wearable identification device with a vibration sensor that detects speech vibrations and transmits an identification signal, which is received by a display device to provide a sensory output, such as visual or tactile cues, indicating the speaker's identity, thereby aiding listeners in identifying the speaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voice recognition systems are used to identify speakers, then speaker identification accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identification function from complex voice recognition systems. Instead of using full voice signature analysis, the invention uses simple vibration detection combined with pre-stored identification data, isolating the core identification capability while removing unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex voice recognition infrastructure with simple, low-cost identification devices that can be worn by speakers. These devices use basic vibration sensors and stored identification data rather than requiring sophisticated voice profiling systems
2Ease of manufacture
If POTS network is used for audio transmission, then communication infrastructure is simplified, but speaker identification becomes more difficult due to frequency compression and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification device that detects vibrations at the source (speaker's throat) before the audio signal enters the compression-prone POTS network. This intermediary captures identification information independently of the degraded audio transmission channel
Solution Approach 2:
The identification device performs preliminary detection of speech vibrations and transmits identification signals before or alongside the audio transmission. This preliminary action occurs at the source, avoiding the information loss that occurs during POTS network compression and transmission
3Ease of operation
If multiple participants are in direct line of sight, then visual identification is easy, but spatial separation is required for certain communication scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of identification (relying on line-of-sight visibility) with a sensor-based system. The vibration sensor and transmitter substitute for visual cues, enabling identification through electromagnetic signal transmission rather than direct visual observation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions identification from the visual dimension (line-of-sight) to the electromagnetic signal dimension. By using transmitted identification signals rather than visual presence, the system adds a new dimension for speaker identification that works independently of spatial positioning and visual accessibility
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
Effectively enables listeners to determine the speaker's identity in real-time, reducing confusion and improving communication efficiency in various verbal communication settings, including audio conferences and crowded environments, without the need for costly voice recognition systems.
Implementation Method 1
the identification device comprising a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations associated with speech of the speaker
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a verbal communication between a speaker and at least one listener, where the speaker and the at least one listener are spatially separate from each other, the apparatus provides the listener with a sensory output associated with the identity of the speaker, the apparatus including an identification device including a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations associated with speech of the speaker, is configured to store identification data representative of the identity of the speaker or the identification device, is associable with the identity of the speaker, and, in response to detecting vibrations, transmits an identification signal comprising or generated from the stored identification data, and a display device operable to receive the identification signal and to generate from the received identification signal a sensory output indicating the identity of either or both of the speaker and the identification device.