Voice Activation Power Management via Microphone Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice activation features in mobile devices constantly consume power and can be hindered by microphone concealment or obstruction, leading to poor voice quality and false triggering due to environmental noise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sensor system to monitor the mobile device's position and state, transitioning the voice activation system from a normal to a low power consumption state when the microphone is concealed or obstructed, thereby reducing power usage and preventing false triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voice activation features are constantly running to enable voice commands anywhere and anytime, then voice activation functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of voice activation components based on real-time sensor input. When sensors detect that the device is in a pocket or bag, the voice activation system transitions to a low-power state. When the device is removed from concealment, the system returns to full operational mode, enabling adaptive power management that balances functionality with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensor resources to monitor its operational environment and automatically make power management decisions. The sensors detect the device's physical state and trigger appropriate power mode changes without external intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate its power consumption based on actual usage conditions.
2Productivity
If voice activation features are constantly running, then voice command responsiveness is improved, but false triggering due to environmental noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting environmental conditions (device concealed in pocket or bag) before voice commands are issued. By identifying these conditions in advance, the system prevents false triggering from occurring, as the voice activation features are disabled or reduced when environmental noise is likely to cause erroneous activation.
3Ease of operation
If the microphone is concealed in a bag or pocket, then device portability is improved, but voice quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data to detect when the device is concealed in a pocket or bag. This feedback mechanism triggers a change in the operational state of the voice activation system, disabling or reducing its activity when voice quality would be compromised by the concealed position, thereby maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling power consumption of a voice activation system in a mobile platform includes monitoring one or more sensors of the mobile platform. Next, it is determined whether a microphone of the mobile platform is concealed or obstructed in response to the monitoring of the one or more sensors. If so, the mobile platform transitions one or more components of the voice activation system from a normal power consumption power state to a low power consumption state.