Voice Signal Alcohol Detection via FFT Spectral Slope Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining alcohol consumption are not suitable for remote locations, as they require direct contact and are not effective in detecting alcohol consumption without the operator's consent, posing risks in vehicular and aviation operations.

Innovation Solution

A method that analyzes voice signals using fast Fourier transforms to determine alcohol consumption by comparing the energy difference between the original and difference signals in the frequency domain, allowing for remote and objective assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct testing methods (breathalyzer or blood test) are used to determine alcohol consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because direct contact with the operator is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealcohol consumption measurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses voice signals as an intermediary to indirectly determine alcohol consumption. Instead of directly testing the operator with breathalyzers or blood tests, the system captures voice signals transmitted over communication channels and analyzes them for alcohol consumption indicators, thereby avoiding direct contact while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical testing systems (breathalyzer devices, blood collection procedures) with an acoustic analysis system. By substituting the mechanical testing apparatus with voice signal processing and frequency analysis, the system achieves alcohol consumption detection without requiring physical testing equipment or direct operator contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If voice analysis method is used to determine alcohol consumption remotely, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect assessment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidalcohol consumption measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from time-domain voice signals to frequency-domain analysis using Fast Fourier Transform. By converting the voice signal representation from temporal to spectral domain, the system can extract frequency-based features (formant slopes, spectral characteristics) that are more sensitive to alcohol consumption effects, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining remote operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the analysis parameters from general voice characteristics to specific frequency-domain parameters such as formant slopes and spectral energy distribution. By focusing on these specific parameters that are known to change with alcohol consumption, the system improves measurement precision while keeping the operation simple and remote

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple effective frames are used in analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-identifying and extracting effective frames (voiced sound frames) from the voice signal before main analysis. By preparing and filtering the relevant frames in advance, the system can use multiple frames for improved precision without excessive time penalty, as the filtering and selection are done efficiently beforehand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables accurate determination of alcohol consumption from a distance, increasing accuracy with multiple effective frames and preventing accidents caused by drunk operation, applicable in various transportation sectors.

Implementation Method 1

performing fast Fourier transforms on the original signal and the difference signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFast Fourier Transform:

Data Source

PatentUS9907509B2Method for judgment of drinking using differential frequency energy, recording medium and device for performing the method

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 FOUND OF SOONGSIL UNIV IND COOP

AI summary

An alcohol consumption determination method includes: detecting an effective frame of an input voice signal; detecting a difference signal of an original signal of the effective frame; performing fast Fourier conversion on the original signal and the difference signal; and determining, in the frequency domain, whether alcohol has been consumed based on a slope difference between the fast-Fourier-transformed original signal and the fast-Fourier-transformed difference signal. Accordingly, it is also possible to determine whether a driver or an operator from a remote location has consumed alcohol and a degree of the consumption, thus preventing an accident caused by an individual operating a vehicle under the influence.