Touch-Free Call Origination via Voice Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile communication devices face inconvenience and safety hazards when attempting to originate calls, as they must physically interact with the device, which is not feasible while using wireless headsets or driving, and existing voice recognition systems require initial tactile activation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system enabling touch-free call origination using a communication device equipped with a microphone, where spoken activation commands are detected to establish a communication path and process call origination commands, allowing the device to initiate calls without physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice recognition is used to recognize dialing commands, then call origination can be performed without tactile interaction, but an initial tactile interaction is still required to activate the phone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the activation function from the traditional tactile button press and relocates it to voice-based detection. The speech recognition module independently detects activation commands from ambient audio signals, separating this function from the physical interface and enabling fully voice-driven operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an acoustic detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact with the device, the speech recognition module processes audio signals to detect and respond to verbal activation commands, substituting mechanical interaction with acoustic field interaction.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tactile activation is used, then the device can be reliably activated, but users must physically handle the device which is inconvenient when wearing headsets or driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interaction (touching buttons) with acoustic field interaction (voice commands). The speech recognition module detects activation commands through the microphone system, allowing users to operate the device without physical contact, which is essential for hands-free scenarios like driving or headset usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the speech recognition module as an intermediary between the user's voice and the device's activation function. This intermediary processes audio signals and translates verbal commands into device activation, bridging the gap between acoustic input and system response without requiring mechanical contact.
3Speed
If speech recognition processes all microphone signals continuously, then activation commands can be detected promptly, but computational load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the speech recognition module process only specific portions of audio signals that contain potential activation commands, rather than continuously analyzing all microphone input. The system activates processing only when relevant acoustic patterns are detected, reducing overall computational load while maintaining responsive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through event-driven processing where the speech recognition module is triggered to process microphone signals only when activation command patterns are detected. Instead of continuous processing, the system periodically activates recognition functions based on acoustic event detection, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems to enable touch-free call origination using a communication device equipped with a microphone. The method comprises processing a first microphone signal at the device in an attempt to detect a spoken activation command potentially contained therein. Responsive to detection of a spoken activation command in the first microphone signal, the method continues by establishing a communication path between the device and a network entity to convey to the network entity a second microphone signal. Finally, the method comprises processing the second microphone signal at the network entity in an attempt to detect a call origination command potentially contained therein; and, responsive to detection of a call origination command in the second microphone signal, attempting establishment of a call in accordance with the detected call origination command. Thus, a call can be established without tactile interaction with the device and, moreover, with minimal computational load on the device.