Voice-Controlled Set-Top Box Audio Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional set-top box user input devices are inadequate for users who are visually impaired or operating in low light conditions, and they can be easily misplaced or have battery-related issues, limiting control and operation of media content access systems.
Innovation Solution
A closed media network access device, such as a set-top box, is configured to receive and process audio input, including user voice commands, for controlling media content access and communication applications, with audio input filtering to isolate user voice from broadcast audio, enabling voice-controlled operation and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional user input devices (remote controls) are used, then device simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but usability for visually impaired users and reliability under battery power limitations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical remote control system with an acoustic field-based voice recognition system. The set-top box includes acoustic sensors (microphones) that capture voice commands, and a processor that analyzes acoustic signals to interpret user intent. This substitution eliminates the need for physical remote controls, improving accessibility for visually impaired users and ensuring continuous operation without battery dependencies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio input is received during media content playback, then voice command functionality is enabled, but audio output quality deteriorates due to feedback and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful feedback component from the audio signal. The processor identifies the portion of the captured audio that corresponds to the media content being played back and separates it from the user's voice commands. By extracting and eliminating this feedback component, the system prevents audio interference while preserving the ability to recognize voice commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors its own audio output and uses this information to improve voice command recognition. The processor compares the audio output signal with the captured audio input, identifies feedback components, and adjusts the voice command detection algorithm accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to distinguish between media playback audio and user voice commands, maintaining both functionality and audio quality.
Data Source
AI summary
In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and a closed media network access device communicatively coupled to the media content provider subsystem by the closed media network. The closed media network access device is configured to receive the media content over the closed media network, provide at least a component of the media content to an output device for presentation to a user, receive audio input including user voice input provided by the user, and utilize the user voice input in at least one of a voice command application and a communication application.