Voice User Identification via Metadata Subset Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user identification methods in distributed applications require multiple inputs and verification steps, which can be cumbersome for users and inefficient in terms of response time.

Innovation Solution

A method where a front-end of a distributed application captures voice input from a user and generates an audio file, which is then transmitted to a back-end server for identification, using a subset of stored audio files to determine user authenticity based on metadata analysis, reducing the need for additional verification inputs and improving response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distributed application compares the transmitted audio file with every saved audio file to ensure accurate user identification, then the reliability of user identification is improved, but the response time deteriorates due to computationally intensive processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser identification accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large set of saved audio files into multiple subsets based on metadata characteristics (such as time of recording, device type, or other organizing criteria). The backend then compares the transmitted audio file against multiple smaller subsets in parallel or sequential stages, rather than comparing against all saved audio files at once. This segmentation maintains identification accuracy by ensuring the correct user's audio files are included in the search subsets while dramatically reducing the computational burden and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the distributed application uses voice input alone for user identification without additional verification inputs, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of authentication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidauthentication security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions during the user registration phase by collecting and analyzing multiple audio files from each user, establishing baseline voice characteristics and creating comprehensive user profiles. This preliminary action builds a robust reference database that enables the system to reliably authenticate users based solely on voice input during subsequent login attempts, eliminating the need for additional verification inputs while maintaining high security standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the backend determines a subset of audio files based on metadata analysis before comparison, then the productivity of the identification process is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the search process deteriorates due to potential metadata mismatches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification efficiencyVSAvoidsearch accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic subset determination process where the backend initially creates subsets based on metadata analysis to improve processing efficiency. However, the system dynamically adjusts the search process by incorporating flexibility in metadata matching criteria and allowing for partial matches. If initial metadata-based subset filtering misses potential matches, the system can expand the search scope or adjust metadata thresholds, thereby maintaining search accuracy while preserving the productivity benefits of subset-based processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4202738A1User identification using voice input
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4202738A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4202738A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4202738A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for identifying a user, wherein a frontend of a distributed application executed by an end device captures input from a user of the end device and a backend of the distributed application executed by a server identifies the user based on the captured input; as well as distributed application for identifying a user and computer program product.