Voice Recognition Microphone Selection Using Charge Transfer Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face limitations in distinguishing the microphone receiving user voice from other microphones and do not allow voice recognition in deep-sleep mode, leading to inefficiencies and potential malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method using multiple sensors and integrated modules, including grip sensors and proximity sensors, to detect charge transfer and determine the main microphone for voice reception while canceling ambient noise, even in deep-sleep mode, by setting microphones within a preset distance from each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic device enters deep-sleep mode to save battery power, then energy consumption is reduced, but voice recognition functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidvoice recognition availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor system into two segments: first sensors (acceleration and proximity sensors) that remain active during deep-sleep mode to detect wake-up conditions, and second sensors that are activated only when voice recognition is needed. This segmentation allows the device to maintain minimal functionality during sleep while enabling full voice recognition capability when required, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and functionality availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple microphones are used to improve voice reception, then voice recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice reception accuracyVSAvoidmicrophone system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic microphone selection mechanism where the system automatically determines the main microphone based on real-time detection of user presence and device orientation. Instead of fixing microphone roles or requiring manual configuration, the system dynamically adjusts which microphone serves as the main microphone and which serve as sub-microphones, optimizing voice reception without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The microphone system performs self-configuration by automatically identifying the main microphone and sub-microphones based on sensor data. The system eliminates the need for manual setup or fixed assignments by using the first sensors to detect user presence and automatically determining optimal microphone roles, thereby improving voice reception accuracy without adding operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed main and sub microphones are assigned, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different usage scenarios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrophone configuration simplicityVSAvoidusage scenario flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines microphone roles based on real-time detection of user presence and device orientation using first sensors. Instead of fixed assignments, the main microphone and sub-microphones are automatically selected based on current usage conditions, enabling the system to adapt to different scenarios (such as holding the device vs. placing it on a surface) without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enables effective voice recognition without user intervention, distinguishes the main microphone from sub-microphones, and maintains functionality in deep-sleep mode, improving user interaction and reducing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

detecting by use of a first sensor an amount of charge transfer from an outside to an inside of the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge transfer detection: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

determining whether an object within a preset distance from the electronic device is detected by one of the second sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity detection: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2728840B1Electronic device and method for recognizing voice
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2728840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2728840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2728840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device and a method for recognizing a voice are provided. An operating method of the electronic device includes detecting, at least one of two or more first sensors disposed in a preset region, detecting an amount of charge transfer over a preset value, when detecting the amount of the charge transfer over the preset value, detecting, at one of two or more second sensors disposed in a preset distance from two or more microphones, an object in a preset distance; and collecting, at one of the two or more microphones, the one disposed in a preset distance from the second sensor detecting the object in the preset distance, a voice.