Embedded Voice Recognition Circuit for Finding Lost Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly portable devices such as smartphones and tablets are often misplaced due to their lack of a fixed location, and existing standalone finder devices require multiple units and are cumbersome to use.
Innovation Solution
A system-on-a-chip (SoC) with integrated voice recognition capabilities, including an input pad, decimation module, wake-up phrase detection module, waveform generator, and speaker amplifier, allows for continuous monitoring and audible alerting when a predefined phrase is detected, eliminating the need for external devices and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standalone finder device is used to locate a portable device, then the portable device can be located through wireless communication, but the user must locate and carry the standalone finder device itself, which becomes problematic when the portable device is misplaced in a location remote from the finder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the finder functionality directly into the portable device by integrating voice recognition hardware and wake-up phrase detection capabilities into the device's processor. This eliminates the need for a separate standalone finder device, allowing the portable device to locate itself autonomously through voice commands regardless of its physical location.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device performs self-location by detecting wake-up phrases through its own microphone and processing the audio signal through its own processor. The device independently executes the location function without requiring external finder equipment, enabling it to serve itself in locating its own position.
2Reliability
If multiple standalone finder devices are used to locate multiple portable devices, then each device can be located, but the burden on the user increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each portable device is equipped with universal voice recognition capabilities that enable it to perform location functions independently. This multi-functional integration allows any portable device to serve as both the target being located and the locating instrument, eliminating the need for multiple specialized finder devices.
3Speed
If continuous monitoring for voice commands is implemented, then the device can respond immediately to location requests, but battery power is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The processor monitors for wake-up phrases in a low-power state and only activates full processing capabilities when a wake-up phrase is detected. This periodic monitoring approach allows the device to maintain readiness for voice commands while consuming minimal battery power during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-loads and stores wake-up phrase patterns in memory, allowing the processor to quickly compare incoming audio signals against these pre-prepared patterns. This preliminary preparation enables rapid response to valid wake-up phrases without requiring complex real-time analysis, reducing overall processing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented herein that include utilizing a specialized circuit architecture for the purpose of locating lost items through voice command recognition. The system can be customized with minimal, low power components to continuously monitor for a locating phrase and produce an audible alert when the locating phrase is detected. The system can be included in a stand-alone portable device that can be attached to electronic and non-electronic portable objects, or the system can be embedded with other circuitry into a portable electronic device. The system can be powered by battery such that it is practical for the device to function as a locating device, continuously monitoring for the locating phrase. Voice recognition can be performed completely within the system, providing the benefit of privacy.