Portable Voice Recognition Unit for Handsfree Vehicle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handsfree smart entry systems face issues such as potential vehicle damage, balance loss, restricted usage areas, and difficulty in voice recognition due to improper microphone placement and sound pressure reduction by vehicle bodies, among others.

Innovation Solution

A smart entry system utilizing a portable unit with sound conversion elements and voice recognition technology that allows handsfree operation by converting sound pressure into electrical signals, enabling voice-activated control of vehicle doors, trunks, and other functions without requiring hand use, while incorporating features like sound shields and waterproof films for improved reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a microphone is installed in a vehicle to enable handsfree operation, then voice input capability is improved, but sound pressure is reduced by the vehicle body making voice recognition difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandsfree operation capabilityVSAvoidvoice recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A portable unit with sound conversion element is introduced as an intermediary device between the user and the vehicle system. This portable unit captures voice commands externally and transmits them to the vehicle, bypassing the problem of sound pressure reduction caused by internal microphone installation in the vehicle body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If impact detection is used to open doors handsfree, then door opening capability is improved, but vehicle damage may occur due to kicking the side sill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandsfree door openingVSAvoidvehicle damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical impact detection method is replaced with an acoustic field-based voice recognition system. Instead of using mechanical force (kicking) to trigger door opening, the system uses sound wave detection through the sound conversion element to recognize voice commands and activate door opening, eliminating the need for physical contact with the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If laser beam is used for handsfree door opening, then door opening capability is improved, but usage area is restricted and balance loss may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandsfree door openingVSAvoidusage area flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical laser beam system is replaced with an acoustic voice recognition system. The sound conversion element can detect voice commands from various directions and positions around the vehicle, providing greater spatial flexibility and adaptability compared to the restricted laser beam illumination area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables handsfree operation from any location, even when carrying loads, without balance loss, and provides robustness against environmental factors like rain, while ensuring secure and convenient voice recognition and personal authentication.

Implementation Method 1

a sound conversion element which is disposed behind the hole and converts the sound pressure into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound pressure conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3070711B1Smart entry system
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3070711B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3070711B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3070711B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

A smart entry portable unit equipped with a voice recognition device for using a converted and obtained electrical signal with a pre-set specific spoken voice as a voice key, and having the following positioned therein: one or more holes into which acoustic pressure is inputted; and an acoustic-transducer element for converting acoustic pressure into an electrical signal in the rear section of the holes. Furthermore, a vehicle door or the like is opened and closed by the input of the voice key.