Automated Voice Recognition Testing via Acoustic Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Voice-enabled devices pose unique challenges for testing due to variability in voice recognition software, particularly in recognizing input utterances with different accents and background noises, making it essential to simulate real-world conditions for effective testing.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for testing voice-enabled applications on target devices by simulating user interactions, including acoustic utterances and keyboard inputs, in various acoustic environments, using an artificial human mouth and noise sources to replicate real-world conditions, and processing outputs for accuracy and performance verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If field tests are conducted to discover software problems, then reliability of the product is improved, but loss of time and expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct reliabilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated testing systems that perform comprehensive software validation before field deployment. Test scripts are prepared in advance to simulate various user interactions, acoustic environments, and device configurations, allowing problems to be discovered and resolved during the development phase rather than during expensive field tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of real-world testing environments through simulated acoustic conditions and emulated device configurations. Instead of requiring physical field tests, the system uses software-based simulations that replicate diverse usage scenarios, reducing the need for extensive field testing while maintaining thorough validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If voice recognition software is tested in controlled environments, then testing efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of real-world performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidperformance accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies testing parameters including acoustic background noise levels, utterance volumes, speech rates, and device configurations to create a comprehensive test matrix. This allows the system to evaluate software performance across multiple conditions in a controlled environment, maintaining both testing efficiency and realistic performance measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-functional testing framework that can evaluate multiple aspects of voice recognition software simultaneously - including acoustic recognition accuracy, device compatibility, operating system interactions, and user interface responses. This comprehensive approach maintains high testing efficiency while capturing diverse real-world performance scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If comprehensive system-level testing is performed on all components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the comprehensive testing system into modular components including acoustic signal generation modules, device emulation modules, test script execution modules, and result analysis modules. Each module handles specific aspects of testing independently, allowing comprehensive system-level validation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7562019B2Automated testing of voice recognition software
Publication Date: 2009.07.14 CERENCE OPERATING CO
  • US7562019B2 patent drawing
  • US7562019B2 patent drawing
  • US7562019B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a system for testing a voice enabled application on a target device, the method including conducting one or more interactions with the target device, at least some of the interactions including presenting an acoustic utterance in an acoustic environment to the target device, receiving an output of the target device in response to the acoustic utterance, and comparing the output to an output expected from the acoustic utterance.