Voice Trigger System with Noise-Adaptive Interrupt Pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

Voice-based intelligent interfaces in electronic devices require tactile input to initiate, which detracts from the user experience and consumes excessive power due to continuous audio channel monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An application processor with a voice trigger system that performs voice trigger operations with low power by integrating a voice trigger system within the processor, using an interrupt pad to switch from an idle state to a normal state based on environmental noise changes, reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If continuous audio channel monitoring is performed to detect voice input, then voice trigger operation is enabled, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice trigger operationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voice trigger system dynamically adjusts its operating state based on environmental noise conditions. The system transitions between idle and normal states using an interrupt pad that detects noise level changes, allowing the audio channel monitoring to be activated only when needed rather than continuously, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining voice trigger functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If tactile input button is used to initiate voice-based intelligent interface, then voice trigger operation can be initiated, but user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidhands-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tactile button input with an acoustic field-based voice trigger system. The voice trigger system uses audio sensors to detect voice commands and automatically initiates the intelligent interface without requiring physical contact, thereby enhancing hands-free operation and user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If voice trigger system operates in normal state continuously, then voice trigger operation is always available, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice trigger availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The voice trigger system employs periodic monitoring instead of continuous operation. The system periodically checks the noise environment through the interrupt pad and only activates full audio channel monitoring when noise levels indicate potential voice input, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10783887B2Application processor including low power voice trigger system with external interrupt, electronic device including the same and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An application processor is provided. The application processor includes a system bus, a host processor, a voice trigger system, and an interrupt pad. The host processor is electrically connected to the system bus. The voice trigger system is electrically connected to the system bus and performs a voice trigger operation and issues a trigger event based on a trigger input signal that is provided through a trigger interface. The interrupt pad receives a first interrupt signal in response to an operating environment changing from a low noise environment to a noisy environment, and a part of the voice trigger system is changed from an idle state to a normal state to perform the voice trigger operation in response to the first interrupt signal being received.