Voice Interface Trigger Detection for Time-Critical Audio Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice user interfaces struggle to provide quick and nuanced responses and actions in scenarios where immediate or real-time responses are required, particularly in environments where traditional voice user interfaces fail to provide quick and nuanced responses and actions in environments such as home assistants, such as in environments where traditional voice user interfaces fail to provide quick and nuanced responses and actions.
Innovation Solution
A voice user interface (VUI) system capable of processing both linguistic and non-linguistic inputs, including paralinguistic and prosodic inputs, to enable quicker and more nuanced responses, such as taking pictures or recording videos, and conveying emotions through voice commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional voice user interfaces use wake-up word followed by voice command processing, then the system can recognize and execute voice commands, but the response time is too long for time-critical actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors audio input in a low-power state and pre-identifies potential trigger sounds (claps, snaps, clicks) before full activation is required. This preliminary detection allows the system to be ready to execute time-critical commands immediately when the trigger is detected, eliminating the need to wait for a wake-up word to be processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the trigger detection function from the main voice processing pipeline, creating a separate, lightweight audio monitoring system that operates independently. This extracted trigger detection system can identify specific sounds and activate the full voice processing system only when needed, reducing overall response time for time-critical operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system processes only linguistic inputs, then the voice recognition is straightforward, but the system cannot convey emotions or nuances in communication
Solution Approach 1:
The audio input processing is segmented into multiple independent analysis streams: linguistic content analysis, paralinguistic feature analysis (tone, pitch, volume), and prosodic pattern analysis (rhythm, stress, tempo). Each stream processes specific aspects of the input independently, then their results are integrated to form a comprehensive understanding that includes both meaning and emotional context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a multi-functional audio processing framework that simultaneously handles linguistic recognition, emotional detection, and intent classification using the same audio input. This universal processing approach allows the system to extract multiple types of information from a single audio signal without requiring separate hardware or processing systems.
3Reliability
If the system waits for complete voice command processing before acting, then accuracy is maintained, but time-critical actions cannot be executed immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic processing modes that adjust the level of analysis based on the detected trigger type and context. For high-confidence triggers like sharp claps or snaps, the system executes immediate actions with minimal verification. For less certain triggers, the system performs more comprehensive analysis before execution, dynamically balancing speed and accuracy based on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes processing parameters such as confidence thresholds, verification levels, and analysis depth based on the detected audio trigger characteristics. Time-critical triggers activate a fast-processing mode with lower thresholds for immediate execution, while non-critical inputs trigger more thorough verification processes, optimizing the balance between speed and reliability for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
A voice user interface (VUI) and methods for operating the VUI are disclosed. In some embodiments, the VUI configured to receive and process linguistic and non-linguistic inputs. For example, the VUI receives an audio signal, and the VUI determines whether the audio input comprises a linguistic and/or a non-linguistic input. In accordance with a determination that the audio signal comprises a non-linguistic input, the VUI causes a system to perform an action associated with the non-linguistic input.