Wearable Audio-Video Processing via Segmented Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices for lifelogging, such as smartphones, are not ideal due to their size and design, limiting their ability to provide enhanced interaction with the environment through feedback and advanced functionality based on image and audio analysis.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system comprising a microphone and processor that captures and processes audio signals, transcribes them into text, generates metadata, and provides information based on user requests, while also using image sensors to analyze the environment and provide feedback through visual or audible outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smartphones are used for lifelogging, then image and audio capture capability is sufficient, but device size and weight become problematic for comfortable wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lifelogging system into separate functional modules: a wearable apparatus for capturing images and audio, a separate computing device for processing and analysis, and cloud-based services for storage and information retrieval. This segmentation allows the wearable component to be small and lightweight while maintaining comprehensive capture capabilities through modular architecture.
2Ease of operation
If wearable devices are made small and light for comfort, then ease of wearing is improved, but advanced processing functionality and feedback capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary between the wearable apparatus and the user. The wearable device captures data and transmits it to the computing device, which performs complex processing, analysis, and generates feedback. This intermediary architecture enables advanced functionality without requiring the wearable component to be complex or heavy.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves multiple functions: processing images and audio from the wearable device, performing speech-to-text conversion, searching for information, generating feedback, and interfacing with users. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex processing capabilities in a single device that can handle various tasks without requiring multiple specialized components in the wearable unit.
3Loss of information
If more image and audio data is captured for better environment analysis, then information accuracy is improved, but data processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by continuously capturing and pre-processing images and audio data in the background before user requests require analysis. The system maintains a ready state with pre-processed information, allowing rapid response to user queries without requiring intensive real-time processing, thus reducing perceived processing time while maintaining information accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for processing audio signals are disclosed. In one implementation, a system may include a microphone configured to capture sounds from an environment of a user; and at least one processor. The processor may be programmed to receive at least one audio signal representative of the sounds captured by the microphone; transcribe at least a portion of the at least one audio signal into text; generate metadata based on the transcribed text; after receiving the at least one audio signal, receive a request for information associated with a topic; select an information source from a plurality of information sources based on the received request for information; search the selected information source for a word or phrase based on the request; and output the word or phrase for entry into a record associated with the topic.