Audience Response System Multi-Channel Transmission Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audience response systems face frequent message delivery failures due to interference from competing wireless transmissions within the same frequency range, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cordless telephones, leading to corrupted data and re-transmission interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-frequency transmission system where remote input devices sequentially transmit messages across different channels within the 2.4 GHz frequency band, using a beacon to identify quiet channels and re-transmitting messages if acknowledgments are not received, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions with other transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless transmissions operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, then communication range and accessibility are improved, but interference from competing transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 2.4 GHz frequency band into multiple discrete channels (e.g., channels 1-13) and assigns different channels to different base stations or transmission groups. This segmentation allows multiple wireless systems to operate simultaneously in the same frequency band without interfering with each other, as each system uses a distinct channel subset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the channel dimension as an additional degree of freedom for frequency division. Instead of only using time-division or power-control mechanisms, the system leverages the spectral dimension by selecting from multiple available channels, effectively adding a new dimension to the wireless communication space to accommodate more users without mutual interference.
2Reliability
If re-transmission of messages is used to complete transmission, then message delivery reliability is improved, but transmission time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs channel quality assessment and selection before the actual message transmission begins. By evaluating channel conditions in advance and pre-selecting optimal channels, the system avoids unnecessary re-transmissions and reduces the time spent on failed transmission attempts, while still maintaining high reliability through proactive channel optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving stations report channel quality information back to transmitting stations. This feedback loop enables dynamic channel selection and adjustment, allowing the system to learn from previous transmission outcomes and optimize future transmissions, thereby reducing overall re-transmission needs while maintaining reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple channels are used for transmission, then interference reduction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal channel selection mechanism that can be applied across multiple base stations and remote units without requiring complex dedicated control for each channel. The same simplified algorithm and protocol are used throughout the system, making the multi-channel operation manageable and reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of channels.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an audience response communication system comprising a base unit and a plurality of remote input devices. The audience response and communication system lowers the risk of undelivered data transmissions by enabling the remote input devices to sequentially transmit responses via multiple transmission channels until a vote acknowledgement message is received, or a predetermined number of attempts is made.