Audio Frequency Induction Loop Signal Quality Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing audio frequency induction loop-systems (AFILS) for public addressing systems are prone to signal disturbances and quality variations, making it difficult for users with hearing aids to find optimal listening locations in venues like auditoriums and churches.
Innovation Solution
A mapping system and method that uses a sensor unit to measure and map the audio frequency signal quality across a venue, associating signal strength with positional data to create a quality map, allowing users to select better listening areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AFILS system is adjusted to provide good quality audio signals, then the audio signal quality for hearing aid users is improved, but the signal remains susceptible to disturbance and large quality variation in different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping of the venue to identify areas with good and poor signal quality before the user arrives. Quality maps are created in advance showing signal strength distribution, allowing users to select optimal listening locations before entering the venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about signal quality at different locations through quality maps and recommendations. Users can see which areas have good signal quality and adjust their seating choices based on this information.
2Ease of operation
If a user searches for a good listening location without information, then the user may find a satisfactory spot, but the search process is time-consuming and uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
Quality maps are generated in advance before users arrive at the venue. The system pre-processes the entire space to identify optimal listening locations, so users don't need to search when they arrive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary information layer (quality maps, recommendations, and indicators) between the user and the physical space. This intermediary provides guidance that eliminates the need for trial-and-error searching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides accurate measurement and adjustment of audio signal quality, enabling users to find areas with satisfactory hearing conditions, improving the overall listening experience by identifying both good and poor signal areas.
Implementation Method 1
The AFILS system transfers an audio signal through a magnetic coupling to a pick-up coil which can also be called a t-coil, a telecoil or a telephone coil of a hearing aid.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mapping system comprises a sensor unit (106) which is mobile and receives magnetic audio frequency transmission from a site (100) and positioning data with respect to the site (100) to be mapped. A processing unit (116) is operationally coupled with the sensor unit (106) and determines at least one parameter of the magnetic transmission, forms positions of the sensor unit (106) on the basis of positioning data, associates positions and the at least one parameter together, forms a quality map (134) graphically showing a distribution associated with the at least one parameter with respect to positions on the site (100) and outputs said quality map (134).