Autonomous Collar for Ergonomic Remote User Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems for remote users in high-precision operations or hostile environments are cumbersome and inefficient, lacking ergonomic design and continuous energy autonomy, which hinders movement and physiological monitoring, and fail to provide effective audio and video feedback.
Innovation Solution
A communication system featuring an autonomous collar with integrated audio and video acquisition and transmission systems, allowing wireless communication with a remote user, including sensors for environmental and physiological data, and a centralized control unit for sequence-based instruction following.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are added to the person's body for physiological monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, proximity sensor, light sensor) into a single integrated collar device worn around the neck. This consolidation provides comprehensive physiological and environmental monitoring while maintaining ergonomic design and avoiding the need for multiple separate sensors on the body.
2Loss of information
If cameras are positioned on glasses or chest for visualization, then remote observation capability is improved, but tracking accuracy and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning cameras on glasses or chest, the patent inverts the approach by using audio-visual sensors on the collar to capture the operator's perspective. The microphone array captures spatial audio that reveals head orientation and gaze direction, while the accelerometer and gyroscope track head movements, providing accurate tracking without obstructing the operator's vision or comfort.
3Reliability
If communication equipment is added for continuous monitoring, then safety and traceability are improved, but energy consumption and movement freedom deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through event-triggered communication rather than continuous transmission. The system monitors physiological parameters and environmental conditions continuously but only transmits data when changes exceed thresholds or when specific events occur (e.g., detected falls, abnormal heart rate). This approach ensures safety and traceability while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining movement freedom.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication system (30) with at least one remote user, comprising a self-contained collar (31), intended to be worn by the user, and including a communication device (310) for transmitting and receiving data, an audio acquisition and transmission system (311); a communication unit (33) remote from the self-contained collar and capable of communicating with the communication device (310) of the collar (31) to transmit to it an audio message, sent to the user by the audio acquisition and transmission system (311) of the collar (31), and/or to receive an audio message acquired by the audio acquisition and transmission system (311) of the collar (31).