Bluetooth Referee Paging System Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing referee communication systems are costly, limited by analog technology, and lack interchangeability, leading to high component failure rates and signal interference issues, making them unsuitable for amateur and semi-professional soccer matches.

Innovation Solution

A wireless referee paging system utilizing Bluetooth 5 technology with interchangeable components, employing frequency-hopping spread spectrum for reliable communication, enabling unique flag signals and secure, long-range transmission without interference, and incorporating customizable and rechargeable flag signaling components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If analog radio communication technology is used for referee paging systems, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the system cost becomes very high and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from analog radio communication to digital Bluetooth communication, changing the fundamental transmission parameter. This digital approach uses lower power consumption while maintaining reliable signal transmission through modern digital protocols and frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the analog radio transmission mechanism with a digital communication system using Bluetooth technology. This substitution reduces power requirements and eliminates the need for high-performance expensive batteries while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If non-interchangeable components are used in referee paging systems, then system integration is simplified, but component failure requires complete system replacement increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integration complexityVSAvoidcomponent replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the referee paging system into separate interchangeable components: flag signaling devices and receiver devices. Each component can be independently replaced or upgraded without affecting the other parts of the system, allowing for easier repair and reduced overall cost when component failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal components that can function in multiple roles within the referee paging system. The flag signaling devices and receiver devices are designed with standardized interfaces and protocols, allowing them to be interchanged and used across different system configurations and matches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple assistant referees transmit signals simultaneously, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but signal cancellation occurs and referee receives no signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-referee coverageVSAvoidsignal reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology where signals are transmitted in periodic time slots across multiple frequency channels. When multiple assistant referees transmit simultaneously, the systematic frequency hopping and time slot allocation prevent signal cancellation by distributing transmissions across different frequencies and time periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces digital signal processing and protocol management as intermediaries between multiple transmitting flag devices and the receiver. This intermediary layer coordinates simultaneous transmissions, manages frequency hopping sequences, and ensures that multiple signals do not cancel each other out, maintaining reliable reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides a cost-effective, reliable, and secure communication solution for soccer referees, ensuring accurate signal transmission over large distances with reduced power consumption and interference resistance, suitable for all levels of soccer matches.

Implementation Method 1

employing frequency-hopping spread spectrum for reliable communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency-hopping spread spectrum:

Data Source

PatentEP3941598B1Wireless customizable referee paging system
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 RALL SAMUEL W
  • EP3941598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3941598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3941598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless customizable referee paging system is disclosed. The system includes at least two flag signaling components, each flag signaling component having an electronic signature to send a unique flag signal based on a flag user's input for that flag signaling component. The system includes a central receiving component that receives the unique flag signal from each flag signaling component and then alerts a central user to receipt of the unique flag signal. The flag signaling components and the central receiving component each having a Bluetooth® radio circuit and thereby the flag signaling components communicate with the central receiving component substantially exclusively via Bluetooth® technology. The flag signaling components and the central receiving component each have a pairing-mode and a signaling-mode. The pairing-mode uniquely pairs each flag signaling component to the central receiving component. The signaling-mode restricts each flag signaling component communicating with the central receiving component.