Communication Controller Noise Reduction via Dynamic Wireless Output Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital cameras with built-in wireless communication functions face noise issues during image recording due to the proximity of sound concentrating microphones and antennas, leading to inconvenient operation when wireless communication is suspended, especially during moving image capturing.

Innovation Solution

A communication controller that employs both first and second wireless communication methods, with a control unit detecting ambient voice volumes to adjust the wireless output of the first communication method, reducing noise by changing the radio wave intensity, frame rate, or resolution based on ambient conditions, while maintaining operation through the second communication method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wireless communication is performed using the first wireless communication method during image recording, then data transmission capability is improved, but noise is generated due to radio wave interference with the microphone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the wireless communication state adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically switches between first wireless communication method (with higher data transmission capability but potential noise) and second wireless communication method (with lower data transmission capability but no noise) based on whether image recording is正在进行. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the communication method to the current operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of wireless communication method selection based on the recording state. When recording is detected, the system transitions from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method, effectively changing the communication parameters to eliminate noise while maintaining essential communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If wireless communication is suspended during image recording to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but operation convenience deteriorates as the digital camera becomes difficult to operate via smartphone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments wireless communication into two distinct modes: first wireless communication method for high-speed data transmission and second wireless communication method for control commands. By separating these functions, the system can suspend the noise-generating first method during recording while maintaining the second method for operational convenience, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second wireless communication method as an intermediary solution. This alternative communication path allows control commands to be transmitted during recording without generating noise, serving as a mediator between the need for noise reduction and the need for operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the distance between microphone and antenna is decreased for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but noise increases due to stronger radio wave effect on the microphone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the noise-generating function (first wireless communication method) from the overall wireless communication system during recording operations. By selectively suspending only the problematic first wireless communication method while maintaining the second method, the system addresses the noise issue caused by miniaturization without sacrificing essential communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11553155B2Communication controller and control method of communication controller

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Reduction of recorded noise is achieved at the time of imaging in an environment of generation of noticeable noise while securing user convenience. A communication controller includes a wireless communication unit that performs first wireless communication using a first wireless communication method, and second wireless communication using a second wireless communication method, and a control unit that detects a volume of a voice, and changes a wireless output of the first wireless communication on the basis of the detected volume.