Covert Sports Audio Communication Using Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in sports, such as baseball and football, are vulnerable to signal interception and decoding, leading to potential cheating, and existing devices are bulky or impractical for covert communication.
Innovation Solution
A covert sports communication system using a transmitter with coded audio track selection and a receiver with a bone conductor to transmit and reproduce audio instructions wirelessly, ensuring secure and covert communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual finger signals are used for pitch selection, then communication between catcher and pitcher is enabled, but the signals can be intercepted and decoded by opposing players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual mechanical finger signaling system with an acoustic wireless transmission system. The transmitter converts pitch selection signals into coded audio signals that are transmitted wirelessly to the receiver, eliminating the need for visual signals that can be intercepted by opponents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission system consisting of a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter converts the catcher's pitch selection into coded audio signals, which are then transmitted through the air to the receiver, serving as an intermediary that prevents direct visual observation by opponents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple pitch signals are run through to prevent decoding, then signal security is improved, but game time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming sequential visual signaling process with instantaneous wireless acoustic transmission. Once the coded audio signal is transmitted and received, the pitch selection is immediately communicated without requiring multiple sequential signals or extensive time for decoding attempts.
3Ease of operation
If traditional radio communication is used for play calls, then audio instructions can be transmitted, but the device is bulky and impractical for covert communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of audio transmission from bulky traditional radio devices. The system uses compact transmitter and receiver units that can be worn on the body, extracting only the necessary acoustic transmission capability while eliminating the bulkiness of traditional radio equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the transmitter and receiver to be worn in specific locations on the body where they are most effective for covert communication. The transmitter is positioned to project audio signals locally, and the receiver is positioned to receive these signals with minimal interference, optimizing the acoustic field in the immediate vicinity.
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
Ensures secure communication of instructions to athletes without competitors overhearing, providing versatility in language support and reducing the risk of signal interception.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver with a bone conductor to transmit and reproduce audio instructions wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
A covert sports communication system has a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit coded audio track selection signals. The system includes a receiver that may be worn within headgear. The receiver includes stored audio tracks and is configured to receive coded audio track selection signals from the transmitter, decode the audio track selection signals, and play at least one stored audio track in accordance with the decoded audio track selection signals. The audio tracks may include audio instructions to a participant of a sporting event.