Dual-Watch Collar Device for Multi-Channel Public Safety Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public-safety responders need a communication device that allows simultaneous communication on multiple radio channels and talkgroups for efficient communication during incidents, as immediate communication is critical for effective response.
Innovation Solution
A dual-watch collar-wearable communication device with left-side and right-side audio speakers, microphones, and push-to-talk (PTT) buttons, which routes audio from one channel to one speaker and another channel to the other speaker based on button actuation, and includes features like in-ear speakers with gravity sensors for orientation determination and volume adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single mobile radio is used for communication, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to communicate on multiple channels and talkgroups simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collar device is divided into distinct functional segments: left-side audio output for first channel, right-side audio output for second channel, with separate PTT buttons for each channel. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of multiple radio channels simultaneously, enabling responders to communicate on multiple talkgroups without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar device integrates multiple functions into a single wearable unit: it combines dual-channel radio communication, dual-side audio output, multiple PTT buttons, and in-ear speaker capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform what previously required multiple separate radios and accessories, improving versatility while managing complexity through integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate communication devices are used to monitor multiple channels, then the communication capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to managing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The collar device merges multiple radio channel monitoring and control functions into a single integrated unit. Both first and second radio channels are monitored simultaneously through one device, with audio routed to appropriate sides of the collar. This consolidation eliminates the need for responders to physically manage multiple separate radios, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining dual-watch capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Audio from different radio channels is routed to different locations on the collar device: left-side audio speaker for first channel, right-side audio speaker for second channel. This spatial separation of audio outputs allows responders to easily distinguish between different talkgroups and channels, making operation intuitive and efficient without requiring complex switching or selection procedures.
3Reliability
If in-ear speakers are added to the collar device, then the communication effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
In-ear speakers are integrated within the collar device structure, with the collar serving as the outer container and the in-ear speakers nested inside. This nested configuration allows the in-ear speakers to be part of the collar device system while maintaining their portable, insertable form factor. The integration improves communication effectiveness by providing direct audio delivery to the responder's ear while managing the added complexity through compact, space-efficient design.
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
Enables efficient communication on multiple channels and talkgroups, ensuring timely and effective communication among responders by routing audio appropriately based on button actuation and user orientation, enhancing the immediacy and efficacy of public-safety responses.
Implementation Method 1
left-side and right-side in-ear speakers, each with a gravity sensor for determining a gravitational orientation of the in-ear speaker
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a dual-watch collar-wearable communication device. One embodiment takes the form of a system that includes left-side and right-side audio speakers, a microphone, left-side and right-side push-to-talk (PTT) buttons and a controller programmed to carry out a set of functions. The set of functions include routing audio received via a first channel to the left-side audio speaker, routing audio received via a second channel to the right-side audio speaker, routing audio received via the microphone via the first channel when the left-side PTT button is actuated, and routing audio received via the microphone via the second channel when the right-side PTT button is actuated.