Multimodal Earpiece Induction Radio Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices face communication challenges due to Bluetooth transmission failures, absorption of RF signals by soft tissues, interference issues, and instability in humid and water environments, leading to unacceptable signal drops and power limitations.

Innovation Solution

A multimodal communication system using a combination of induction and radio communications, where each earpiece includes an induction circuit for short-range communication and a radio transceiver for wireless communication, allowing for high bandwidth audio transmission through the human body and to mobile devices, even in adverse environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Bluetooth radio transmission is used for wireless communication between wearable devices, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but signal absorption by soft tissues and interference cause transmission failures and signal drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidsignal absorption by soft tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into two independent circuits: a radio transceiver for wireless communication with external devices and an induction circuit for direct communication between wearable devices. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate independently, avoiding the interference and absorption issues that affect Bluetooth transmissions through soft tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The induction circuit acts as an intermediary communication path between wearable devices, bypassing the problematic radio frequency transmission through soft tissues. By using magnetic induction for short-range direct communication, the system eliminates the harmful effects of RF signal absorption while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high frequency radio transmission is used to adequately transmit signals, then transmission quality improves, but power consumption becomes physiologically unacceptable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transmission parameter from high-frequency radio waves to low-frequency magnetic induction for short-range communication. This parameter change maintains adequate transmission quality for inter-device communication while dramatically reducing power consumption to physiologically acceptable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses standard wireless communication protocols, then device compatibility is improved, but stability in high humidity and water environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidenvironmental stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication functionality is segmented into radio communication for compatibility with external devices and induction communication for stable inter-device communication in adverse environments. This segmentation allows the system to maintain device compatibility through radio while achieving environmental stability through induction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If recalibration and RF tuning are performed to improve transmission, then signal output may be improved, but the problem persists and remains unacceptable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal outputVSAvoidrecalibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The problematic RF transmission path is extracted from the inter-device communication function and relegated to external device communication only. By taking out the RF component from the critical inter-earpiece communication path and replacing it with induction, the system eliminates the need for recalibration and tuning while maintaining signal output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 stable and high-quality audio and data transmission between wearable devices, minimizing signal deterioration and accommodating various environmental conditions, including high humidity and water exposure, with reduced need for recalibration and improved power efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an induction circuit disposed within the ear piece housing for short range communications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10439679B2Multimodal communication system using induction and radio and method

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 BRAGI

AI summary

A system of wearable or personal area devices includes a first earpiece and a second ear piece each of the first ear piece and the second ear piece comprising an ear piece housing, an induction circuit disposed within the ear piece housing for short range communications, and a radio transceiver disposed within the ear piece housing for radio communications. The induction circuit of the first ear piece and the induction circuit of the second ear piece are adapted for communication there between using high bandwidth audio.