Gaming Headset Voiceband Modem for DTMF Data Over Chat Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming systems lack effective methods for inter-headset communication using in-game audio channels, limiting the ability to share data such as parameter settings, scrambling keys, and multimedia content among gamers.
Innovation Solution
A gaming headset equipped with an integrated analog voiceband modem modulates and demodulates data over a chat audio channel, enabling communication with other gamers' devices using dual tone multi-frequency tones, and supports data exchange through a second screen communication device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional gaming systems use separate communication channels for audio and data, then audio quality is maintained, but device complexity and communication efficiency worsen due to requiring multiple channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines audio communication and data communication into a single chat audio channel. The gaming headset transmits both voice chat and modulated data simultaneously over the same audio channel, eliminating the need for separate data transmission channels and reducing overall system complexity while improving communication efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The chat audio channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it can transmit voice communication, modulated data signals, and support inter-headset communication all through the same channel. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate channels for each communication type
2Reliability
If gaming headsets use dedicated data transmission hardware, then data communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring specialized equipment and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses audio signals as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of requiring dedicated data transmission hardware, the system modulates data onto existing audio chat signals that are already present in the gaming headset infrastructure, allowing reliable data communication through a familiar and already-configured channel
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming headset utilizes its own existing audio communication infrastructure to transmit data. The system self-configures by modulating data onto the chat audio channel that is already established for voice communication, eliminating the need for separate hardware setup or complex configuration procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaming headsets transmit only voice over chat channels, then channel simplicity is maintained, but adaptability worsens by limiting communication to voice only without data sharing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the audio signal by modulating data onto the chat audio channel using voiceband modem technology. The system varies audio frequency parameters to encode data within the existing voice channel, enabling versatile communication functionality including data sharing, file transfer, and inter-headset communication without adding separate physical channels
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
Facilitates seamless data sharing among gamers during gameplay, enhancing the gaming experience by allowing transmission of parameter settings, scrambling keys, and multimedia content via existing audio channels.
Implementation Method 1
A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game. The plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels that convey audio for the game, and a chat audio channel that conveys chat audio. The gaming headset includes an integrated analog voiceband modem that modulates data for communication over the chat audio channel
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming headset receives a chat audio channel that conveys chat audio. The gaming headset includes a modem that modulates data for communication over the chat audio channel, and transmits the modulated data on the chat audio channel that conveys the chat audio. The modulated data may be communicated, via the chat audio channel, to one or more devices associated with one or more other gamers that are engaged in the play of the particular game. The modulated data includes one or more dual tone multi-frequency tones. The gaming headset may also receive data, via the chat audio channel, from one or more devices associated with one or more other gamers that are engaged in the play of the particular game.