Aviation Headset Digital Module Sidetone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aviation headsets face challenges in reducing unwanted interference between digital communication systems and aircraft intercom systems, particularly due to the presence of sidetones, which can degrade audio quality and hinder private peer-to-peer communication between pilots.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a peer-to-peer (P2P) communication engine, such as a Bluetooth® radio, within the headset, which enables or disables digital communication functions based on the presence or absence of a sidetone signal from the analog communication module, allowing seamless switching between intercom and P2P communication modes to maintain clear and private communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital communication module is always enabled for private peer-to-peer communication, then private communication capability is improved, but interference with analog intercom system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the digital communication module by detecting the presence or absence of sidetone signals from the analog intercom system. When a sidetone is detected (indicating intercom is active), the digital module is automatically disabled to prevent interference. When no sidetone is detected (indicating intercom is inactive), the digital module is enabled to allow private peer-to-peer communication. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the digital module's operational state based on real-time intercom system status.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If digital communication module is disabled to reduce interference, then audio quality is improved, but private communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the digital communication module based on real-time detection of intercom system activity through sidetone signal analysis. When the intercom is inactive (no sidetone detected), the digital module is automatically enabled to provide private communication capability. When the intercom is active (sidetone detected), the digital module is disabled to maintain audio quality. This dynamic adaptation ensures both audio quality and private communication capability are optimized based on current system conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sidetone detection is used to control digital module, then interference reduction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the analog communication module's output signal is continuously monitored for the presence of sidetone signals. The controller analyzes this feedback signal to determine whether the intercom system is active, and automatically adjusts the digital communication module's operational state accordingly. This feedback-based control simplifies the overall system architecture by using a straightforward detection-and-response mechanism rather than complex multi-parameter analysis, while still achieving effective interference reduction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving a first signal representative of audio captured using a microphone in communication with an analog communication module. The method also includes determining that a first feedback signal from the analog communication module includes a sidetone associated with the audio captured by the microphone, and responsive to determining that the first feedback signal includes the sidetone, generating, by one or more processing devices, at least one control signal that affects operations of a digital communication module.