Headset Intercom Range Extension via Cellular Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Headset communication devices have limited Bluetooth intercom range, leading to transmission interruptions when devices are moved beyond the effective range or obstructed, and increasing power is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that pairs headset devices with cellular parameters, allowing seamless transition from Bluetooth to cellular communication when the intercom range is exceeded, using a cellular call to re-establish communication via a rider's paired cellular phone, enabling extended range without increasing Bluetooth power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If Bluetooth transmission power is increased to extend communication range, then transmission range is improved, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cellular communication channel as an intermediary to extend the communication range. When Bluetooth communication fails due to distance or obstacles, the system automatically switches to cellular communication, which has much greater range capabilities. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve extended range without increasing Bluetooth transmission power, thereby avoiding increased power consumption and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If Bluetooth transmission power is increased to extend communication range, then transmission range is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cellular communication infrastructure as a mediator to extend range without requiring expensive high-power Bluetooth transmitters. By leveraging the existing cellular network, the system achieves extended communication range while keeping the Bluetooth hardware specifications unchanged, thus avoiding increased device manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If Bluetooth transmission power is increased to extend communication range, then transmission range is improved, but interference between devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidinterference between devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cellular communication as an intermediary layer that operates on completely different frequency bands and protocols from Bluetooth. This separation eliminates the interference problem that would result from increasing Bluetooth power, as the two communication systems operate independently without competing for the same spectrum resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If headset device is moved beyond effective transmission range, then portability is improved, but transmission interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtransmission continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic communication system that automatically adapts its transmission mode based on the current communication conditions. The system continuously monitors Bluetooth signal quality and automatically switches to cellular communication when the Bluetooth signal becomes too weak or interrupted. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain continuous communication while being moved freely, preserving both portability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses cellular communication as a mediator to bridge gaps in Bluetooth coverage. When the headset is moved beyond effective Bluetooth range causing transmission interruptions, the cellular channel acts as a backup mediator to maintain communication continuity, thus preserving reliability without limiting portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3063958B1A method of extending an intercom communication range and device thereof
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 CARDO SYST LTD
  • EP3063958B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of extending an intercom communication range, comprising: a) during the pairing process between a first headset communication device and a second headset communication device, providing cellular related parameters, to be stored in a memory module of each headset communication device, in addition to the common Bluetooth required parameters, such that the cellular related parameters of the first headset includes a cellular phone number associated with the second headset and vice versa; b) establishing an intercom communication between both headsets via a Bluetooth channel; and c) upon detecting intercom communication loss at said Bluetooth channel or unavailable Bluetooth link during said intercom communication, temporarily routing the intercom communication to an alternate cellular communication channel by initiating a cellular call using the stored cellular phone number of the second headset.