Home Audio Signal Transmission via Powerline and Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting audio and control signals across various mediums, such as wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline networks, to control remote entertainment systems, particularly due to complex transfer functions and varying impedance in powerline environments.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a transmitter module configured to receive audio and control signals from input devices and transmit them via powerline, wireless, or infrared networks to remote loudspeakers, using techniques like orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and media access control (MAC) protocols, and a receiver module that extracts and adjusts these signals for optimal playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If powerline networks are used to transmit audio and control signals, then existing electrical infrastructure can be utilized without additional wiring, but complex transfer functions and varying impedance cause signal transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission parameters such as frequency selection, power levels, and modulation schemes based on real-time channel conditions detected on the powerline. The system measures impedance variations and transfer function characteristics, then adapts transmission parameters to compensate for these variations, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and signal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving end detects signal quality, impedance variations, and channel conditions, then transmits this information back to the transmitting end. The system uses this feedback to adjust transmission parameters, select optimal frequencies, and compensate for powerline variations, ensuring reliable signal transmission while maintaining the simplicity of using existing infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission mediums (wired, wireless, infrared, powerline) are supported, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter module architecture that can operate across multiple transmission mediums (powerline, wireless, infrared, wired). The module contains adaptive modulation capabilities and multiple output interfaces, allowing a single device to perform multiple transmission functions. This reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple specialized devices into one multi-functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic medium selection where the transmission system automatically chooses the most appropriate transmission medium based on environmental conditions, signal requirements, and available pathways. The system can dynamically switch between powerline, wireless, infrared, and wired modes, adapting to changing conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple fixed systems.
3Ease of operation
If audio signals are transmitted over powerline networks, then existing electrical outlets can serve as communication points, but varying impedance and transfer functions degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously monitoring powerline impedance and transfer function characteristics, then adjusting transmission frequency, power spectral density, and modulation depth to maintain consistent signal quality across different electrical outlets. The system adapts parameters in real-time to compensate for variations in electrical infrastructure, ensuring reliable audio transmission regardless of the specific outlet used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary characterization of the powerline channel by performing sweep measurements and impulse responses before actual audio transmission. The system pre-calculates the transfer function and identifies optimal frequency ranges, storing this information for use during normal operation. This preliminary action enables the system to compensate for impedance variations and maintain signal quality without requiring real-time complex processing during audio playback.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for communicating audio, video, and/or control signals within a home entertainment system. One or more signals are communicated between an input device and one or more output devices via one or more networks. The output device can include loudspeakers, display devices, and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel loudspeaker, transmits signals to other output devices. For example, the center channel loudspeaker can transmit a combined audio signal and control signal to a remote loudspeaker over a first network and transmit a video signal to a display device over a second network. The display device displays the video signal. The networks can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.