Intercom Wireless Link Adapts Image Quality to Radio Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intercom systems that use wireless communication between cameras and monitors face challenges with power consumption due to radio wave attenuation over distance and structural interference, leading to increased power usage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a DECT wireless communication method using time-division multiplexing, where the monitor receives image data at two different qualities based on communication error status to stabilize wireless communication and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If Bluetooth wireless communication is used between camera and monitor, then high-speed data communication is achieved, but radio waves are attenuated over distance or through structures leading to increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between first image quality (high resolution) and second image quality (low resolution) based on communication conditions. When communication errors occur due to distance or structural interference, the monitor automatically requests and displays lower quality images, maintaining stable communication while reducing power consumption requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the image quality parameter (resolution/detail level) based on communication reliability. The monitor adjusts between receiving high-quality images under good conditions and low-quality images when radio wave attenuation occurs, thereby adapting power consumption to actual communication needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If DECT wireless communication with time-division multiplexing is used, then stable communication over long distances is achieved, but communication errors may occur due to radio wave attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidcommunication errors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential communication errors by having pre-configured fallback image quality levels. When communication difficulties are detected, the monitor can immediately switch to displaying lower quality images without interruption, cushioning against the impact of communication errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitor detects communication errors and provides feedback by requesting retransmission at lower image quality. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying radio wave conditions and maintain reliable communication by adjusting image quality based on actual transmission success

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10080000B2Intercom system

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided an intercom system capable of reducing power consumption by stably performing wireless communication between a camera and a monitor. Monitor 200 checks whether or not a communication error occurs in image data received from camera 100, and checks whether or not there is a slot as a moving destination in an empty state in a case where the communication error occurs. In a case where there is no slot as the moving destination, monitor 200 controls the number of connected image calls by transmitting an image call disconnect request to camera 100. Accordingly, intercom system 10 varies image quality (a frame rate, a compression ratio, or an image size) depending on a radio wave status.