Portable Device Streaming via IR and RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for streaming digital data to portable devices in mass audiences or designated areas face challenges such as signal loss, language barriers, and lack of interactivity, particularly in noisy environments or for the hearing impaired, and do not synchronize multiple units effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) transmission to stream synchronized data, including captions, translations, and interactive content to portable devices, which can be custom-designed or based on existing technologies like mobile phones or PDAs, allowing multiple users to receive identical data and interact with the presentation or each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless streaming systems are used to provide information to portable devices, then accessibility for hearing impaired and language translation is improved, but signal loss and interference from environmental noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transmission medium into two distinct channels: infrared for data transmission and audio frequency carrier waves for synchronization signals. This segmentation allows each channel to operate independently, preventing interference between data and control signals while maintaining reliability in noisy environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism that uses audio frequency carrier waves modulated with time code signals. This intermediary serves as a reference that allows portable devices to synchronize their reception and processing of infrared data streams, ensuring accurate timing even when environmental noise affects the primary audio signal
2Quantity of substance
If multiple portable devices are used to serve mass audiences, then coverage and accessibility are improved, but synchronization between multiple units becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal synchronization protocol that can be implemented across any number of portable devices simultaneously. Each device independently receives the same infrared data stream and uses the embedded time code synchronization signals to align its operations, enabling scalable deployment to mass audiences without compromising synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each portable device monitors the time code synchronization signals and adjusts its reception timing accordingly. This continuous feedback loop ensures that all devices, regardless of quantity, maintain synchronized operation with the presentation being delivered
3Productivity
If existing wireless systems are used, then basic data transmission is achieved, but interactivity and user engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static one-way data transmission to dynamic interactive communication. Portable devices can send and receive data bidirectionally, allowing users to engage with presentations, request additional information, and provide feedback in real-time, thereby enhancing user engagement while maintaining transmission efficiency
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
This solution provides synchronized and interactive data streaming to multiple users, addressing signal loss and language barriers, enabling effective communication and enhancing the audience experience by allowing simultaneous reception of audio, text, and control data during a single transmission, while also allowing user interaction and preference recognition.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention makes use of infrared (IR) emission and/or radio frequency (RF) transmission to stream data to a portable device
Implementation Method 2
The present invention makes use of infrared (IR) emission and/or radio frequency (RF) transmission to stream data to a portable device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention achieves wireless delivery of media streams to portable devices for providing media information related to a show or attraction for the purposes of captioning, language translation, and assistive listening. As a person moves about a venue, the device receives infrared or radio signals from transmitters at venue locations. The device decodes each signal as venue location, event time, or device trigger for presentation on the device. The device memory contains audio, text, graphics and device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content is synchronized with the user's location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show and may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices.