Microphone PTT and VOX Control for Noise-Free Wireless Voice Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face issues with ambient noise transmission due to VOX functions and quiet voice non-transmission, and require complex connections between microphones and communication terminals, affecting smooth wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with a microphone and communication terminal connected via a phone connector, utilizing a connection state maintenance circuit to ensure continuous recognition of connection, a VOX determination section to filter quiet voices, and a transmission control section to manage signal transmission based on voice and operation sound levels, preventing noise and operation sound transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If VOX function is used to enable transmission on voice input, then quiet voices can be transmitted, but ambient noise is transmitted as well

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice detection sensitivityVSAvoidambient noise transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of transmission control from voice-activated (VOX) to operation-sound-activated. By detecting operation sounds (button presses, switch activations) as the trigger for transmission, the system avoids transmitting ambient noise while still enabling quiet voices to be transmitted during active communication sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the acoustic-based VOX detection mechanism with an operation-based control mechanism. Instead of using microphone input to trigger transmission, the system uses detection of operational actions (such as button presses or switch activations) to control transmission, thereby eliminating noise transmission issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If VOX function is used to enable transmission on voice input, then transmission can occur without user operation, but transmission may occur due to ambient noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidfalse transmission activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces automatic voice-activated transmission with operation-based transmission control. By requiring a deliberate operational action (button press, switch activation) to initiate transmission, the system maintains hands-free convenience during active communication while preventing false activation from ambient noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an operation detection mechanism as an intermediary between the user and transmission control. This intermediary layer detects intentional operational actions and uses them to control transmission, filtering out unintentional ambient noise while still enabling convenient hands-free operation during communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If PTT button and microphone switch circuit are used, then transmission control is achieved, but connection complexity increases requiring connecting devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission controlVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmission control function directly into the voice input device itself. By integrating the operation detection and transmission control capabilities within the microphone or voice input device, the system eliminates the need for separate connecting devices and complex switch circuits, simplifying the overall connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the voice input device multi-functional by integrating both voice input and transmission control capabilities within a single device. This universal design allows the voice input device to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate PTT buttons and connection devices, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external microphone is connected via phone connector, then voice input capability is added, but transmission operation cannot be inputted through the connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice input capabilityVSAvoidtransmission operation input
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmission control function into the external voice input device itself. By integrating operation detection capabilities within the external microphone or voice input device, users can control transmission through operations performed on the external device, eliminating the need to return to the smartphone for transmission control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the external voice input device to serve itself by integrating transmission control functionality within the device. The external microphone becomes self-sufficient by incorporating operation detection and transmission control capabilities, allowing users to manage both voice input and transmission control through a single device without requiring additional smartphone operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4290832B1Communication system, voice input device, communication terminal, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ICOM INC
  • EP4290832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4290832B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4290832B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a communication system that enables smooth wireless communication. A communication system (1) includes a communication terminal (20) and a microphone (10) connected to each other. The microphone includes a microphone element (11) which converts a voice to an electric signal and a PTT switch (12) which switches between transmitting or not transmitting the electric signal to the communication terminal. The communication terminal includes a VOX determination section (232) and an operation sound determination section (233), each of which determines a level of the electric signal, and a transmission control section (234) which controls transmission of the electric signal in accordance with the level.