Modular Audio-over-IP Intercommunication System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intercommunication systems in aircraft or ships are limited by physical constraints, such as the number and type of ports on a central switch, which restricts the scalability and flexibility in adding audio channels or security features.

Innovation Solution

A modular intercommunication system utilizing a standards-based audio-over-IP configuration, allowing for the addition of audio channels without replacing central switches and enabling scalable network infrastructure to support increasing numbers of channels and streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a centralized switch is used to manage audio channels, then routing decisions and conferencing can be controlled, but the number of audio channels is limited by physical constraints such as the number and type of ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of audio channelsVSAvoidphysical constraints of central switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized switch is segmented into multiple distributed networked units, each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to scale by adding more units rather than being constrained by the physical port limits of a single switch, directly resolving the contradiction between channel capacity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-dimensional centralized architecture to a multi-dimensional distributed network architecture. By adding the dimension of networked connectivity between multiple units, the system overcomes the physical constraints of individual switch ports while maintaining routing and conferencing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If conventional proprietary protocols are used with centralized switch, then routing and conferencing can be managed, but scalability is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidflexibility in adding audio channels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed networked units implement universal standards-based audio-over-IP configuration that can handle multiple functions including routing, conferencing, and security applications. This universal approach enables scalability by allowing standard IP network expansion rather than being limited by proprietary protocol constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fundamental parameter of communication protocol from proprietary to standards-based IP networking. This parameter change enables the system to leverage the scalability of standard IP networks, allowing flexible addition of audio channels through standard network expansion techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If central switch is replaced with larger switch to add audio channels, then channel capacity increases, but system complexity and upgrade requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of audio channelsVSAvoidneed to swap central switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing the centralized switch with a larger one, the system segments the switch function across multiple distributed units. This allows channel capacity to increase by adding units rather than performing disruptive switch replacements, maintaining ease of operation while scaling capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical mechanical constraint of switch ports is substituted with networked digital connectivity. Rather than being limited by physical port availability on a single device, the system uses IP network communication to provide unlimited channel expansion without requiring physical hardware replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If proprietary protocols are used, then centralized control can be implemented, but security applications cannot be easily layered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity implementationVSAvoidability to layer security applications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standards-based audio-over-IP configuration provides a universal platform that can layer multiple security applications on top of the core audio routing and conferencing functions. This universal architecture enables flexible security implementation without being constrained by proprietary protocol limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12267374B2Intercommunication system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 PALOMAR PRODS

AI summary

An intercommunication system includes one or more modular units utilizing a standards-based audio-over-IP configuration. The modularity of the system provides improved scalability. For instance, a number of audio channels is not limited by physical constraints (e.g. number and type of ports) of a central switch. Accordingly, the addition of audio channels may not require swapping one central switch for a larger switch. Moreover, security applications may be layered onto the standards-based audio-over-IP configuration to implement security requirements often found with intercommunications systems.