Pillow Speaker Control Device for Audio-Visual Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pillow speaker control devices for audiovisual displays face challenges in providing flexible protocols, configurable user interfaces, and low power consumption, especially in healthcare settings where varying display protocols and user abilities complicate manufacturing and increase power usage.
Innovation Solution
A touch-panel configured control device with a processor that transmits control signals to audiovisual displays via existing wiring, using an energy harvesting circuit to draw power from the display and minimize power consumption, while allowing for dynamic configuration of user interfaces and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If pillow speaker is limited to low power consumption level to avoid use of additional power source, then power consumption is reduced, but interactive capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The existing wiring is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power signals and control signals simultaneously. The processor in the pillow speaker is configured to transmit control signals over the wiring that also provides power, eliminating the need for separate power and control connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the existing wiring to accommodate both power delivery and control signal transmission. By adjusting voltage levels, current characteristics, and signal encoding schemes, the same physical medium supports multiple functions with different requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pillow speaker is designed to support many combinations of display protocols, display capabilities, and user abilities, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow speaker incorporates a programmable processor that can dynamically adapt its behavior based on the detected display protocol and capabilities. Rather than manufacturing different hardware variants for different protocols, the system uses software configuration to adjust to various display types and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration and self-adaptation by automatically detecting the display protocol and capabilities, then configuring its own operation accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual setup or complex manufacturing variants for different application scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device signals user inputs to an audio-video display. The control device may be configured as a pillow speaker and include a speaker for reproducing audio from the audio-video display. The control device is coupled to the audio-video display by wiring. Shared signals in the wiring are used to provide power to operate the control device and are used to signal the user inputs to the audio-video display. A touch panel is used to sense user inputs. The touch panel may be transparent with an underlay containing indicia of user-selectable commands located below the touch panel. The arrangement and selection of commands available to the user may be modified by changing the underlay.