Pillow Speaker Integrates Wireless Control and Universal Wired Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pillow speaker systems face challenges in interfacing with healthcare televisions due to wiring inconsistencies and different power levels, requiring customization and the use of multiple remote controls, which can lead to damage, loss, or misconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A pillow speaker with a wireless transmitter and a wired interface, including a collection of control circuitry and elongated conductors, that allows for wireless control signals to be transmitted, enabling compatibility with various devices and simplifying the control of multiple electronic devices without the need for multiple remote controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used for control signals, then reliability of signal transmission is improved, but device complexity and wiring inconsistencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow speaker is designed with a universal wired interface that can accommodate different wiring schemes and power levels through software configuration rather than hardware customization. The single pillow speaker unit can interface with multiple television brands and wiring configurations, eliminating the need for facility-specific customization while maintaining reliable wired control signal transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote controls are provided for different devices, then control functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tracking and operating multiple remotes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates television control functionality directly into the pillow speaker unit, combining the audio output function with the remote control function in a single device. This eliminates the need for separate remote controls for television and other electronic devices, allowing users to control multiple devices from one unified interface while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow speaker acts as an intermediary device between the user and multiple electronic devices (television, VCR, DVD player). Instead of requiring separate remote controls for each device, the pillow speaker mediates control signals to the appropriate devices, simplifying the user interface while maintaining adaptability to control various devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pillow speakers are customized for different wiring schemes, then adaptability to specific facilities is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow speaker incorporates software-based parameter configuration that allows it to adapt to different wiring schemes and power levels without requiring hardware customization. Facilities can select their preferred wiring configuration through software settings, enabling the same manufactured unit to adapt to various facility-specific requirements while maintaining simple, standardized manufacturing processes.
4Reliability
If healthcare televisions are used with wired interfaces, then reliability of control is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual reconfiguration for different brands
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow speaker incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability through software that can automatically or manually adjust to different television brands and power levels. The device can dynamically change its operating parameters to match the connected television, maintaining reliable wired control while eliminating the time-consuming manual reconfiguration process through automated detection and adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a pillow speaker are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pillow speaker includes a case that contains a collection of control circuitry. A wireless transmitter is operably connected to the collection of control circuitry. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit control signals. Also included is a wired interface having at least two elongated conductors connected to the collection of control circuitry.