Proximity Audio Sharing via Body-Conducted Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless audio sharing systems face challenges in maintaining audio quality when two users within proximity attempt to share music, as they often result in audio signal interference and quality loss.
Innovation Solution
A proximity-based audio sharing system comprising two identical units with a wireless transceiver module, an audio output device, a mute control circuit, and a microcontroller, where a control signal is used to selectively mute one unit's audio output when in touch or proximity with another, allowing seamless audio sharing without quality degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless audio signals are transmitted between two units for music sharing, then audio sharing capability is improved, but audio signal interference and quality loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication channels into two separate segments: one for audio signals (via wireless transceiver module with first antenna) and another for control signals (via second antenna). This segmentation prevents interference between audio and control signals while enabling proximity-based audio sharing without quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control signals as an intermediary mechanism to manage audio sharing. The control signal triggers the mute control circuit to mute the local audio output when proximity is detected, allowing seamless audio transfer between units without direct interference to the audio signal path.
2Ease of operation
If control signals are transmitted wirelessly for proximity detection, then ease of operation is improved, but signal interference with audio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically separates the control signal transmission (second antenna) from the audio signal transmission (first antenna). This spatial segmentation eliminates electromagnetic interference between control and audio signals while maintaining ease of proximity-based operation.
3Device complexity
If a single wireless transceiver is used for both audio and control signals, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transceiver functionality into two separate antenna systems: first antenna for audio signals and second antenna for control signals. This segmentation eliminates signal interference while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna system serves multiple functions: the first antenna handles audio reception and transmission, while the second antenna handles control signal transmission and reception. This multi-functionality approach manages complexity through clear functional assignment rather than a single overloaded transceiver.
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
Enables efficient music sharing between users in close proximity without compromising audio quality, as the control signal is transmitted through the human body, while audio signals are transmitted wirelessly, minimizing interference and maintaining high audio fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
The modulator may be configured to modulate a link signal generated by the microcontroller into the control signal
Implementation Method 2
the demodulator may be configured to demodulate the modulated control signal to link function
Implementation Method 3
Audio signals are modulated and transmitted to the air by the transmitting unit
Implementation Method 4
The modulated control signal may be transmitted through a human body
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity-based audio sharing system includes two identical units in wireless communication with each other. Each unit includes: a wireless transceiver module configured for communicating audio signals with the wireless transceiver module of the other unit; an audio output device connected with the wireless transceiver module and configured for playing back audio signals transmitted from the wireless transceiver module; a mute control circuit connected with the wireless transceiver module and the audio output device, and configured for selectively muting the audio output of the audio output device; and a microcontroller unit connected with the wireless transceiver module and configured for controlling the wireless transceiver module and the mute control circuit, and transmitting a control signal which includes a link signal and a mute control signal to the microcontroller unit of the other unit when the two units are in touch or in proximity of each other.