Wireless Push-to-Talk Audio Accessory Feedback Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Bluetooth wireless systems and wireless standalone push-to-talk (PTT) devices lack the reliability and user perception of their wired counterparts, often requiring users to perform periodic test transmissions to ensure functionality, which diverts attention and adds unnecessary communications in critical environments like public safety operations.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with an improved user interface that includes an audible indicator played from an audio accessory to confirm radio transmission of a message sent in response to PTT activation, providing confirmation of successful message transmission and reducing the need for unnecessary test transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless PTT devices are used to provide wireless communication capability, then wireless communication functionality is improved, but user perception of reliability deteriorates compared to wired counterparts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication functionalityVSAvoiduser perception of reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms including audible indicators that confirm transmission status and visual LED indicators that provide real-time feedback on wireless PTT operation. This feedback loop reassures users that their wireless PTT transmissions are being properly received and transmitted, thereby improving user perception of reliability without sacrificing wireless functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary visual and audible indicators that mediate between the wireless PTT transmission and the user's perception of reliability. These indicators serve as intermediaries that provide tangible evidence of successful transmission, bridging the gap between wireless functionality and user confidence in system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users perform periodic wireless PTT test transmissions to verify operation, then transmission reliability is confirmed, but user attention is diverted from tasks and radio channel is cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliability verificationVSAvoiduser task efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing continuous visual LED indicators that show the wireless link status and transmission state before users need to verify operation. This preliminary visual confirmation eliminates the need for periodic test transmissions, allowing users to maintain focus on their tasks while having confidence that the system is operating correctly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback through visual and audible indicators to continuously inform users of transmission status without requiring active verification. This passive feedback mechanism confirms reliable operation without diverting user attention or cluttering the radio channel with unnecessary test transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2647227B1User interface for a communication system
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP2647227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2647227B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2647227B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A communication system is provided having an improved user interface in which an audible indicator is played out from an audio accessory to confirm radio transmission of a message sent from the audio accessory in response to activation of a wireless push-to-talk (PTT). The wireless PTT may be located on the audio accessory itself or embodied as a standalone device. The wireless PTT may be operated in conjunction with a two-way radio and a wired or wireless audio accessory device. The audible indicator ceases being played out of the accessory in response to deactivation of the wireless PTT and ending of the radio transmission.