Rail Announcement Volume Control Using Location-Based Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing announcement systems in rail vehicles are inflexible, requiring train attendants to move to a stationary intercom for each announcement, disrupting other activities like ticket inspection, and are inconvenient for long-term recordings.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the location of a speech device relative to output devices using location determination signals from active or passive transponder elements, allowing for dynamic control of output volume to avoid acoustic feedback and simplify the recording and output process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanently installed intercom station is used for announcements, then the announcement function is reliable, but the system becomes inflexible and requires interrupting other tasks like ticket inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static intercom system into a dynamic one by enabling the speaking device to move freely within the vehicle while maintaining functional connection to the audio output system through automatic location-based volume control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of physically moving to fixed intercom stations with an electronic solution using transponder-based location detection and automatic volume adjustment, allowing the conductor to remain mobile
2Loss of information
If the speaking device is moved closer to output devices for better audio coverage, then passenger information dissemination improves, but acoustic feedback increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the location of the speaking device is continuously detected via transponder signals, and the volume of output devices is automatically adjusted based on this location information to prevent acoustic feedback while maintaining effective audio coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the volume parameter of output devices based on the spatial relationship between the speaking device and output devices, optimizing audio performance while avoiding feedback conditions
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 flexible and convenient announcement management by controlling output volume based on the speech device's location, reducing the need for attendants to move and minimizing feedback, thus enhancing passenger information dissemination in rail vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the location of the speaking device is determined based on at least one location detection signal which originates from an active and/or passive transponder element and is received by the speaking device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling the output volume of at least one acoustic output device (2, 4). The method comprises: recording (A) an acoustic voice signal (46) using a speech recording device (50), and outputting (B) the acoustic voice signal (46) using the at least one output device (2, 4). The method is characterised by determining (E) a location of the speech recording device (50) relative to the at least one output device (2, 4) and the output volume of the at least one output device (2, 4) is controlled (F) according to the location.