TV Remote Microphone Power Switching for Far-Field Voice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Far-field microphones in remote controls require continuous power for functionality, leading to battery drain when used in near-field applications, and compromise far-field functionality when battery power is manually engaged, necessitating a dual-function microphone system that can switch between power sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remote control with a microphone subsystem that can connect to both external and internal power sources, allowing for far-field microphone array operation when docked and near-field monaural operation when undocked, using a combination of external power from a base station and internal battery power, with user-selectable power modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the remote control uses battery power for continuous operation, then near-field functionality is maintained, but battery power drains quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between battery power and external power modes based on operational context. When docked, the remote automatically uses external power for continuous far-field operation. When undocked, it switches to battery power with push-to-talk activation, optimizing battery life while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power supply parameters by introducing dual power sources (battery and external power adapter) and dynamically adjusting which source is active based on docking status. This allows the system to maintain continuous operation when docked without draining the battery, resolving the contradiction between battery life and continuous operation capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the remote control requires push-to-talk button activation, then battery power is conserved, but far-field functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control is designed with dual functionality to support both far-field and near-field operations. When docked with external power, it enables far-field voice commands without requiring button activation. When undocked on battery power, it switches to near-field push-to-talk mode. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adapting to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on power source availability. With external power connected, the microphone operates continuously for far-field detection. With battery power only, it requires push-to-talk activation. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both far-field and near-field capabilities without excessive power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote control is configured for continuous microphone operation, then far-field functionality is enabled, but battery power drains quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone operation mode is dynamically adjusted based on docking status. When docked with external power available, the system enables continuous far-field microphone operation. When undocked on battery power, it switches to on-demand near-field operation triggered by push-to-talk. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between far-field capability and battery life.
4Ease of operation
If the remote control removes the push-to-talk requirement, then user convenience is improved, but battery power drains quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The operational parameters are changed based on power source availability. With external power connected, the system allows continuous operation without push-to-talk for improved user convenience. With battery power only, it requires push-to-talk activation to control power consumption. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between user convenience and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control with a microphone subsystem comprising a pair of internal microphones is shown and described. When connected to a remote-control base station that is itself connected to an external power source, the microphone subsystem is continuously energized by the external power source, and the pair of internal microphones operate as far field microphones that receive oral commands uttered by a user from a distance. When the remote control is removed from the base, the microphone subsystem is configured for selective connection to an internal power source by actuating a user control on the remote control. In the external power source mode, signals from both microphones are digitally processed to provide a far-field microphone array with beam forming. In the direct current mode, only one microphone's signals are digitally processed as a simple monaural signal (or they are not digitally processed). The remote control also includes a video camera capable of capturing video image data of the user and transmitting it to an associated television for facial recognition of the user.