Intercom Panel Interface With Robotic Push-to-Talk Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems lack a means for seamless remote control of intercom panels, particularly in scenarios where software modifications are undesirable or not feasible, limiting effective communication between remote operators and subjects.
Innovation Solution
An intercom panel interface that includes a robotic button pusher and speech detection module, enabling remote actuation of the push-to-talk button and bidirectional audio communication, with features like speech detection and audio stream management to enhance control logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional intercom panel with push-to-talk button is used in medical imaging systems, then the system structure remains simple and reliable, but remote control capability is limited and software modifications are required for any functional enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic button pusher mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device that physically actuates the push-to-talk button on the intercom panel. This mechanical intermediary enables remote control functionality without requiring software modifications to the existing intercom system, thereby adding adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the push-to-talk button is replaced with an automated robotic button pusher that can be controlled remotely. This substitution maintains the mechanical nature of the intercom system while enabling remote operation, avoiding the need for software modifications.
2Ease of operation
If unidirectional audio communication is used in the intercom system, then the system design is simple, but effective two-way communication between remote operators and subjects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The audio communication system is made dynamic by enabling bidirectional flow of audio signals. The system can switch between receiving audio from the subject and transmitting audio to the subject based on the push-to-talk button state, allowing flexible two-way communication while maintaining a relatively simple system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The intercom panel is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both subject-to-operator and operator-to-subject audio communication capabilities. The robotic button pusher enables the panel to function as both a listening device and a speaking device, improving communication effectiveness without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If manual operation of the push-to-talk button is required, then the system is easy to manufacture and maintain, but seamless remote control is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic button pusher serves as a mechanical intermediary that bridges the gap between remote electronic control signals and the physical push-to-talk button. This intermediary enables automated remote operation while maintaining compatibility with the existing manual button interface, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic button pusher creates a mechanical copy of the manual button pressing action. Instead of modifying the original button interface, the system uses a robotic mechanism to replicate the pressing motion, enabling automation while keeping the original manual interface intact for manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an intercom panel interface (108) for mounting to an intercom panel (100) of a medical imaging system (302). The intercom panel comprises: a push-to-talk (PPT) button (102), an intercom panel microphone (104), and an intercom panel speaker (106). The intercom panel interface comprises: a panel hardware interface (110) for communicating with a local computational system (362). The panel hardware interface is for receiving a control command and a remote operator audio stream (384). The panel hardware interface is configured to transmit a subject audio stream (390). The intercom panel interface comprises: a robotic button pusher (112) for actuating the push-to-talk button; an interface microphone (116) configured for receiving subject audio from the intercom panel speaker; an interface speaker (118) configured for providing remote operator audio to the intercom panel microphone; and an audio interface (114) configured for digitizing the subject and rendering the remote operator audio stream.