Voice Switch Dynamic Loss Control for S/N Ratio Mismatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voice switch systems face challenges in maintaining two-way communication when the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of outgoing and incoming signals significantly differs, leading to the inhibition phenomenon where one party cannot hear the other due to difficulty in switching between signal paths.

Innovation Solution

A voice switch with dual signal paths, loss generators, and a loss controller that adjusts loss amounts based on voice section detection, allowing for dynamic adjustment of signal transmission to ensure effective communication even with varying S/N ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a voice switch system uses simple voice detection to switch between outgoing and incoming signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of two-way communication deteriorates when S/N ratios differ significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice switch structureVSAvoidtwo-way communication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic loss adjustment where the loss amounts for outgoing and incoming signals are continuously varied based on real-time voice section detection. The loss controller dynamically switches between different loss states (first loss state for outgoing voice, second loss state for incoming voice) to ensure reliable two-way communication even when S/N ratios differ significantly, rather than using a fixed switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the loss parameter (signal attenuation level) dynamically based on detected voice sections. By adjusting the loss amounts for outgoing and incoming signals according to whether voice sections are detected, the system maintains communication reliability across varying S/N conditions without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the voice switch is fixed to the higher S/N ratio side to improve signal quality, then the S/N ratio is improved, but the adaptability to switch to the lower S/N ratio side deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsignal path switching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The loss controller periodically evaluates voice sections in the outgoing signal and alternates between different loss states. This periodic detection and switching mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing communication conditions, switching to the appropriate signal path when voice sections are detected, thereby maintaining both signal quality and switching adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic loss adjustment where the loss amounts are continuously modified based on real-time voice detection. This dynamic approach enables the voice switch to adapt to varying S/N ratios by adjusting signal attenuation levels rather than being fixed to one side, maintaining both signal quality and path switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If loss amounts are fixed in each signal path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain two-way communication under varying S/N ratios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss control mechanismVSAvoidtwo-way communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loss controller automatically detects voice sections in the outgoing signal and self-adjusts the loss amounts for both outgoing and incoming signals based on the detection results. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external complex control systems while maintaining reliable two-way communication under varying S/N ratios through automatic adaptive loss adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3101880B1Audio switch, communication device using same, and communication system
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3101880B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3101880B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3101880B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A voice switch includes first and second signal paths (1, 2), first and second loss generators (3, 4) and a loss controller (6). The loss controller (6) is configured to, in a voice section (TV), increase and decrease second and first loss amounts through the second and first loss generators (4, 3), respectively, thereby allowing a first transmission signal to be transmitted. The loss controller (5) is also configured to, in a section (a non-voice section) exclusive of the voice section (TV), increase and decrease the first and second loss amounts through the first and second loss generators (3, 4), respectively, thereby allowing a second transmission signal to be transmitted.