Wireless Microphone Remote Control via Modulated Pilot Tone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless microphone systems face challenges in remote monitoring and control, requiring physical presence or shipment for testing and troubleshooting, and are prone to signal dropouts due to multi-path interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus using Ethernet-based communication networks to remotely monitor and control wireless audio sources, incorporating a digitally modulated pilot tone to convey additional information and enable real-time diagnosis, troubleshooting, and adjustment of wireless microphone systems, allowing remote central control over functions like frequency, mute, and antenna power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical presence or shipment is required for testing and troubleshooting wireless microphone systems, then reliable technical support can be provided, but time loss and operational disruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the wireless microphone system and the user. This system includes a receiver with processing circuitry that communicates with a remote control device via a communication network, enabling technical support and monitoring without physical presence. The remote control system acts as a mediator that transmits control signals and receives status information, resolving the contradiction by providing reliable support remotely while eliminating time loss from shipping and physical travel.
2Reliability
If diversity wireless systems are used to combat signal dropouts, then signal reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the receiver multi-functional by integrating both diversity reception capabilities and remote control functionality into a single device. The receiver processes both audio signals from multiple antennas and communication signals from the remote control system, eliminating the need for separate control devices. This multi-functionality approach maintains signal reliability through diversity while managing device complexity by consolidating functions rather than adding separate components.
3Ease of operation
If remote monitoring and control capabilities are added to wireless audio systems, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the wireless microphone system monitors its own status and transmits information remotely without requiring external intervention. The system automatically reports its operational state, frequency, and signal conditions through the communication network, enabling users to monitor and control the system from a distance. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while managing complexity by having the system handle its own monitoring rather than requiring separate monitoring equipment.
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 remote monitoring and control of wireless audio systems, reducing the need for physical presence, improving signal reliability by reducing multi-path interference, and extending operating range through diversity receivers, facilitating real-time troubleshooting and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The pilot tone is digitally modulated to contain additional information related to the wireless audio source and the transmitters
Implementation Method 2
Diversity wireless systems are highly desirable because they effectively combat the most common problem with wireless microphone equipment, namely signal dropouts due to multi-path
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a set of functions for a wireless audio system from a remote control. The method includes the steps of generating a digitally modulated pilot tone, and transmitting this pilot tone within a radio communication to a wireless receiver. The digitally modulated pilot tone carries data about a plurality of functions related to an audio source and its associated transmitter. The method further includes a step of receiving the data at a wireless receiver, augmenting it by information related to the wireless receiver, and communicating the resulting data via a communication network to a remote central control. The method further includes monitoring the resulting data at the remote central control, diagnosing detected problems associated with the wireless audio system, and communicating to the wireless audio system appropriate remedial action to alleviate the detected problems.