Encrypted Wireless VRA Control for Multi-Unit Audiometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) systems cannot simultaneously use both physical 3D and video VRA units from the same wireless remote and are prone to frequency overlap due to lack of encrypted wireless signals, requiring direct line of sight or placement of sensors, and cannot control more than three VRA units with a single remote.
Innovation Solution
A single remote controlled encrypted wireless VRA system that connects an audiometer to multiple adjacent physical and video VRA units using encrypted Bluetooth signals, preventing frequency overlap without direct line of sight transmission or sensor placement, and allowing control of multiple units, including both physical and video VRA units, from a single remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional VRA systems use unencrypted wireless signals or infrared sensors, then wireless control is achieved, but frequency overlap occurs on adjacent VRA systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encrypted wireless communication system as an intermediary between the remote control and VRA units. The encryption protocol acts as a mediator that allows wireless control while preventing frequency overlap through unique encrypted signal identifiers for each VRA system, eliminating interference between adjacent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wireless signal transmission by implementing encryption with unique frequency codes or identification protocols. This parameter change allows the system to maintain wireless operation while distinguishing between adjacent VRA systems, preventing frequency overlap through coded signal differentiation.
2Ease of operation
If infrared sensors are placed throughout the audiometric suite, then wireless control is achieved, but direct line of sight or sensor placement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical infrared sensor system with an encrypted radio frequency wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sensor placement and direct line of sight requirements, allowing flexible wireless control without infrastructure modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single remote controls more than three VRA units, then control versatility is improved, but existing systems require two separate remotes or dual IR sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal encrypted wireless remote control system that can control multiple VRA units (more than three) through a single device. The system uses unique encrypted identifiers for each VRA unit, allowing the single remote to selectively address and control any number of units without requiring additional remotes or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple remotes or dual sensor systems into a single encrypted wireless communication system. By combining control capabilities and using centralized encrypted signaling, the system consolidates what would require separate devices into one universal remote.
4Adaptability or versatility
If both physical 3D and video VRA units are used simultaneously, then assessment versatility is improved, but conventional systems cannot control both types from the same remote
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal encrypted wireless control system that can simultaneously control both physical 3D VRA units and video VRA units from a single remote. The system uses type-agnostic encrypted signaling that works across different VRA unit formats, enabling mixed-unit configurations without separate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A single remote controlled encrypted wireless visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) system for use in estimating audiometric thresholds in young children or patients with developmental delays is disclosed. The visual reinforcement audiometry system utilizes an encrypted wireless signal that does not allow for frequency overlap on adjacent VRA systems, it does not require direct line of site transmission or placement of sensors throughout the audiometric suite.