System for structural acoustic communication within system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for structured sound communication within the system, where the system comprises a first electronic device and a second electronic device, where the first electronic device comprises at least the first processing unit and a first structured sound actuator, where the second electronic device comprises a second processing unit and a second structured sound actuator. The first electronic device at least comprises a first processing unit and a second processing unit, the first processing unit is arranged to emit the first structure sound signal by means of the first structure sound actuator, the second electronic device at least comprises the second processing unit and a second structure sound sensor, and the second processing unit is arranged to emit the second structure sound signal by means of the second structure sound sensor. A structure sound signal is detected by means of the second structure sound sensor, and whether a mechanical connection exists between the first electronic device and the second electronic device is determined on the basis of the detected structure sound signal.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Using structure-borne sound Systems for communicating within a system are known to the skilled person from the prior art. However, these systems usually have a central control unit, which serves as a node for communication between the individual electronic devices of the system. In addition, in corresponding systems, active participation of the user is usually required in order to initiate communication and also to support or confirm the communication structure (communication). This makes the corresponding systems in the prior art extremely complex and also expensive, and the active participation requirement of the user is also not user-friendly.

[0002] The above-mentioned problems in the prior art should be solved by means of the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for performing structure-borne acoustic communication within a system, wherein the system comprises a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device comprises at least a first processing unit and a first structure-borne acoustic actuator The first processing unit is configured to transmit a first structure-borne sound signal by means of a first structure-borne sound actuator, wherein the second electronic device comprises at least a second processing unit and a second structure-borne sound sensor, wherein the second processing unit is configured to detect the structure-borne sound signal by means of the second structure-borne sound sensor, and determine whether a mechanical connection exists between the first electronic device and the second electronic device based on the detected structure-borne sound signal.

[0004] The advantage here is that the electronic devices of the system do not have to communicate via further electronic devices, but can communicate directly with one another without nodes, whereby the structure of the system can be kept as simple and cost-effective as possible. Furthermore, in the system according to the invention, no active action by the user is mandatory, since the communication between the electronic devices can be carried out accordingly automatically, whereby the process is extremely user-friendly.

[0005] Communication via structure-borne sound can thus be used to determine which devices "belong to each other" or which devices are connected to each other via a solid medium. Thus, for example, it can be checked whether a smartphone and a laptop are located on the same table or whether headphones are located in the associated charging box.

[0006] Structure-borne sound communication can be understood as signal transmission by means of sound waves, which takes place via a solid transmission medium. For example, the transmission medium can be a tabletop or a door. However, it is also conceivable that electronic devices are arranged directly adjacent to each other without such an additional intermediate medium, wherein the structure-borne sound can then be transmitted from one device to another via the housing of the electronic device as a solid medium, for example. In this case, the structure-borne sound signal can have a frequency range from a few Hz to 100 kHz, wherein a preferred frequency range is below a few kHz.

[0007] An electronic device is understood to be a functional unit that can be manipulated by a user, which contains one or more electronic circuits as basic components and is usually installed in a housing. Such electronic units can be, for example, mobile phones, laptops, keyboards, mice, electronic locks or even headphones. Thus, for example, structure-borne sound communication can take place between a mobile phone and a laptop, or between a mouse and a laptop, or between a mobile phone and an electronic lock.

[0008] For example, the processing unit can be configured as a microcontroller. In particular, the microcontroller can be configured to exchange data with the storage unit and to perform calculation processes. Here, the storage unit can be arranged outside the microcontroller in the relevant electronic device, but it is also conceivable to integrate the storage unit into the microcontroller.

[0009] For example, the structure-borne sound actuator can be a loudspeaker, in particular a MEMS loudspeaker, but also any other type of motor, rotor or actuator which can generate structure-borne sound signals in a targeted manner.

[0010] For example, the structure-borne sound sensor can be an acceleration sensor which is provided for detecting accelerations caused by structure-borne sound signals. However, it is also conceivable to configure the structure-borne sound sensor as a rotation rate sensor or a structure-borne sound microphone. Furthermore, other sensor types are also conceivable for detecting structure-borne sound signals.

[0011] A mechanical connection can be understood as a physical connection directly between the electronic devices or also indirectly via a solid medium (e.g. a desktop). This means that it is not enough for the electronic devices to be close to each other, for example, one device is in the user's trouser pocket and the other device is on the table on which the user sits. This is an advantage over wireless communication in terms of the security of possible authentication between the electronic devices.

[0012] One embodiment of the invention provides that the second processing unit is designed to determine that a mechanical connection is present if the detected structure-borne sound signal is substantially the emitted first structure-borne sound signal.

[0013] The advantage here is that this represents a simple possibility to check whether the structure-borne sound signal detected by the second electronic device was emitted by the first electronic device, wherein this is assumed to be the case if the emitted and received structure-borne sound signals are almost identical. If this is the case, it can be determined accordingly that a mechanical connection must exist between the two electronic devices. Thus, in this case, it is checked whether the detected structure-borne sound signal has the signature of the first structure-borne sound signal.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the first processing unit is configured to emit a first structure-borne sound signal having at least one predetermined property, in particular a frequency range and / or an amplitude range and / or a bit sequence, wherein the second processing unit is configured to determine the presence of a mechanical connection if the detected structure-borne sound signal substantially has the predetermined property of the emitted first structure-borne sound signal or has only deviations in the property that are less than a predetermined maximum deviation.

[0015] Advantageously, this in turn represents a simple possibility of ascertaining that the structure-borne sound signal detected by the second electronic device was emitted by the first electronic device and that a mechanical connection must therefore exist between the two electronic devices. In particular, it can be considered that the structure-borne sound signal emitted by the first electronic device may have changed during transmission and, for example, the structure-borne sound signal, when detected by the second electronic device, may have experienced a slight frequency shift or amplitude reduction compared to the structure-borne sound signal originally emitted by the first electronic device. Such changes in the structure-borne sound signal on the path from the source to the receiving destination may be caused, for example, by corresponding damping properties of the transmission medium or by external interference signals.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first processing unit and the second processing unit are designed to carry out channel equalization for the structure-borne sound communication, in particular by means of an adaptive filter.

[0017] It is advantageous here that even greater changes of the structure-borne sound signal on the path from the source to the receiving destination can be corrected by channel equalization.

[0018] Such channel equalization can be performed, for example, using a preamble and / or midamble known to both devices, for example with the aid of the so-called OSI reference model, in which the actual signal transmission takes place at the physical layer. Applications such as comparing the digital coding of the radio signals can also be performed at a higher level. In this case, it is not necessary that the deviation between the transmitted structure-borne sound signal and the received structure-borne sound signal in the physical layer is less than a predetermined maximum deviation.

[0019] Another configuration of the present invention is configured such that the first electronic device has a motion sensor and / or an operating element, wherein the first processing unit is configured to detect movement of the first electronic device with the aid of the motion sensor and, if movement is detected, emit a first structure-borne sound signal, and / or, to detect an operating signal with the aid of the operating element and, if an operating signal is detected, emit a first structure-borne sound signal.

[0020] It is advantageous that the first structure-borne sound does not have to be emitted continuously in order to check a possible mechanical connection, but is emitted only as required. In this way, when the first device is moved, it can be inferred that the user has probably moved the first device and wishes to use the first device accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission of the first structure-borne sound signal can be influenced in a targeted manner by the user controlling the emission by using an operating element. Both options serve in particular to reduce the energy consumption of the first electronic device.

[0021] For example, the movement sensor can be designed as an acceleration sensor and / or a rotation rate sensor.

[0022] For example, the operating element can be configured as a key or button or can also be configured as a touch screen of an electronic device. Therefore, the operating signal can be generated by pressing a key or selecting on the screen of the laptop.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first processing unit is configured to add at least one information to the first structure-borne sound signal, wherein the second processing unit is configured to evaluate the information of the detected first structure-borne sound signal when the first structure-borne sound signal is detected.

[0024] It is advantageous here that further functions can be implemented within the system via the information. These functions can mean, for example, unlocking or coupling (Koppeln) of electronic devices. Alternatively, the information can also contain properties of the first device, which can be processed accordingly by the second device. In particular, the second device can react accordingly based on the information received from the first device. For example, if the first device is a wireless headset and the second device is a charging box for the headset, the information sent from the headset to the charging box via structure-borne sound can contain the charging status of the headset. Based on the received charging status, the charging box can then set the charging parameters, for example, for charging the headset accordingly.

[0025] According to another configuration of the present invention, a predetermined password is stored in a first electronic device and a second electronic device, respectively, wherein, in addition, a public key of a key pair is stored in the first electronic device and a private key of the key pair is stored in the second electronic device, wherein the first processing unit is configured to encrypt the predetermined password using the public key of the key pair and add the encrypted password as information to the first structured sound signal, wherein the second processing unit is configured to decrypt the encrypted password using the private key of the key pair when the first structured sound signal is detected, and compare the decrypted password with a password predetermined in the second electronic device, wherein the second processing unit is configured to unlock the second electronic device if the decrypted password is consistent with the predetermined password.

[0026] It is advantageous here that a one-way communication from the first device to the second device can be achieved by means of structure-borne sound. If the first device has a mechanical connection to the second device, this communication can be used accordingly to unlock the second device, provided that the first device and the second device are configured accordingly. Here, for example, the first electronic device can be a smartphone and the second electronic device can be a laptop or a computer belonging to the same user, which is to be unlocked by means of the smartphone.

[0027] A key pair consisting of a public key and a private key can be used in the context of asymmetric cryptography in order to enable corresponding authentication between electronic devices.

[0028] Unlocking can be understood as the release of an electronic lock. For example, in the case of a laptop or a mobile phone, such a lock is used to prevent unauthorized access to the corresponding device. However, unlocking can also lead to the opening of an electronic lock of a door, for example.

[0029] Thus, identifying whether two electronic devices are connected to each other via a solid medium can be used, for example, for a user to unlock a laptop or tablet with his smartphone by simply placing the smartphone on a table on which the laptop is located, or by placing his smartphone on the laptop.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first processing unit is configured to additionally add a current first timestamp as information to the first structure-borne sound signal, wherein the second processing unit is configured to additionally compare the received first timestamp with the current second timestamp when the first structure-borne sound signal is detected.

[0031] Therein, the second processing unit is configured to unlock the second electronic device if, in addition, the difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp is smaller than a predefined threshold value.

[0032] It is advantageous here that a time stamp can be added in order to prevent so-called replay attacks or at least make them more difficult. This can further increase the security of the unlocking process.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first electronic device has a first structure-borne sound sensor, and the second electronic device has a second structure-borne sound actuator.

[0034] wherein, in addition, the public key of the key pair is stored in the first electronic device, and the private key of the key pair is stored in the second electronic device,

[0035] wherein the second processing unit is configured to, after determining that a mechanical connection exists between the first device and the second device, generate a random bit sequence and emit a second structure-borne acoustic signal by means of a second structure-borne acoustic actuator, adding the randomly generated bit sequence as information to the second structure-borne acoustic signal,

[0036] The first processing unit is configured to detect a second structure-borne sound signal by means of a first structure-borne sound sensor, encrypt a bit sequence contained in the second structure-borne sound signal by means of a public key, and transmit a third structure-borne sound signal by means of a first structure-borne sound actuator, the encrypted bit sequence being added to the third structure-borne sound signal as information, the second processing unit is configured to detect the third structure-borne sound signal by means of a second structure-borne sound sensor, decrypt the encrypted bit sequence by means of a private key of a key pair, and compare the decrypted bit sequence with the generated bit sequence, the second processing unit is configured to unlock the second electronic device if the decrypted bit sequence is consistent with the randomly generated bit sequence.

[0037] It is advantageous here that bidirectional communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device can be achieved by means of structure-borne sound. If the first device has a mechanical connection to the second device, this communication can be used to unlock the second device, provided that the first device and the second device are configured accordingly. For example, the first electronic device can be a smartphone and the second electronic device can be a laptop or a computer belonging to the same user, which is to be unlocked by means of the smartphone.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first processing unit is configured to additionally add the current first time stamp as information to the third structure-borne sound signal.

[0039] The second processing unit is configured to additionally compare the received first timestamp with a current second timestamp, wherein the second processing unit is configured to unlock the second electronic device if the difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is additionally smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

[0040] It is advantageous here that a time stamp can be added in order to prevent so-called replay attacks or at least make them more difficult. This can further increase the security of the unlocking process.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electronic device has a first radio module and the second electronic device has a second radio module, wherein the first processing unit is configured to add a coupling request and a radio module address of the first radio module as information to the first structure-borne sound signal, wherein the second processing unit is configured to recognize the coupling request when the first structure-borne sound signal is detected, to send a first radio signal to the radio module address of the first radio module by means of the second radio module, the first radio signal in turn containing the coupling request as information, and furthermore to calculate a second pairing key, wherein the first processing unit is configured to detect the first radio signal by means of the first radio module and to calculate the first pairing key therefrom, and to transmit a second structure-borne sound signal by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator, to which the first pairing key is added as information, wherein the second processing unit is configured to detect the second structure-borne sound signal, and when the second structure-borne sound signal is detected, to compare the first pairing key with the second pairing key, and in the event of a match, to transmit a second radio signal by means of the second radio module, the second radio signal confirming the coupling request of the first electronic device.

[0042] It is advantageous here that, if the first device has a mechanical connection to the second device, unidirectional structure-borne sound communication from the first device to the second device can be used in order to enable a radio coupling between the first device and the second device. For this purpose, corresponding methods from the prior art can be used to calculate the pairing key. Pairing via Bluetooth or other radio interfaces can thus be simplified. In the case of Bluetooth, for example, it was previously necessary for the user to check a six-digit code in order to confirm the common identity of the two devices. This inspection can be simplified by the present invention. Here, for example, the first electronic device can be a keyboard or a mouse, and the second electronic device can be a notebook computer or a computer, which should be wirelessly connected to the first device so that it can be controlled by the first device.

[0043] For example, each radio module can be configured as a Bluetooth and / or WLAN module. Accordingly, the radio signal is a Bluetooth and / or WLAN signal. Here, the coupling request can be understood as part of an authentication process for the radio module so that they can exchange corresponding data after a successful coupling, which is also referred to as pairing.

[0044] In particular, it is also possible not to perform pairing yet, but to only detect the discovery of potential devices suitable for pairing. For this purpose, the first device emits a first structured acoustic signal, for which all second devices that have a mechanical connection to the first device send back a second structured acoustic signal in order to "report" at the first device. This information can then be stored in the first device. The first device can then automatically establish a coupling to all available devices, or the user can actively decide which of the available devices should be coupled. It is also conceivable that the first device makes the discovered devices available to the user in a list for better overview. In this way, for example, all devices that can be reached by radio are displayed to the user, wherein devices that also have a mechanical connection can be highlighted individually.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electronic device has a first structure-borne sound sensor and a first radio module, and the second electronic device has a second structure-borne sound actuator and a second radio module, wherein the first processing unit is configured to add a first coupling request as information to the first structure-borne sound signal, wherein the second processing unit is configured to recognize the first coupling request when the first structure-borne sound signal is detected and, based on this, to transmit a second structure-borne sound signal by means of the second structure-borne sound actuator, the second structure-borne sound signal containing a radio module address of the second radio module as information,

[0046] The first processing unit is configured to detect a second structure-borne sound signal by means of a first structure-borne sound sensor, and when the second structure-borne sound signal is detected, transmit a first radio signal by means of the first radio module to a radio module address of the second radio module, the first radio signal containing a second coupling request as information, and furthermore calculate a first pairing key, and transmit a third structure-borne sound signal by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator, the third structure-borne sound signal containing the first pairing key as information, wherein the second processing unit is configured to detect the first radio signal by means of the second radio module, calculate the second pairing key therefrom, and detect the third structure-borne sound signal, and when the third structure-borne sound signal is detected, compare the first pairing key with the second pairing key, and in the event of a match, transmit a second radio signal by means of the second radio module, the second radio signal confirming the second coupling request of the first electronic device.

[0047] Advantageously, when the first device has a mechanical connection to the second device, bidirectional structure-borne sound communication between the first device and the second device can be used to enable a radio coupling between the first device and the second device. For this purpose, corresponding methods from the prior art can be used to calculate a pairing key. For example, the first electronic device can be a keyboard or a mouse, and the second electronic device can be a notebook or a computer, which should be wirelessly connected to the first device so that it can be controlled by the first device.

[0048] In this case, for example, it is possible to detect the coupling request by means of a stored preamble and / or midamble which was agreed upon when the two devices were set up. Such methods are known from mobile radio, for example, and are used there for channel estimation. In particular, this also allows synchronization of the devices, i.e. time compensation.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first processing unit and / or the second processing unit is designed to use a convolutional code or a block code in structure-borne sound communication.

[0050] The advantage here is that such a communication is more robust against external sources of interference. As a result, the detection of the mechanical connection and the corresponding actions based thereon are carried out more reliably and the safety of the system is also increased.

[0051] According to one configuration of the present invention, the second processing unit is configured to detect an additional structure-borne sound signal by means of a second structure-borne sound sensor after determining the mechanical connection, and compare it with a predetermined structure-borne sound signal, wherein the predetermined structure-borne sound signal is representative of the mechanical disconnection process of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and if the additional structure-borne sound signal and the predetermined structure-borne sound signal are substantially consistent, it is determined that the mechanical connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device has been disconnected.

[0052] Advantageously, when a break in the mechanical connection between the electronic devices is detected, a corresponding reaction of the second device can be performed, for example. Such a reaction can include, for example, blocking of the second device and / or decoupling of the radio connection between the second device and the first device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for structure-borne sound communication within a system is shown.

[0054] Figure 2A second exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for structure-borne sound communication within a system is shown.

[0055] Figure 3 A third exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for structure-borne sound communication within a system is shown.

[0056] Figure 4 A fourth exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for structure-borne sound communication within a system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for structure-borne sound communication within a system is shown.

[0058] A system 100 is shown for structure-borne sound communication within the system 100. The system 100 has a first electronic device 110 and a second electronic device 120.

[0059] In this case, the first electronic device 110 has at least a first processing unit 111 and a first structure-borne sound actuator 112 , wherein the first processing unit 111 is configured to emit a first structure-borne sound signal K1 by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator 112 .

[0060] Furthermore, the second electronic device 120 has at least a second processing unit 121 and a second structure-borne sound sensor 123 , wherein the second processing unit 121 is configured to detect structure-borne sound signals with the aid of the second structure-borne sound sensor 123 , and to determine whether a mechanical connection exists between the first electronic device 110 and the second electronic device 120 based on the detected structure-borne sound signals.

[0061] In particular, the second processing unit 121 may be configured to determine that a mechanical connection is present if the detected structure-borne sound signal is substantially the emitted first structure-borne sound signal K1 .

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the first processing unit 111 can be configured to emit a first structure-borne sound signal K1 having at least one predetermined property, in particular a frequency range and / or an amplitude range and / or a bit sequence, wherein the second processing unit 121 can be configured to determine the presence of a mechanical connection if the detected structure-borne sound signal substantially has the predetermined properties of the emitted first structure-borne sound signal K1 or has only deviations in the properties that are less than a predetermined maximum deviation.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the first processing unit 111 and the second processing unit 121 may be configured to carry out channel equalization for structure-borne sound communication, in particular by means of an adaptive filter (not shown in the figure).

[0064] Optionally, the first electronic device 110 may have a motion sensor not shown in the figure and / or an operating element not shown in the figure. Here, the first processing unit 111 may be configured to detect the movement of the first electronic device 110 by means of the motion sensor, and, if the movement is detected, transmit the first structure-borne acoustic signal K1, and / or, detect the operating signal by means of the operating element, and, if the operating signal is detected, transmit the first structure-borne acoustic signal K1.

[0065] Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the first processing unit 111 may be configured to add information to the first structure-borne sound signal K1 , wherein the second processing unit 121 may correspondingly be configured to evaluate the information of the detected first structure-borne sound signal K1 when the first structure-borne sound signal K1 is detected.

[0066] In addition, the predetermined password may be stored in the first electronic device 110 and the second electronic device 120, respectively. In addition, the public key of the key pair may be stored in the first electronic device 110, and the private key of the key pair may be stored in the second electronic device 120. In this case, the first processing unit 111 may be configured to encrypt the predetermined password using the public key of the key pair, and add the encrypted password as information to the first structure-borne sound signal K1. In addition, the second processing unit 121 may be configured to decrypt the encrypted password using the private key of the key pair when the first structure-borne sound signal K1 is detected, and compare the decrypted password with the predetermined password in the second electronic device 120, and unlock the second electronic device 120 if the decrypted password and the predetermined password are consistent.

[0067] In particular, here, the first processing unit 111 can be configured to additionally add the current first timestamp as information to the first structure-borne sound signal K1, and in particular, the second processing unit 121 can be configured to additionally compare the received first timestamp with the current second timestamp when the first structure-borne sound signal K1 is detected, and to unlock the second electronic device 120 if the difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is additionally less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0068] Furthermore, the first processing unit 111 and / or the second processing unit 121 may be configured to use convolutional codes or block codes in structure-borne sound communication.

[0069] In addition, the second processing unit 121 can be configured to detect a further structure-borne sound signal with the aid of the second structure-borne sound sensor 123 after determining the mechanical connection, and compare it with a predetermined structure-borne sound signal, wherein the predetermined structure-borne sound signal is representative of the mechanical disconnection process of the first electronic device 110 and the second electronic device 120, and if the further structure-borne sound signal and the predetermined structure-borne sound signal are substantially consistent, it is determined that the mechanical connection between the first electronic device 110 and the second electronic device 120 has been disconnected.

[0070] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a system for structure-borne sound communication within a system according to the present invention is shown.

[0071] System 200 is shown. Figure 1 Like the system 100 in FIG. 1 , the system has a first electronic device 210 and a second electronic device 220. Here, the first electronic device 210 has at least a first processing unit 211 and a first structure-borne sound actuator 212. In addition, the second electronic device 220 has at least a second processing unit 221 and a second structure-borne sound sensor 223. Therefore, the system 200 may also have Figure 1 Additional configurations of the system 100 disclosed in .

[0072] In addition, however, in the system 200 , the first electronic device 210 has a first structure-borne sound sensor 213 and the second electronic device 220 has a second structure-borne sound actuator 222 .

[0073] In addition, the public key of the key pair is stored in the first electronic device 210 , and the private key of the key pair is stored in the second electronic device 220 .

[0074] Furthermore, the second processing unit 221 is configured to generate a random bit sequence after determining the presence of a mechanical connection between the first device 210 and the second device 220 and to emit a second structure-borne sound signal K2 by means of the second structure-borne sound actuator 222 to which the randomly generated bit sequence is added as information.

[0075] Furthermore, the first processing unit 211 is configured to detect a second structure-borne sound signal K2 by means of the first structure-borne sound sensor 213 and to encrypt a bit sequence contained in the second structure-borne sound signal K2 by means of a public key, and to transmit a third structure-borne sound signal K3 by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator 212 to which the encrypted bit sequence is added as information.

[0076] In addition, the second processing unit 221 is configured to detect the third structure-borne sound signal K3 by means of the second structure-borne sound sensor 223, and to decrypt the encrypted bit sequence using the private key of the key pair, and to compare the decrypted bit sequence with the generated bit sequence, and to unlock the second electronic device 220 if the decrypted bit sequence and the randomly generated bit sequence are consistent.

[0077] In particular, the first processing unit 211 can also be configured to additionally add a current first timestamp as information to the third structured sound signal K3, and the second processing unit 221 can be configured to additionally compare the received first timestamp with the current second timestamp, and unlock the second electronic device 220 if the difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is additionally less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0078] Figure 3 A third exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for structure-borne sound communication within a system is shown.

[0079] System 300 is shown. Figure 1 Like the system 100 in FIG. 1 , the system has a first electronic device 310 and a second electronic device 320. Here, the first electronic device 310 has at least a first processing unit 311 and a first structure-borne sound actuator 312. In addition, the second electronic device 320 has at least a second processing unit 321 and a second structure-borne sound sensor 323. Therefore, the system 300 may also have Figure 1 Additional configurations of the system 100 disclosed in .

[0080] In addition, however, in the system 300, the first electronic device 310 has a first radio module 314 and the second electronic device 320 has a second radio module 324. Furthermore, the first processing unit 311 is configured to add a coupling request and a radio module address of the first radio module 314 as information to the first structure-borne sound signal K1. Furthermore, the second processing unit 321 is configured to recognize the coupling request when the first structure-borne sound signal K1 is detected and to transmit a first radio signal F1 to the radio module address of the first radio module 314 by means of the second radio module 324, which first radio signal F1 in turn contains the coupling request as information and furthermore calculates a second pairing key.

[0081] Furthermore, the first processing unit 311 is configured to detect the first radio signal F1 by means of the first radio module 314 and to calculate a first pairing key therefrom and to emit a second structure-borne sound signal K2 by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator 312 to which the first pairing key is added as information.

[0082] In addition, the second processing unit 321 is configured to detect a second structure-borne sound signal K2 and, when the second structure-borne sound signal K2 is detected, compare the first pairing key with the second pairing key and, if they are consistent, transmit a second radio signal F2 with the aid of the second radio module 324, which confirms the coupling request of the first electronic device 310.

[0083] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of a system for structure-borne sound communication within a system according to the present invention is shown.

[0084] System 400 is shown. Figure 1 Like the system 100 in FIG. 1 , the system has a first electronic device 410 and a second electronic device 420. Here, the first electronic device 410 has at least a first processing unit 411 and a first structure-borne sound actuator 412. In addition, the second electronic device 420 has at least a second processing unit 421 and a second structure-borne sound sensor 423. Therefore, the system 400 may also have Figure 1 Additional configurations of the system 100 disclosed in .

[0085] In addition, however, in the system 400, the first electronic device 410 has a first structure-borne sound sensor 413 and the second electronic device 420 has a second structure-borne sound actuator 422, as described in accordance with Figure 2 This is already the case in the system 200. Therefore, the system 400 can also have Figure 2

[0046] Additional configurations of the system 200 disclosed in .

[0086] However, in addition, in the system 400, the first electronic device 410 has a first radio module 414 and the second electronic device 420 has a second radio module 424, as in the example of FIG. Figure 3 This is already the case in the system 300. Therefore, the system 400 can also have Figure 3

[0066] Additional configurations of the system 300 disclosed in .

[0087] In this case, the first processing unit 411 is configured to add the first coupling request as information to the first structure-borne sound signal K1 .

[0088] Furthermore, the second processing unit 421 is configured to recognize a first coupling request upon detection of the first structure-borne sound signal K1 and to emit a second structure-borne sound signal K2 by means of the second structure-borne sound actuator 422 , which contains as information the radio module address of the second radio module 424 .

[0089] Furthermore, the first processing unit 411 is configured to detect a second structure-borne sound signal K2 by means of the first structure-borne sound sensor 413 and, upon detection of the second structure-borne sound signal K2, to transmit a first radio signal F1 by means of the first radio module 414 to the radio module address of the second radio module 424 , the first radio signal containing a second coupling request as information, and furthermore to calculate a first pairing key, and to transmit a third structure-borne sound signal K3 by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator 412 , the third structure-borne sound signal containing the first pairing key as information.

[0090] In addition, the second processing unit 412 is configured to detect the first radio signal F1 with the aid of the second radio module 424, calculate the second pairing key based on it, detect the third structured sound signal K3, and compare the first pairing key with the second pairing key when the third structured sound signal K3 is detected, and transmit a second radio signal F2 with the aid of the second radio module 424 if they are consistent, which confirms the second coupling request of the first electronic device 410.

Claims

1. A system (100, 200, 300, 400) for structure-borne sound communication within a system (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein: The system (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises a first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) and a second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420), wherein the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) comprises at least a first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) and a first structure-borne acoustic actuator (112, 212, 312, 412), wherein the first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) is configured to transmit a first structure-borne acoustic signal (K1) by means of the first structure-borne acoustic actuator (112, 212, 312, 412), wherein In the invention, the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420) comprises at least a second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) and a second structure-borne sound sensor (123, 223, 323, 423), wherein the second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to detect a structure-borne sound signal by means of the second structure-borne sound sensor (123, 223, 323, 423), and determine whether a mechanical connection exists between the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) and the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420) based on the detected structure-borne sound signal.

2. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to determine that a mechanical connection exists if the detected structure-borne sound signal is substantially the emitted first structure-borne sound signal (K1).

3. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) is configured to emit a first structure-borne sound signal (K1) having at least one predetermined property, the at least one predetermined property being in particular a frequency range and / or an amplitude range and / or a bit sequence, wherein the second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to determine the presence of a mechanical connection if the detected structure-borne sound signal substantially has the predetermined properties of the emitted first structure-borne sound signal (K1) or has only deviations in the properties which are less than a predetermined maximum deviation.

4. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) and the second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) are configured to perform channel equalization for the structure-borne sound communication, in particular by means of an adaptive filter.

5. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) has a movement sensor and / or an operating element, wherein the first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) is configured to detect movement of the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) with the aid of the movement sensor and to emit the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) when movement is detected, and / or to detect an operating signal with the aid of the operating element and to emit the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) when an operating signal is detected.

6. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) is configured to add information to the first structure-borne sound signal (K1), wherein the second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to evaluate information of the detected first structure-borne sound signal (K1) when the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) is detected.

7. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The predetermined password is stored in the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) and the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420), respectively, wherein, in addition, a public key of a key pair is stored in the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410), and a private key of the key pair is stored in the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420), The first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) is configured to encrypt a predetermined password using a public key of the key pair and add the encrypted password as information to the first structure-borne sound signal (K1), The second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to decrypt the encrypted password using the private key of the key pair when the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) is detected, and compare the decrypted password with a pre-given password in the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420), The second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to unlock the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420) if the decryption password is consistent with the predetermined password.

8. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) is configured to additionally add a current first timestamp as information to the first structure-borne sound signal (K1), The second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to additionally compare the received first timestamp with the current second timestamp when the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) is detected. The second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to unlock the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420) if, in addition, the difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

9. The system (200, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first electronic device (210, 410) has a first structure-borne sound sensor (213, 413), and the second electronic device (220, 420) has a second structure-borne sound actuator (222, 422). wherein, in addition, a public key of the key pair is stored in the first electronic device (210, 410), and a private key of the key pair is stored in the second electronic device (220, 420), The second processing unit (221, 421) is configured to generate a random bit sequence after determining that a mechanical connection exists between the first device (210, 410) and the second device (220, 420), and to emit a second structure-borne sound signal (K2) by means of the second structure-borne sound actuator (222, 422), the randomly generated bit sequence being added as information to the second structure-borne sound signal, The first processing unit (211, 411) is configured to detect the second structure-borne sound signal (K2) by means of the first structure-borne sound sensor (213, 413), encrypt the bit sequence contained in the second structure-borne sound signal (K2) by means of the public key, and transmit a third structure-borne sound signal (K3) by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator (212, 412), the encrypted bit sequence being added as information to the third structure-borne sound signal, The second processing unit (221, 421) is configured to detect the third structure-borne sound signal (K3) by means of the second structure-borne sound sensor (223, 423), decrypt the encrypted bit sequence using a private key of the key pair, and compare the decrypted bit sequence with the generated bit sequence, The second processing unit (221, 421) is configured to unlock the second electronic device (220, 420) if the decrypted bit sequence is consistent with the randomly generated bit sequence.

10. The system (200, 400) according to claim 9, characterized in that The first processing unit (211, 411) is configured to additionally add a current first timestamp as information to the third structure-borne sound signal (K3), The second processing unit (221, 421) is configured to compare the received first timestamp with the current second timestamp. The second processing unit (221, 421) is configured to unlock the second electronic device (220, 420) if, in addition, the difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

11. The system (300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first electronic device (310, 410) has a first radio module (314, 414), the second electronic device (320, 420) has a second radio module (324, 424), The first processing unit (311, 411) is configured to add a coupling request and a radio module address of the first radio module (314, 414) as information to the first structure-borne sound signal (K1), wherein the second processing unit (321, 421) is configured to recognize a coupling request when the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) is detected and to transmit a first radio signal (F1) to a radio module address of the first radio module (314, 414) by means of the second radio module (324, 424), the first radio signal in turn containing the coupling request as information, and furthermore to calculate a second pairing key, The first processing unit (311, 411) is configured to detect the first radio signal (F1) by means of the first radio module (314, 414), calculate a first pairing key based on the first radio signal, and transmit a second structure-borne sound signal (K2) by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator (312, 412), the first pairing key being added as information to the second structure-borne sound signal, The second processing unit (321, 421) is configured to detect the second structure-borne sound signal (K2), and when the second structure-borne sound signal (K2) is detected, compare the first pairing key with the second pairing key, and, if they are consistent, transmit a second radio signal (F2) confirming a coupling request of the first electronic device (310, 410) by means of the second radio module (324, 424).

12. The system (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first electronic device (410) comprises a first structure-borne sound sensor (413) and a first radio module (414), and the second electronic device (420) comprises a second structure-borne sound actuator (422) and a second radio module (424). The first processing unit (411) is configured to add the first coupling request as information to the first structure-borne sound signal (K1), The second processing unit (421) is configured to recognize the first coupling request when the first structure-borne sound signal (K1) is detected and to transmit a second structure-borne sound signal (K2) according to the first coupling request by means of the second structure-borne sound actuator (422), wherein the second structure-borne sound signal contains a radio module address of the second radio module (424) as information. The first processing unit (411) is configured to detect the second structure-borne sound signal (K2) by means of the first structure-borne sound sensor (413), and when the second structure-borne sound signal (K2) is detected, to transmit the first radio signal (F1) by means of the first radio module (414) to the radio module address of the second radio module (424), the first radio signal containing a second coupling request as information, and furthermore to calculate a first pairing key, and to transmit a third structure-borne sound signal (K3) by means of the first structure-borne sound actuator (412), the third structure-borne sound signal containing the first pairing key as information, The second processing unit (412) is configured to detect the first radio signal (F1) by means of the second radio module (424), calculate a second pairing key based on the first radio signal, detect the third structure-borne acoustic signal (K3), compare the first pairing key with the second pairing key when the third structure-borne acoustic signal (K3) is detected, and transmit a second radio signal (F2) confirming a second coupling request of the first electronic device (410) by means of the second radio module (424) if they are consistent.

13. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first processing unit (111, 211, 311, 411) and / or the second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) are configured to use convolutional codes or block codes in the structure-borne sound communication.

14. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second processing unit (121, 221, 321, 421) is configured to, after determining the mechanical connection, detect an additional structure-borne sound signal by means of the second structure-borne sound sensor (123, 223, 323, 423) and compare the additional structure-borne sound signal with a predetermined structure-borne sound signal, wherein the predetermined structure-borne sound signal is representative of a mechanical disconnection process of the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) and the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420), and if the additional structure-borne sound signal and the predetermined structure-borne sound signal are substantially consistent, it is determined that the mechanical connection between the first electronic device (110, 210, 310, 410) and the second electronic device (120, 220, 320, 420) has been disconnected.

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