An audio-based cross-platform short-range data wireless transmission method and system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and particularly discloses a cross-platform short-distance data wireless transmission method and system based on audio, which is particularly suitable for quickly configuring parameters for embedded devices with limited interactive interfaces. A sending end encodes configuration parameters into audio signals, which are played through a webpage, a mobile APP or a desktop program; the sending end interface supports multilingual display, can automatically detect a user system language or be manually selected by the user, and eliminates the language barrier of a traditional English interface; a receiving end decodes through a common microphone and a simple circuit, and automatically completes parameter configuration; global users do not need to learn English terms and complex key operation, only need to click a "send" button of a local language interface, and can complete setting in a few seconds by placing the device close to a loudspeaker; the application solves the problems of traditional embedded device configuration difficulty and language barrier, and is suitable for scenarios such as Internet of Things device network configuration and parameter setting for global markets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless data communication technology, and in particular to an audio-based cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission method and system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing short-range wireless data transmission methods each have their shortcomings:

[0003] Bluetooth and WiFi require protocol stacks, pairing, and drivers, and the host needs to develop a dedicated APP. Cross-platform deployment is costly and not friendly to low-end embedded devices.

[0004] NFC: has an extremely short working distance, limited hardware adoption, and requires a dedicated chip.

[0005] QR codes rely on cameras and screens, are greatly limited by ambient light, and require cameras and image processing capabilities at the receiving end.

[0006] Traditional acoustic communication: Most solutions require both parties to integrate a dedicated SDK, decoding relies on complex algorithms, and is not friendly to low-cost devices.

[0007] Furthermore, many embedded devices (such as smart alarm clocks, electronic thermostats, and sensor nodes) have very limited human-machine interfaces (with only a few buttons or a rudimentary display screen), and setting parameters (such as time, location, algorithm, and network configuration) is extremely cumbersome. Users typically need to consult the instruction manual and press buttons multiple times to complete the configuration, resulting in a very poor user experience and making it easy to make mistakes.

[0008] More notably, the configuration interfaces and manuals for existing embedded devices are mostly in English, making them difficult for users in non-English speaking countries (such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America). The language barrier further exacerbates the configuration difficulty. Even if users have smartphones, traditional configuration methods still require installing a dedicated app and performing complex Bluetooth pairing, which is cumbersome and the interface language is often not localized.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a universal audio communication method that requires no installation (or requires only a lightweight installation) on the sending end, can be decoded at extremely low cost on the receiving end, supports any operating system, and allows the sending end interface to display the local language, so that users around the world can configure complex embedded devices with one click via mobile phone, computer or tablet, without language restrictions. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes an audio-based cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission method and system. The method involves converting the configuration parameters to be transmitted (such as time, location, device ID, network key, etc.) into binary data, then encoding them into audio signals, which are played through the transmitter's speaker. The receiver picks up the audio through a microphone, processes it using a simple circuit, and then decodes it using an MCU to recover the configuration parameters and write them to the device. The transmitter software (web page / APP / desktop application) automatically switches the interface language based on the user's device's system language or the user's manual selection, ensuring seamless use for users from different countries and language backgrounds.

[0011] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0012] An audio-based cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission method includes a method for sending configuration parameters to an embedded device and a method for receiving the configuration parameters.

[0013] The sending method specifically includes the following steps:

[0014] Step 1: At the sending end, obtain the parameter data that needs to be configured for the receiving end, and convert the parameter data into a binary bit stream;

[0015] Step 2: Encode the bitstream into an audio signal according to a preset encoding rule;

[0016] Step 3: Add a guide signal at the beginning of the audio signal for timing synchronization at the receiving end;

[0017] Step 4: Play the audio signal through the audio output interface of the transmitting end, or save it as an audio file;

[0018] The receiving method includes the following steps:

[0019] Step 1: Receive the audio signal sent by the transmission method through the microphone;

[0020] Step 2: Detect the guide signal in the audio signal to obtain the synchronization timing;

[0021] Step 3: Decode the binary bitstream from the audio signal using the same encoding rules as the sending end;

[0022] Step 4: Convert the bit stream into configuration parameters and write them into the memory of the receiving device.

[0023] Furthermore, in step 1 of the sending method, the sending end can be any one of a web browser, a mobile application, or a desktop application.

[0024] Furthermore, the parameter data in step 1 of the sending method includes one or more of the following: date and time, geographical location, working mode, algorithm selection, network configuration, and user preferences.

[0025] Furthermore, the frequency range of the audio signal in step 2 of the transmission method is the common response frequency band of the speaker and the microphone.

[0026] Furthermore, a checksum is added to the end of the audio signal in step 2 of the sending method for data integrity verification and to support a data retransmission mechanism.

[0027] Furthermore, the receiving end converts the microphone signal into a square wave through an amplification and shaping circuit, and the MCU decodes the signal by measuring the frequency through a timer / CCP.

[0028] Furthermore, the receiving end samples the audio signal through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the MCU decodes it using a digital signal processing algorithm.

[0029] This invention also provides an audio-based cross-platform near-field data configuration system, comprising:

[0030] Sending end: used to acquire configuration parameters, encode them into audio signals and play them; the sending end can be in the form of a web page, mobile APP or desktop program.

[0031] Receiver: An embedded device containing a microphone, signal processing circuitry, and an MCU, used to receive audio signals and decode them to restore configuration parameters.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. The sending end is cross-platform and flexible in deployment:

[0034] Web-based: No software installation is required. Simply open a browser (supports mobile phones, tablets, and computers) to use it. It automatically adapts to the user's native language and is suitable for one-time or low-frequency configuration scenarios.

[0035] Mobile App App: Offers a better user experience and offline capabilities, supports automatic switching of system language, and is suitable for users who frequently need to configure multiple devices;

[0036] Desktop application mode: Suitable for batch configuration of equipment in production lines or debugging environments, and supports multi-language interface switching.

[0037] 2. Multilingual support eliminates language barriers:

[0038] Traditional embedded device configuration interfaces and manuals are mostly in English, making them difficult for non-English speaking users. This invention provides a multilingual interface through web pages, apps, and desktop applications, allowing users from any country and language background worldwide to complete configurations in their native language.

[0039] The web version can automatically detect the browser language, eliminating the need for manual selection by the user; the mobile app follows the system language; and the desktop application allows for manual switching.

[0040] It is particularly suitable for products targeting the global market (such as smart devices exported to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and other regions), eliminating the need to create instruction manuals or configuration tools in different languages ​​for different regions.

[0041] 3. Extremely low receiver cost: Only a regular microphone, a simple amplification / shaping circuit, and a regular MCU (such as an 8-bit microcontroller) are required. No dedicated wireless chips such as Bluetooth / Wi-Fi / NFC are needed, and the BOM cost can be controlled to less than 1 yuan.

[0042] 4. Simple operation and excellent user experience: Users do not need to learn complicated button operations. They can simply click "Send Configuration" on the localized interface, bring the device close to the speaker, and complete the parameter configuration in a few seconds, greatly reducing the threshold for use.

[0043] 5. Flexible configuration parameters: It can transmit configuration data of any length, from simple on / off commands to complex multi-field parameters.

[0044] 6. High reliability: Guidance signal synchronization, checksum verification, and optional retransmission mechanism ensure correct configuration.

[0045] 7. Supports offline reuse: The configured audio can be saved as a file and played back through any audio player (speakers, radios, computers), and can still be decoded by the receiving end, which is convenient for production and after-sales scenarios.

[0046] 8. Not dependent on specific hardware or protocol stack: The transmitter does not require Bluetooth / Wi-Fi drivers, and the receiver does not require a protocol stack, avoiding cumbersome steps such as pairing and connection. Attached Figure Description

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the encoding process at the transmitting end of the present invention. Figure 2The intention of representing the frequency mapping for FSK encoding (taking N=3 as an example); Figure 3 This is a timing structure diagram of the audio signal; Figure 4 This is a hardware block diagram of the receiving end; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the decoding process at the receiving end.

[0049] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0052] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0053] Step A: Prepare the configuration data to be sent: The raw data consists of the parameters that need to be configured for the receiving end, for example:

[0054] Time and date (current time, time zone, daylight saving time rules);

[0055] Geographical location (country, city, latitude and longitude, altitude);

[0056] Equipment parameters (operating mode, algorithm selection, sensitivity threshold);

[0057] Network configuration (Wi-Fi SSID, password, Bluetooth pairing information);

[0058] User preferences (language, unit of measurement, display mode);

[0059] The above parameters can be packaged into a binary byte sequence and compressed as needed.

[0060] Step B: Encode the data into an audio signal:

[0061] Binary data is converted into audio signals according to preset encoding rules. The encoding method can be one or more of the following: frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, spread spectrum modulation, etc. The specific choice depends on the hardware capabilities of the receiving end and the requirements of the transmission environment.

[0062] To reduce the decoding difficulty at the receiver, frequency modulation can be used: binary data is grouped into fixed lengths, and each group of values ​​is mapped to a specific audio frequency to generate audio segments of the corresponding frequency.

[0063] Encoding parameters (such as block length, frequency range, symbol duration, etc.) can be flexibly configured according to the processing capabilities of the receiver MCU and the frequency response range of the speaker / microphone.

[0064] Step C: Add a synchronization signal:

[0065] To ensure the receiver can correctly identify the start of the data, a preamble signal (such as a long tone of a specific frequency or a specific sequence) is added at the beginning of the audio signal for timing synchronization. Optionally, a checksum (such as CRC) is added at the end of the data for data integrity verification.

[0066] Step D: The sending end plays the audio.

[0067] The transmitting end plays the generated audio signal through the audio output interface. The transmitting end can be:

[0068] Webpage: Utilizing the Web Audio API, the webpage interface can automatically detect the browser language or be manually selected by the user. It supports major languages ​​such as Chinese, English, Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Japanese, and Korean, without requiring any software installation. Users worldwide can access the same website to see an interface in their familiar language.

[0069] Mobile App: It calls the system audio interface, and the app interface automatically switches to the phone's system language. It also provides a manual language selection function and can be distributed in the global market after one installation.

[0070] Desktop application: Uses an audio library for playback, supports multilingual interfaces, and is suitable for multinational enterprise production lines and after-sales scenarios.

[0071] The audio being played can be output in real time or saved as an audio file (such as WAV or MP3) for later use.

[0072] Step E: The receiving end receives and decodes:

[0073] Receiver hardware configuration: Microphone → Preamplifier / shaping circuit → MCU (including CCP / counter / timer or ADC). Decoding process:

[0074] 1. The microphone collects audio signals, which are then converted into digital signals by an amplification / shaping circuit.

[0075] 2. The MCU detects the guiding signal and obtains the synchronization timing.

[0076] 3. Extract data from the audio signal according to the preset encoding rules.

[0077] 4. If frequency modulation is used, the MCU measures the square wave frequency through a timer and obtains the data by looking up a table.

[0078] 5. After decoding, verify the integrity of the data, write the configuration parameters to the device memory, and complete the configuration.

[0079] System Architecture:

[0080] Sending end: Any general-purpose computing device with audio output capability, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, etc. Software form can be:

[0081] Webpage (no installation required);

[0082] Mobile app (one-time installation);

[0083] Desktop application (install once);

[0084] Receiver: An embedded device with a microphone (MCU + microphone + simple analog circuitry), low cost, and capable of mass deployment. The receiver itself does not need to worry about language issues; all language logic is handled by the transmitter.

[0085] Communication medium: sound waves in the air; effective distance is typically 0.01 to 2 meters, depending on the speaker volume and ambient noise.

[0086] The following embodiments are described in detail:

[0087] Example 1: One-click configuration of a smart clock via a multilingual webpage (for global users)

[0088] This embodiment demonstrates a typical application scenario of the present invention: a smart clock for the global market, which can be configured with one click through a multilingual webpage.

[0089] Device Background: A certain smart clock hardware only has 3 buttons and an LCD segment display. Users need to manually set: country, city, time zone, daylight saving time rules, calculation parameters, current date and time. Traditionally, users need to consult the instruction manual and press buttons multiple times, taking 5-10 minutes and prone to errors. For non-English speaking users (such as Arabic speakers in the Middle East or Thai speakers in Southeast Asia), the language barrier further increases the configuration difficulty.

[0090] Invention solution:

[0091] Sender:

[0092] Users can open an HTML page by scanning the QR code on the product. The webpage automatically detects the browser language or allows users to select their own language from the drop-down menu (supporting more than 20 languages ​​including Chinese, English, Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Turkish, and Urdu).

[0093] The page automatically obtains the phone's GPS coordinates (or allows users to manually select a city), and the city name is displayed in the user's selected language;

[0094] The page uses JavaScript to retrieve the current system time, time zone, and city information.

[0095] Users select calculation parameters (custom parameters, optional) from the drop-down menu;

[0096] Pack this information into binary data (city code 2 bytes, timestamp 4 bytes, calculation parameters 8 bytes, daylight saving time flag 1 byte, total 15 bytes);

[0097] Binary data is encoded into an audio signal (this embodiment uses frequency modulation, with 8 frequencies and each symbol carrying 3 bits).

[0098] Generate a guide tone (1000Hz, 0.5 seconds), followed by data symbols, and add a CRC checksum at the end;

[0099] Play audio via the Web Audio API (total duration approximately 1.5 seconds).

[0100] Receiver (Smart Clock Hardware):

[0101] The smart clock has a built-in ordinary microphone, a transistor preamplifier, and a transistor shaping circuit, which outputs a square wave to the MCU's GPIO.

[0102] After the MCU powers on, it continuously monitors the microphone. Upon detecting a guide tone, it continuously measures the frequency according to a predetermined symbol period and obtains the data from a table.

[0103] After the CRC check passes, the internal clock, city settings, and calculation parameters are automatically updated and displayed on the LCD.

[0104] Example 2: Batch configuration of sensor nodes via mobile app:

[0105] Users can batch configure multiple temperature and humidity sensor nodes on the production line using a mobile app (installed once). The app includes preset configurations such as server address, reporting interval, and calibration parameters. Users point their phone at the sensor's microphone hole and tap send; each sensor is configured sequentially. The app can record the number of configured devices and supports repeated sending.

[0106] Example 3: Configuring industrial control equipment via desktop application:

[0107] Factory technicians run a desktop program on their computers and configure dozens of industrial control devices on the production line in batches via an external USB speaker. The program can load configuration files and send them with a single click, eliminating the need for individual button presses and significantly improving production efficiency.

[0108] Example 4: Offline configuration of audio files:

[0109] The configuration parameters are encoded into an audio file (such as WAV / MP3) and saved to a USB drive or sent to the user via the network. The user only needs to play the audio file with a regular player (mobile phone, computer, speaker) to complete the configuration on the receiving device. This method is particularly suitable for after-sales support scenarios.

[0110] Example 5: Minimalist Scenario (Remote Control Switch):

[0111] The transmitting end (web page or app) sends two short tones at different frequencies depending on the on / off state. The interface uses universal icons (on / off) instead of text, making it understandable to users worldwide. The receiving end (ATtiny85+ comparator) detects the frequencies and controls the relay's on / off state. The cost is extremely low (receiver < 0.5 RMB), making it suitable for smart sockets, lighting control, and other similar applications.

[0112] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0113] The product names described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An audio-based cross-platform short-range data wireless transmission method, characterized in that, This includes methods for sending configuration parameters to embedded devices and methods for receiving configuration parameters. The sending method specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: At the sending end, obtain the parameter data that needs to be configured for the receiving end, and convert the parameter data into a binary bit stream; Step 2: Encode the bitstream into an audio signal according to a preset encoding rule; Step 3: Add a guide signal at the beginning of the audio signal for timing synchronization at the receiving end; Step 4: Play the audio signal through the audio output interface of the transmitting end, or save it as an audio file; The receiving method includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive the audio signal sent by the transmission method through the microphone; Step 2: Detect the guide signal in the audio signal to obtain the synchronization timing; Step 3: Decode the binary bitstream from the audio signal using the same encoding rules as the sending end; Step 4: Convert the bit stream into configuration parameters and write them into the memory of the receiving device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is based on audio. In step 1 of the sending method, the sending end can be any one of a web browser (supporting mobile phones, tablets, and computers), a mobile application, or a desktop application.

3. The method for cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission based on audio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parameter data in step 1 of the sending method includes one or more of the following: date and time, geographical location, working mode, algorithm selection, network configuration, and user preferences.

4. The method for cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission based on audio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency range of the audio signal in step 2 of the transmission method is the common response frequency band of the speaker and the microphone.

5. The method for cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission based on audio according to claim 1, characterized in that, A checksum is added to the end of the audio signal in step 2 of the sending method for data integrity verification and to support a data retransmission mechanism.

6. The method for cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission based on audio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving end converts the microphone signal into a square wave through an amplification and shaping circuit, and the MCU decodes the signal by measuring the frequency through a timer / CCP.

7. The method for cross-platform short-range wireless data transmission based on audio according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving end samples the audio signal through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the MCU decodes it using a digital signal processing algorithm.

8. An audio-based cross-platform near-field data configuration system, characterized in that, include: Sending end: used to acquire configuration parameters, encode them into audio signals and play them; the sending end can be in the form of a web page, mobile APP or desktop program. Receiver: An embedded device containing a microphone, signal processing circuitry, and an MCU, used to receive audio signals and decode them to restore configuration parameters.

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