Acoustic Authentication Communication in Large Public Facilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing visitor communication systems, such as those described in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. 2020-167538, are ineffective in large-scale facilities like train stations where users may not be able to reach displayed information codes, preventing effective communication with facility staff.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that uses acoustic installations to transmit authentication information within a facility, enabling wireless communication between user and staff terminals via a communication network in response to a connection request from the user terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If information code is displayed on the entrance unit for users to read, then communication authentication is confirmed, but users in large-scale facilities cannot reach the information code location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of displaying and reading information codes with an acoustic field-based authentication system. Transmitters emit acoustic signals containing authentication information that users can receive with their terminals anywhere within the acoustic coverage area, eliminating the need for physical proximity to a display location while maintaining authentication security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display surface (where information codes are shown on screens) to a three-dimensional acoustic field space (where authentication information is transmitted through sound waves). This allows users to access authentication information from any position within the acoustic coverage volume, not just from a specific location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If acoustic installations transmit authentication information throughout the facility, then user accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the acoustic installations serve dual functions: they provide normal acoustic services (such as announcements or ambient sound) and simultaneously transmit authentication information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated transmitters, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining broad user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the user's terminal device as an intermediary that receives acoustic authentication information and processes it locally. This distributes the processing burden and reduces the complexity of the central authentication system, as the terminal handles the interpretation and response generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12538126B2Communication method and communication system

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A communication method includes transmitting authentication information from a transmitter disposed inside a facility to an area within the facility, and starting communication between a staff terminal held by facility staff of the facility and a user terminal that has received the authentication information transmitted by the transmitter, in response to a connection request transmitted from the user terminal.