Acoustic Data Transmission via Frequency-Subchannel Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound data transmission systems face challenges in achieving high bit rates over wide-band acoustic channels within the human body due to limitations in frequency bandwidth and multi-path propagation, which restrict data transmission rates and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The system divides the wide-band ultrasound channel into frequency-separated sub-channels, utilizing different modulation schemes based on multi-path propagation and signal attenuation in each sub-channel, with a data transmitter splitting data into multiple streams, modulating them, and a receiver demodulating and combining them to form a high bit rate data stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional narrow-band acoustic transducers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but bit rate is limited to approximately 800-1600 kbit/s

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidmodulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wide-band acoustic channel into multiple frequency-separated sub-channels, each processed by separate modulators and demodulators. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission across different frequency bands, achieving high bit rates (e.g., 10 Mbit/s or higher) while keeping each individual modulator relatively simple. The data splitter and data combiner further support this segmented approach by distributing and recombining data streams across sub-channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If simple modulation schemes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but bit rate is insufficient for image transmission from capsule

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidmodulation scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different modulation schemes to different frequency sub-channels based on their specific characteristics. Some sub-channels may use simpler modulation (e.g., BPSK) while others use more complex schemes (e.g., QAM), optimizing the overall system for high bit rate transmission. This local optimization allows achieving 10 Mbit/s or higher bit rates without requiring all components to be equally complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If wide-band frequency spectrum is utilized, then bit rate is increased, but multi-path propagation effects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the wide-band channel into frequency-separated sub-channels, the patent can apply different processing techniques to each sub-channel. This segmentation helps mitigate multi-path propagation effects, as different frequency components experience different attenuation and delay characteristics. The receiver can process each sub-channel independently, improving overall signal quality while maintaining high bit rate transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If high bit rate transmission is achieved, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses partial action by activating only the necessary number of frequency sub-channels and modulators based on the required bit rate. Rather than always operating at maximum capacity, the system can dynamically adjust the number of active sub-channels, reducing power consumption when full bandwidth is not needed while still achieving high bit rates (e.g., 10 Mbit/s) when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach significantly increases bit rate by optimizing modulation schemes across the ultrasound spectrum, overcoming bandwidth and multi-path interference issues, enabling efficient data transmission with minimal power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a wide-band acoustic transducer configured to generate a wide-band acoustic signal from the plurality of modulated data signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

data transmission over wide-band acoustic channels with frequency-dependent multi-path propagation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10092185B2Data transmission via wide band acoustic channels
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 ZO DIAGNOSTICS PTY LTD
  • US10092185B2 patent drawing
  • US10092185B2 patent drawing
  • US10092185B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to ultrasound (acoustic) data transmission systems, in particular data transmission over wide-band acoustic channels with frequency-dependant multi-path propagation. More specifically, embodiments of the invention involve increasing the bit rate in the acoustic channel by means of utilization of the entire ultrasound spectrum available for data transmission inside a human body.