Acoustic Data Transfer Using Audio Frequency Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for peer-to-peer data transfer between mobile devices, such as using Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, voice channels, or ultrasonic signals, are either hardware-dependent, expensive, or suffer from high error rates, especially when wireless networks are unavailable or when devices are not equipped to handle ultrasonic frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that converts data into binary sequences, selects frequencies from a matrix, prepends a starter frequency, generates audio signals, and uses electro-acoustic transducers to transmit data acoustically, with decoding using Fast Fourier Transform and binary schemes to extract and reconstruct the data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Bluetooth, RFID, or NFC is used for data transfer, then data transfer between mobile devices is enabled, but specialized hardware is required making the system expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidhardware requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces specialized hardware-based wireless communication systems (Bluetooth, RFID, NFC) with an acoustic wave-based data transmission system. Data is converted into audio signals that can be transmitted through the air using standard speaker and microphone components, eliminating the need for expensive specialized communication hardware while maintaining data transfer capability between mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables standard mobile device components (speaker and microphone) to serve dual purposes: their original function (audio output/input) and data transmission/reception. This multi-functionality allows any mobile device with basic audio components to participate in data transfer without requiring specialized hardware, making the system universally accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If voice channel of wireless telephone network is used, then data transfer is enabled, but the system fails when wireless network is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidnetwork availability dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for data transmission, replacing dependency on wireless telephone networks. By converting data into audio signals that propagate through air, the system creates an independent communication channel that does not rely on network infrastructure, enabling data transfer in locations with poor or no network coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If ultrasonic audio signals are used for data transfer, then data transmission is achieved, but error rates are high due to device limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of audio signals from ultrasonic ranges to the human hearing range (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz). This parameter adjustment ensures compatibility with standard mobile device speakers and microphones, which are designed to operate in this frequency range, thereby reducing transmission errors while maintaining data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables reliable data transfer between mobile devices without specialized hardware, functioning even when wireless networks are unavailable, with reduced error rates and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

an output module having one or more electro acoustic transducers for generating an acoustic output based on the one or more audio signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-acoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

an input module having a microphone for receiving an acoustic input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic-to-electrical transduction:

Implementation Method 3

extracting one or more sets of frequencies from the acoustic input using a Fast Fourier Transform technique

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency analysis:

Data Source

PatentUS10181910B2Data transfer using mobile devices

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 ULTRACASH TECH PTE LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for transmitting data. The system includes an encoder for converting the data into one or more binary sequences using a binary encoding scheme, selecting one or more sets of frequencies from a frequency matrix based on the one or more binary sequences, and prepending a starter frequency to the one or more sets of frequencies. The system further includes an audio generator for generating one or more audio signals based on the one or more sets of frequencies, a storage module and an output module having one or more an electro acoustic transducers for generating an acoustic output based on the one or more audio signals.