Acoustic Identification of Networked Devices at Mounting Locations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to accurately link unique identifiers of networked devices to their mounting locations without cumbersome manual intervention, especially when devices are identical and visual identifiers are obscured, leading to potential misplacement and difficulty in retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a portable device to emit a predetermined sound, which is detected by networked devices, allowing them to send their unique identifiers to a management server, where the identifiers are linked to known mounting locations, utilizing sound frequency ratios to determine proximity and correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual specification of device-to-location mapping is used, then device identification accuracy is improved, but mounting complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-identification of devices through acoustic signals. Each device autonomously responds to location queries by emitting sounds that are detected by location sensors, eliminating the need for manual specification while achieving accurate device-to-location mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with acoustic field-based automatic detection. Sound waves are used to communicate device locations, substituting the need for physical manual specification and reducing mounting complexity
2Ease of operation
If visual identifiers are used on devices, then device identification is simplified, but accessibility and reliability decrease when identifiers are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium for device identification. Instead of relying directly on visual identifiers that may be obscured, the system uses sound waves as a reliable intermediary to communicate device locations, ensuring consistent identification regardless of visual accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the identification parameter from visual (ocular) to acoustic (auditory). By using sound frequency and pattern recognition, the system maintains reliable device identification even when visual identifiers are hidden, blocked, or difficult to read
3Reliability
If acoustic signals are used for device identification, then identification reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic signal system universal by enabling any device with a speaker and microphone to participate in identification. The same acoustic mechanism works for all devices in the network, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability through consistent acoustic communication
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 accurate identification of networked devices at their mounting locations without physical or electronic connection, reducing errors and simplifying the mounting process, even when visual identifiers are obscured.
Implementation Method 1
A predetermined sound is emitted using a loudspeaker of a portable device
Implementation Method 2
Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a first networked device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method of identifying which networked device of a set of networked devices is mounted at a first mounting location of mounting locations of the set of networked devices known in a management server are disclosed. Each networked device of the set of networked devices has a unique identifier. A predetermined sound is emitted using a loudspeaker of a portable device. Information specifying the first mounting location is further sent from the portable device to the management server. Upon detecting the predetermined sound using a microphone in a first networked device of the set of networked devices, the unique identifier of the first networked device is sent from the first networked device to the management server. At the management server, the unique identifier of the first networked device is then linked to the first mounting location.