Acoustic Signal Wireless Pairing for Secure Headset Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication methods for devices like telephone headsets and earphones face security and usability issues due to the need for manual entry of PIN codes, which can be lost or forgotten, and are susceptible to unauthorized access, especially when using radio channels that can be intercepted over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A method using acoustic signals for establishing a wireless communication link between devices, where connection information is converted into an acoustic signal transmitted through a loudspeaker and received by a microphone, allowing for secure pairing without the need for manual PIN code entry, reducing the risk of interception and increasing convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PIN code-based method is used to establish wireless communication link, then authentication and encryption can be performed, but the PIN code may be lost or forgotten by the user and is susceptible to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input method (keyboard entry of PIN code) with an acoustic field-based communication method. The first device transmits connection information as acoustic signals through a loudspeaker, and the second device receives and processes these acoustic signals through a microphone, eliminating the need for manual PIN code entry and improving both usability and security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic signal as an intermediary medium to transfer connection information between devices. Instead of directly entering codes or using radio frequency transmission that can be intercepted, the acoustic signal serves as a secure intermediary that conveys pairing information locally and cannot be easily intercepted over distances
2Reliability
If a long PIN code is used for secure protection, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the probability of error occurrence increases during manual entry and the code is more likely to be forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the manual mechanical entry process entirely by using acoustic signal transmission. The connection information is transmitted as audible tones that can be automatically processed by the receiving device, removing the human error factor from the process while maintaining security through the acoustic channel's inherent limitations on transmission distance
3Length of stationary object
If radio channel transmission is used for digital communication, then effective range is extended, but the transmission can be easily monitored and intercepted by malicious parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an acoustic signal as an intermediary to transmit connection information locally between devices. The acoustic channel has natural limitations on transmission distance and can be easily blocked by physical obstacles, creating a secure local communication channel that cannot be intercepted over the extended ranges possible with radio frequency transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electromagnetic radio channel with an acoustic field-based transmission system for the initial connection information exchange. This substitution leverages the physical limitations of sound propagation (distance, obstacles, directionality) to provide inherent security that radio frequency transmission lacks
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 enhances security and reduces pairing time while maintaining device design and cost integrity by using existing hardware, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and eliminating human error in PIN code entry, allowing for quick and secure connection establishment.
Implementation Method 1
converting the generated connection information to an acoustic signal; and transmitting the acoustic signal to a second device through the loudspeaker
Implementation Method 2
receiving an acoustic signal through the microphone; extracting connection information for data communication from the acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for wireless communication using an acoustic signal in a system including a first device including a loudspeaker and a second device including a microphone. The first device generates wireless communication information, converts the wireless communication information to an acoustic signal, and transmits the acoustic signal to the second device using the loudspeaker. The second device receives the acoustic signal using the microphone, extracts the wireless communication information from the acoustic signal, generates an acknowledgment signal according to the extracted wireless communication information, and transmits the acknowledgment signal to the first device on a wireless communication channel.