Acoustic Stereo Control Using Speaker-Microphone Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling digital stereo sets using handheld devices are not cost-effective or user-friendly, as they require wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which are complicated to pair and generate electromagnetic radiation, making them detrimental to health and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An audio playback system that uses sound waves to transmit control messages from a handheld device to a digital stereo set, utilizing a speaker to generate modulated sound waves and a microphone to receive and interpret these messages, eliminating the need for wireless communication technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication technology (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) is used to control digital stereo set, then communication between handheld device and digital stereo set is achieved, but additional chips are required increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidchip requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic wireless communication system (requiring Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chips) with an acoustic communication system. The handheld device uses its existing speaker to emit sound waves carrying control signals, and the digital stereo set uses its existing microphone to receive and decode these signals. This substitution eliminates the need for additional wireless communication chips while achieving control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing components serve dual functions: the speaker not only plays audio but also transmits control signals; the microphone not only captures audio but also receives control signals. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve wireless control without adding dedicated communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication technology is used, then control function is achieved, but electromagnetic radiation is generated causing health concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic wave-based wireless communication with acoustic wave-based communication. Sound waves are mechanical vibrations through air molecules, not electromagnetic radiation. This fundamental physical substitution eliminates the health concerns associated with RF electromagnetic radiation while maintaining the ability to transmit control signals wirelessly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Bluetooth technology is used, then communication is established, but pairing process becomes complicated and same device cannot be operated by multiple handheld devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidpairing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic pairing protocols with simple acoustic signal transmission. The control signals are transmitted as sound waves that can be easily captured by the microphone without requiring authentication, pairing codes, or complex handshakes. This dramatically simplifies the connection process while enabling multiple handheld devices to control the same stereo set simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution allows for personalized control actions without the drawbacks of wireless communication, simplifying the pairing process and reducing electromagnetic radiation exposure, while enabling efficient control of digital stereo sets using existing speakers and microphones.

Implementation Method 1

The first sound wave signal generator is used for converting a control message into a first modulation signal, and transmitting the first modulation signal to the first speaker, thereby controlling the first speaker to generate a first modulated sound wave signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave generation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

The first receiving terminal controller includes a first microphone for receiving the first modulated sound wave signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrophone transduction: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9143864B2Audio playback system

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 TYMPHANY HK LTD

AI summary

An audio playback system includes a handheld device and a digital stereo set. By the handheld device, a control message is converted into a modulation signal. The modulation signal is transmitted to a speaker, thereby controlling the speaker to generate a modulated sound wave signal. After the modulated sound wave signal is received by a built-in microphone of the digital stereo set, the modulated sound wave signal is restored to the control message. After the control message is received by the digital stereo set, the digital stereo set performs a corresponding control action.