Acoustic Information Transfer Using Time-Interval Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic methods for close proximity communication are susceptible to background noise interference and require proximity within a limited range, making them less effective compared to NFC, Bluetooth, and infrared methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding information into the time period between two acoustically transmitted signals, allowing for reliable communication over longer distances while minimizing interference by using noise-like signals within the 6-12 kHz frequency band, which are less obtrusive to humans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic methods are used for close proximity communication, then communication can be established without line of sight or pairing procedures, but the communication is susceptible to background noise interference and limited to short ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits acoustic signals in periodic bursts with specific time intervals between them. By sending multiple signals at known time intervals and using correlation techniques, the receiver can distinguish the transmitted signals from random background noise, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the ease of acoustic communication establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses correlation of received signals with expected signal patterns to detect and verify signal reception. This feedback mechanism allows the receiver to confirm successful signal detection despite noise interference, enhancing communication reliability without requiring stricter proximity constraints.
2Reliability
If acoustic signals are transmitted at higher intensities to overcome background noise, then signal detection reliability improves, but the transmitted sounds become unpleasant to persons within earshot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits information by modulating the time intervals between acoustic signal bursts rather than increasing signal intensity. By encoding data in the temporal pattern of signals and using correlation detection, the system achieves reliable signal detection at lower intensities that are less disturbing to humans, thus resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and human comfort.
3Ease of operation
If traditional acoustic communication methods are used, then communication can occur without pairing procedures, but the communication range is limited to close proximity only
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by transmitting signals at known, predetermined time intervals before actual data transmission. This preliminary action establishes a reference framework that allows the receiver to accurately detect and correlate signals over longer distances, extending the communication range while maintaining the ease of operation without pairing procedures.
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 enables effective acoustic information transfer with reduced noise interference and increased range, ensuring secure communication by encoding data in the time intervals between signals, thus overcoming limitations of existing acoustic methods.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic signal element configured to acoustically transmit a signal
Implementation Method 2
using noise-like signals within the 6-12 kHz frequency band, which are less obtrusive to humans
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for acoustically transferring information between systems. In a particular embodiment, a method provides identifying information for acoustic transfer and determining an amount of time corresponding to the information. The method further provides acoustically transmitting a signal at a first time and, upon the amount of time elapsing since the first time, acoustically transmitting the signal at a second time.