Audio Data Transmission via Speakable Word Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sharing complex data messages between devices are inefficient, particularly when using audio channels, due to limitations in voice recognition accuracy and reliability, especially for sensitive information like credit card details, and lack of user control over transmission timing and content.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that encodes non-speech messages into dissimilar speech messages using a speakable word code book, allowing for reliable transmission over audio channels by dividing binary values into phonemes corresponding to speakable words, which are then transmitted and decoded back into the original message, with user control over timing and content selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice recognition is used to transmit data messages, then the transmission can be performed using commonly available audio channels, but the accuracy and reliability are insufficient for complex information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of audio channelVSAvoidaccuracy of transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The data message is divided into individual characters or small groups of characters, with each segment mapped to a distinct speakable word. This segmentation allows the receiver to process and verify each word independently, significantly improving overall transmission reliability while using standard audio channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A code book mapping speakable words to data characters acts as an intermediary layer between the audio channel and the data message. This intermediary enables accurate reconstruction of the original data by translating recognized words back into their corresponding character representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If multi-frequency signaling is used to encode data as audio tones, then data can be transmitted over audio channels, but the number of distinguishable audio bursts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata capacityVSAvoidcomplexity of encoding system
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-frequency tone encoding systems with a simpler speakable word-based system. Instead of using multiple audio frequencies to represent data, the system uses natural language words that can be easily generated, transmitted, and recognized by standard voice recognition systems, dramatically reducing complexity while maintaining or improving data capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If modems with frequency modulation are used for data transmission, then higher data transfer rates are achieved, but fixed telephone line connections and complex error correction are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidcomplexity of transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential data transmission function from complex modem systems by removing the need for fixed telephone line connections and complex error correction protocols. The speakable word approach inherently provides error resilience through the redundancy of natural language recognition, allowing high-speed transmission over simple audio channels without requiring dedicated infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Quantity of substance

If QR codes are used to share information, then data can be transmitted visually, but a camera is required to capture the code

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidconvenience of reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the camera-based QR code scanning system with an audio-based speakable word transmission system. Instead of requiring visual capture and processing, the system uses audio channels and voice recognition, which are more universally available and easier to operate on mobile devices, thereby improving convenience while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3690880B1Method for communicating a non-speech message as audio
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 MASTERCARD INT INC
  • EP3690880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are many instances in which information needs to be passed between a first and second computer system/device. If information is short, it may be remembered and retyped on the second device. If too long or complex, it may require a dedicated transmission channel. Audio communications channels have been used to transfer data, but these often require compatible hardware which may not always be available. A method 100 is provided for communicating a non-speech message 120 as audio from a first device to a second device, the method comprising: encoding the non-speech message as a dissimilar speech message 130 having a plurality of phonemes; transmitting 140 the speech message over one or more audio communications channels 150 from the first device; receiving 160 the speech message 130 at the second device; recognizing 170 the speech message 130; and decoding the dissimilar speech message 130 to the non-speech message 120. By using existing audio functionality, and the increasingly more reliable voice recognition applications, an improved method is provided for sharing complex data messages using commonly available communication channels.