Audio Data Transmission Synchronization Using Complex Signal Preambles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for data transmission between computing devices without a shared network require specialized hardware and communicative pairing, which can be cumbersome and prone to interference and distortion in audio transmissions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using audio transmissions to convey data between devices, utilizing a system with transmitters and receivers that can detect and synchronize with audio signals containing predetermined portions to determine the arrival time of data packets, allowing for data transmission without the need for specialized hardware or pairing, and improving signal quality by combining signals from multiple receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized hardware and communicative pairing are used for data transmission between computing devices, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard computing devices with existing audio hardware (microphones and speakers) to perform data transmission functions. The system repurposes conventional audio components for dual use: traditional audio communication and wireless data transmission, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while maintaining transmission reliability through established audio processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting and synchronizing with audio transmissions without requiring manual pairing or configuration. The receiver autonomously identifies the predetermined portion in the audio signal, computes similarity measures to determine arrival time, and begins data extraction without user intervention, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable connection establishment
2Ease of operation
If audio transmissions are used for data transmission without specialized hardware, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding a predetermined portion (preamble) at the beginning of the audio transmission that contains known characteristics. This predetermined signal sequence is designed with specific correlation properties that enable the receiver to accurately detect the start of the transmission and compute precise arrival time through similarity measures, establishing a reliable time reference before actual data transmission begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies feedback through an iterative synchronization process where the receiver continuously computes similarity measures between the expected predetermined portion and the received audio signal at multiple time offsets. The arrival time determination is refined by identifying the time offset that maximizes the similarity measure, providing automatic correction and precise synchronization without requiring manual calibration
3Speed
If audio signals are transmitted without synchronization, then transmission speed is improved, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined portion serves as a preliminary synchronization mechanism that is transmitted before the actual data payload. This preamble contains known signal characteristics that enable the receiver to establish accurate time alignment and compute the arrival time offset, ensuring that subsequent data extraction is properly synchronized without slowing down the overall transmission process
Solution Approach 2:
The audio transmission is segmented into distinct portions: a predetermined synchronization portion (preamble) and a data payload portion. This segmentation allows the receiver to first process the synchronization portion to determine arrival time and establish alignment, then use this timing information to accurately extract the data portion, maintaining both speed and precision through divided processing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for improved detection of audio transmissions are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving an audio signal containing an audio transmission. The audio transmission may contain a predetermined portion that was initially generated based on an expected sequence of complex-valued signals. A real portion of the expected sequence of complex-valued signals may be compared to the received audio signal to identify a first portion of the received audio signal. A complex portion of the expected sequence may be compared to portions of the received audio signal near the first portion of the received audio signal to identify a second portion of the received audio signal. An arrival time of the audio transmission may be determined based on the second portion of the received audio signal.