Audio Interface Peripheral Device Driverless Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peripheral devices for computers, such as card readers, require proprietary drivers and software for operation, limiting their use in web browsers and internet applications, especially for secure document reading, and lack standardized interfaces for plug-and-play functionality.

Innovation Solution

A peripheral device with an audio interface using audio frequency signals for data transmission, implementing modem standards like Bell 103M to V.92, and incorporating a USB port for additional communication, allowing data to be sent securely without installing specific drivers, and enabling direct control via audio signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If proprietary drivers and software are installed for peripheral device operation, then the device can function properly, but the complexity of the system increases and plug-and-play functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplug-and-play functionalityVSAvoiddriver installation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an audio interface as an intermediary communication channel between the peripheral device and computer. This mediator enables data transmission through standard audio ports without requiring proprietary drivers, as the audio interface is a universally supported component in computers. The audio interface translates device data into audio signals that can be processed by standard audio drivers already present in the operating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the peripheral device compatible with multiple communication interfaces, including USB and audio interfaces. By implementing universal communication capabilities, the device can function through standard ports without requiring device-specific drivers. The audio interface specifically leverages the universal nature of audio ports and drivers that are standard in virtually all computers, enabling plug-and-play operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized interfaces are used for peripheral device communication, then plug-and-play functionality is enabled, but data transmission security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface standardizationVSAvoiddata transmission security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The audio interface serves as a secure intermediary that enables standardized communication while maintaining security. The system uses established audio communication protocols and standards for compatibility, but implements secure data processing and transmission through the audio interface layer. This allows the device to communicate through standard interfaces while the intermediary layer ensures secure handling of sensitive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If proprietary software is installed for card reader operation, then secure document reading is enabled, but the loss of time for software installation and configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure document readingVSAvoidsoftware installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the peripheral device automatically communicates with the computer through the audio interface using standard protocols. The device itself manages the communication process without requiring external proprietary software installation or configuration. The audio interface and its standard drivers handle the communication autonomously, eliminating the need for users to install and configure additional software while maintaining secure document reading capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If audio frequency signals are used for data transmission, then driver installation is omitted, but the data transmission rate may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriverless operationVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral device implements multiple communication interfaces including both USB and audio interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the system to use the high-speed USB interface for data transmission when available, while the audio interface provides driverless operation for basic functionality. The device can switch between or combine these interfaces to achieve both ease of operation and adequate transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables secure data transmission from peripheral devices like card readers to computers without additional software or drivers, facilitating secure and standardized communication over audio channels, and allowing integration with existing hardware and protocols.

Implementation Method 1

the peripheral device comprises a frequency shift keying device for switching digital data into audio frequency signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency shift keying:

Data Source

PatentEP2984573B1Peripheral device having an audio interface for transmitting data
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP2984573B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a peripheral device (100) for a computer (200), wherein the peripheral device (100) comprises an audio interface (103) for transmitting data to the computer (200) by means of an audio frequency signal (400). The peripheral device can be a card-reading device for reading out value documents and security documents.