Audio-Driven Magnetic Data Link for IoT Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring user-configurable apparatuses, such as IoT nodes and WLAN cameras, require dedicated transmission/reception elements or additional components like microphones, loudspeakers, or NFC, which are not universally supported by all user terminals, making configuration cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to a user terminal via an audio interface to generate and detect magnetic fields for data transmission, allowing configuration of apparatuses like IoT nodes and WLAN cameras using standard user terminals, such as mobile phones, without the need for dedicated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated transmission/reception elements are used for radio connection configuration, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the use of existing audio interface components (microphone, loudspeaker) for electromagnetic data transmission purposes. Instead of requiring dedicated transmission/reception elements, the solution makes existing universal components serve dual functions: their original audio functions plus electromagnetic data transmission functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing electromagnetic fields as a mediator between the user terminal and the apparatus to be configured. The electromagnetic oscillating circuit acts as an intermediary that converts audio signals into electromagnetic fields for data transmission, avoiding the need for direct dedicated transmission elements while enabling reliable communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NFC elements are added to the apparatus for magnetic coupling configuration, then configuration capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective approach by replacing expensive NFC elements with simple electromagnetic oscillating circuits that can be implemented using basic electronic components. The solution uses readily available components (oscillating circuits, audio interfaces) that are significantly cheaper than dedicated NFC modules while providing comparable or superior configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electromagnetic coupling mechanism of NFC with an acoustic/electromagnetic field-based approach. Instead of using contactless magnetic field coupling requiring NFC elements, the solution uses audio signal generation and detection through electromagnetic oscillating circuits, replacing complex NFC hardware with simpler acoustic and electromagnetic components.
3Ease of operation
If acoustic connection is used for configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to microphone requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the audio interface components (microphone and loudspeaker) to serve both their original acoustic functions and electromagnetic data transmission functions. The microphone continues to detect sound while also being capable of detecting electromagnetic fields for configuration data, and the loudspeaker continues to produce sound while also generating electromagnetic fields for bidirectional communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the acoustic and electromagnetic functions into a single integrated system. The audio interface components are combined with electromagnetic oscillating circuits, allowing the same hardware to handle both acoustic signals and electromagnetic field-based data transmission. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If wired connection is used for configuration, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless configuration approach. Instead of requiring physical cable connections for reliable data transmission, the solution uses electromagnetic oscillating circuits to transmit configuration data wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, maintaining reliability while significantly improving ease of operation.
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 cost-effective and universally accessible configuration of user-configurable apparatuses using standard user terminals, with bidirectional data transmission capabilities, ensuring compatibility and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted
Implementation Method 2
detecting the magnetic field by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus to receive the data
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method has a step of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal. Additionally, the method has a step of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus.