Audio Signal Data Encoding via Musical Harmonies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transfer methods require network infrastructure and specific components like chipsets and antennas, limiting their usability and increasing costs, especially in areas without cellular or WiFi networks, and often produce unpleasant sounds that may disrupt communication.
Innovation Solution
The use of audio signals composed of tones chosen according to musical relationships for data transfer between devices, allowing for localized data transfer without networks and using simple devices with speakers and microphones, while producing pleasant sounds that reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network infrastructure (WiFi, cellular) is used for data transfer, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring specific components like chipsets and antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic communication systems (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) with an acoustic communication system using speakers and microphones. Data is encoded into audio signals that can be transmitted through the air and decoded by receiving devices, substituting complex RF hardware with basic acoustic components that every mobile device already possesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes existing device components (speakers and microphones) serve a dual function: their primary function for audio output/input and an additional function for data transmission. This eliminates the need for dedicated communication hardware, as the same acoustic components used for media playback can now also transmit data.
2Reliability
If network infrastructure is used for data transfer, then data transfer is enabled, but usability is reduced in areas without cellular or WiFi networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to independently communicate with each other using only their built-in acoustic components, without relying on external network infrastructure. The devices self-organize the communication channel through acoustic signals, making the system autonomous and independent of cellular or WiFi networks.
3Productivity
If conventional audio signals are used for data transfer, then data transfer is achieved, but unpleasant sounds are produced that may disrupt communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of audio signals by encoding data into musical notes and harmonies rather than using arbitrary frequency modulations. By constraining the signal to use musically pleasing intervals, consonant chords, and natural harmonic relationships, the system maintains data transmission capability while producing sounds that are aesthetically acceptable and less disruptive to users and passersby.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some implementations, a process for communicating data over audio is performed. In one aspect, one or more ordered sequences of audio attribute values that are selected based on a musical relationship between the audio attribute values and associated with data values may be played by a first device and received by a second device. This technique may allow for data communications to take place between devices without the need for the devices to include specific components (e.g. chipsets, antenna etc.) for communication via short-range radio frequency protocols such as Bluetooth or for wide or local area network infrastructure to be in place. Moreover, this technique may allow for sound-based communications that listeners may find pleasant.