Audio Token Pairing via Multi-Frequency Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not provide a method for computing devices without NFC functionality to discover and pair with each other using audio communication channels, as existing solutions face interference issues when both devices communicate over the same frequency simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system where computing devices broadcast and receive audio tokens over multiple audio frequency channels at specified intervals, allowing them to pair and transfer data without the need for NFC, using processors to execute instructions for generating and transmitting identifiers and tokens, and adjusting listening intervals for improved communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If devices communicate over the same audio frequency simultaneously, then discovery speed is improved, but audio interference occurs between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio communication channel into multiple frequency channels. Devices broadcast audio tokens on different frequencies (e.g., device A on frequency f1, device B on frequency f2), allowing simultaneous discovery without interference. This segmentation of the communication medium resolves the contradiction by enabling parallel operations at different frequency segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices broadcast audio tokens at periodic intervals rather than continuously. Each device alternates between transmitting and listening phases, creating a time-division multiplexed communication pattern. This periodic action allows multiple devices to operate on the same frequency without constant interference, as they take turns transmitting tokens.
2Speed
If devices use NFC for pairing, then pairing speed is improved, but devices without NFC functionality cannot benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses audio communication (speaker and microphone) as a universal pairing mechanism that works across all modern devices regardless of NFC capability. The speaker-microphone combination is a standard component in smartphones, tablets, and computers, making this discovery method universally applicable. Audio tokens carry device identifiers and pairing information, enabling any device with audio I/O to participate in the discovery and pairing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the NFC mechanical/electromagnetic coupling system with an acoustic wave-based system. Instead of requiring close physical contact through NFC fields, devices communicate pairing information through airborne sound waves. This substitution allows pairing at greater distances and eliminates the need for specialized NFC hardware while maintaining pairing functionality.
3Reliability
If devices broadcast audio tokens continuously, then discovery reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices broadcast audio tokens periodically at defined intervals (e.g., every T seconds) rather than continuously. During non-transmission periods, devices enter a low-power listening or idle state. This periodic broadcasting maintains discovery reliability by ensuring tokens are transmitted frequently enough to be detected, while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of broadcasting behavior based on device state and environmental conditions. Devices may increase broadcasting frequency when isolation mode is active or when no tokens are detected, and reduce frequency when tokens are regularly received or in noisy environments. This dynamic adaptation maintains discovery reliability while optimizing energy usage according to actual operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A first computing device broadcasts a first audio token comprising the first user computing device identifier over two or more audio frequency channels at specified intervals and listens for audio inputs via the two or more audio frequency channels at the specified intervals. The first computing device receives a second audio token generated by a second computing device and communicates the received second audio token to the one or more computing devices. The second computing device receives the first audio token generated by the first computing device and communicates the received first audio token to the one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices receive the first and second audio tokens and pair the first computing device and the second computing device and facilitate a transfer of data between the first computing device and the second computing device.