Optical Card Reader Data Transmission via Audio Jack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card readers rely on audio jacks for data communication with devices, which are subject to signal filtering and limited bandwidth, hindering efficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a card reader system that uses optical signals, employing a reader light source and sensor to transmit and receive data between a card reader and a device, allowing for fewer filters and increased bandwidth through amplitude encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio jack is used for data communication between card reader and device, then compatibility and ease of connection are improved, but bandwidth and data transmission efficiency deteriorate due to signal filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission mechanism (audio jack) with an optical signal transmission mechanism (light source and light sensor). This substitution eliminates the need for electrical filters in the audio jack, thereby removing the bandwidth limitation and signal filtering issues while maintaining ease of connection through the same physical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical signals to optical signals. By using light instead of electricity for data transmission, the system bypasses the filtering characteristics of audio jacks and achieves higher bandwidth and more efficient data transmission while preserving compatibility with existing device interfaces.
2Reliability
If audio jack filters are used for signal transmission, then signal integrity is improved, but bandwidth and system performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission, replacing the audio jack's electrical filtering mechanism with optical detection. This eliminates the trade-off between signal integrity and bandwidth because optical signals are not subject to the same filtering limitations as electrical signals in audio jacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the card reader and the device. By using light pulses to carry data through the audio jack interface, the system achieves both signal integrity (through controlled light emission and detection) and high bandwidth (through the high frequency capabilities of optical signals).
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 efficient data transmission from card readers to devices using optical signals, reducing interference and enhancing system bandwidth by eliminating the need for audio jack filters.
Implementation Method 1
a reader light source that is configured to emit light to the device light sensor
Implementation Method 2
a reader light sensor that is configured to capture light being emitted from the device light source
Data Source
AI summary
A card reader includes a body, the body being configured for coupling with a device, the device including a device light sensor and a device light source; a reader light sensor that is configured to capture light being emitted from the device light source, wherein, when the body is coupled to the user device, the reader light sensor is positioned adjacent to the device light source; a reader light source that is configured to emit light to the device light sensor, wherein, when the body is coupled to the user device, the reader light source is positioned adjacent to the device light sensor; a reader interface positioned in the body and configured to read the card; and circuitry configured to communicate data between the card reader and the user device using the reader light sensor and the reader light source.