Serial to Audio Signal Converter Interface for Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with serial data output, such as medical devices, often cannot communicate with client devices that lack a matching serial port, due to protocol differences and the absence of a common interface for data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A data communication system comprising an interface device with a serial port, a signal conversion device, and an audio port, which converts serial data to audio signals for transmission to client devices with audio ports, enabling data exchange between electronic devices and client devices like smartphones, even without a shared serial protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic devices use serial ports for data communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but compatibility with client devices without serial ports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts as a bridge between the electronic device with serial port and the client device with audio port. This intermediary converts serial data to audio signals, enabling communication between incompatible devices. The intermediary resolves the compatibility issue by translating between different communication protocols without requiring changes to the original devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical serial port connection with an acoustic signal transmission system. Instead of using electrical signals through physical serial ports, the system converts data into audio frequency signals that can be transmitted through the audio jack, substituting one physical interface mechanism with another that is more universally compatible.
2Reliability
If electronic devices use proprietary serial protocols, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to protocol mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device handles protocol conversion automatically, so users do not need to understand or configure different protocols. The device receives reliable serial communication from the electronic device and automatically translates it to a format the client device can understand, maintaining reliability while simplifying operation for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary device performs self-service by automatically detecting and adapting to the communication requirements of both connected devices. It autonomously handles the protocol translation and signal conversion without requiring manual configuration or user knowledge of the underlying communication protocols.
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
Facilitates seamless data communication between electronic devices and client devices, allowing for the recording and analysis of patient information, providing a user-friendly interface for data monitoring and enabling connectivity to cloud servers for further processing and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the interface device receives first serial data from the electronic device via the serial port, converts the received first serial data to first audio signals via the signal conversion device, and outputs the first audio signals to the client device via the audio port
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication system including an electronic device including a serial port, a client device including at least an audio port and an interface device is provided. The electronic device is configured to obtain serial data and output the serial data via the serial port. The interface device is coupled between the electronic device and the client device and includes a serial port connected to the serial port of the electronic device, a signal conversion device and an audio port connected to the audio port of the client device, wherein the interface device receives first serial data from the electronic device via the serial port, converts the received first serial data to first audio signals via the signal conversion device, and outputs the first audio signals to the client device via the audio port, such that the client device obtains the serial data according to the first audio signals.