Sound-Based Registration for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when configuring settings for electronic devices, particularly those unfamiliar with registration processes, as they need to manually input network and account information for connectivity and services.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus equipped with a speaker, microphone, and communicator that uses sound-based communication to automatically obtain and transmit setting information, such as address and authentication details, to another electronic device, thereby simplifying the registration process and mitigating noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration of network and account information is required, then the electronic device can be set up, but the process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of registrationVSAvoidtime for configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service registration where the external electronic apparatus automatically transmits its own address information and authentication information through sound signals, and the electronic apparatus automatically obtains and configures this information without requiring manual user input for each field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual input process with an acoustic communication system where information is transmitted through sound signals between devices, substituting the physical act of typing with automated sound-based data transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If sound-based communication is used to transmit address information, then manual input is reduced, but noise interference may occur during the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of registrationVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by generating inverted phase sound signals that pre-compensate for and cancel out noise interference before it affects the information transmission, effectively neutralizing the harmful acoustic environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful noise environment into a beneficial feature by using noise cancellation technology where inverted phase signals transform acoustic interference into a mechanism that actively eliminates noise, turning the problematic acoustic condition into an advantage for reliable communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Extent of automation

If automated sound-based registration is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of registrationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the speaker and microphone to serve dual purposes: their primary functions for audio output and input, and an additional function for transmitting and receiving registration information through sound signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the registration communication function with the existing audio hardware components, combining multiple functions (audio processing and data transmission) into single components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a streamlined and user-friendly registration process by automatically obtaining and transmitting necessary information, reducing manual input requirements and minimizing noise interference during the setup process.

Implementation Method 1

in response to receiving a sound output by the external electronic apparatus through the microphone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic to electrical conversion:

Implementation Method 2

generate an inverted sound by inverting a phase of the received sound, output the inverted sound through the speaker such that the sound output by the external electronic device is offset by the inverted sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase inversion:

Implementation Method 3

output the inverted sound through the speaker such that the sound output by the external electronic device is offset by the inverted sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3319300B1Electronic apparatus and controlling method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3319300B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3319300B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3319300B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus comprises a speaker; a microphone; a communicator configured to communicate with an external electronic apparatus; and a processor configured to: activate the microphone in response to receiving information indicating that the external electronic apparatus is in an initial setting state through the communicator, the information being broadcasted by the external electronic apparatus via a first wireless communication method, in response to receiving a sound output by the external electronic apparatus through the microphone, generate an inverted sound by inverting a phase of the received sound, output the inverted sound through the speaker such that the sound output by the external electronic apparatus is offset by the inverted sound, and obtain address information of the external electronic apparatus for wireless communication with the external electronic apparatus from the sound received through the microphone.