Sound Wave Terminal Pairing for Automatic Bluetooth Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminal pairing methods, such as Bluetooth connections, require manual activation and recognition processes, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for devices that need to pair for specific services like wireless printing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using sound waves, including ultrasonic or audio frequency signals, to automatically pair terminals by transmitting terminal identification information, allowing devices to pair without additional identification processes when within a specific distance or upon detecting predetermined gestures or geographic positions, using sensors like gyro-sensors and GPS modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual Bluetooth pairing activation is used, then connection reliability is ensured, but operation complexity increases and pairing time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpairing operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically activating pairing mode and initiating the pairing process without requiring manual user intervention. The terminal device automatically enters a pairing state when detecting a trigger condition, and the pairing process is initiated automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually activate Bluetooth and search for devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs self-service by automatically managing the pairing process. The device autonomously activates pairing mode, transmits identification information, receives pairing requests, and completes the pairing process without external assistance. The system also automatically establishes the connection after successful pairing verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional pairing methods are used, then security is maintained through manual verification, but pairing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing securityVSAvoidpairing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the first terminal transmits identification information, the second terminal verifies this information and sends back a pairing request, and the first terminal confirms the pairing. This automated feedback loop maintains security through verification while significantly improving pairing efficiency by eliminating manual intervention steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pairing operations with automated acoustic signal-based pairing. Instead of manual Bluetooth activation and device selection, the system uses sound wave transmission to automatically exchange pairing information, substituting the mechanical interaction process with an automated acoustic field-based system.

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

3Ease of operation

If automatic sound wave pairing is implemented, then operation simplicity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing operation simplicityVSAvoidterminal device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using existing terminal device components (microphone, speaker, processor) for multiple purposes. The microphone and speaker are used both for normal audio functions and for receiving/transmitting pairing sound waves. The processor handles both standard operations and pairing logic, reducing the need for dedicated hardware and minimizing additional device complexity.

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

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 seamless and automatic pairing of terminals for various communication methods like Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for manual activation and simplifying the pairing process.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting terminal identification information using sound waves, including ultrasonic or audio frequency signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave transmission: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP2860998B1Pairing terminals with a sound wave signal
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2860998B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2860998B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2860998B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for pairing terminals using a sound wave. A sound wave is transmitted from a first terminal to a second terminal and a response is sent by the second terminal and detected by the first terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are paired based at least partially on the sound wave signal and the response signal.