Sound Wave Data Synchronization Using Embedded Audio Hardware

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart devices require expensive communication modules and complex procedures for data synchronization, necessitating a cost-effective and user-friendly method for interdevice communication without separate wireless access.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a device's embedded speaker and microphone to output sound waves for data synchronization between devices, allowing external devices to initiate operations associated with the content being played, eliminating the need for additional modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication modules (WiFi or Bluetooth) are used for data synchronization between smart devices, then data synchronization capability is achieved, but hardware cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata synchronization capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker and microphone components, which already exist in the device for audio playback and input functions, are made to serve an additional purpose: transmitting control information wirelessly to external devices. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate communication modules while enabling data synchronization between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses its own existing audio output (speaker) and audio input (microphone) capabilities to achieve wireless communication functionality. The speaker transmits control information as sound waves, and the microphone receives audio from external devices, allowing the device to service itself without requiring additional specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If communication modules (WiFi or Bluetooth) are installed for data synchronization, then data synchronization is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata synchronization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker and microphone components, which already exist in the device for audio playback and input functions, are made to serve an additional purpose: transmitting control information wirelessly to external devices. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate communication modules while enabling data synchronization between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses its own existing audio output (speaker) and audio input (microphone) capabilities to achieve wireless communication functionality. The speaker transmits control information as sound waves, and the microphone receives audio from external devices, allowing the device to service itself without requiring additional specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate wireless communication access is used for device interworking, then communication functionality is achieved, but system complexity and setup difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterdevice communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the communication function with the existing audio playback function. The speaker that outputs audio content is also used to transmit control information, and the microphone that captures audio input is also used to receive commands from external devices. This merging of functions simplifies the system by eliminating separate wireless communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Sound waves serve as the intermediary medium for communication between devices. Instead of using traditional wireless communication protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth), the system uses acoustic waves as the carrier for transmitting control information, thereby simplifying the communication mechanism and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies data synchronization between devices using sound waves, reducing hardware costs and complexity, enabling rapid interdevice communication without separate wireless communication access.

Implementation Method 1

an output unit configured to output a sound wave as a result of the playing of the content data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave generation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

a sound wave input unit configured to receive a sound wave output from an external device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave reception: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10289378B2Device and method for outputting sound wave for content synchronization between devices and operation control for external device, and external device

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 POWERVOICE

AI summary

Disclosed are a device and a method for outputting a sound wave for content synchronization between devices and operation control of an external device, and the external device. The device for outputting a sound wave according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a storage unit configured to store content data of content; a playing unit configured to play the content data; and an output unit configured to output a sound wave as a result of the playing of the content data, wherein the sound wave allows an external device to initiate an operation associated with the content.