Ultrasonic Audio Triggering for Mobile Device Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing multiple mobile devices lack precision and control, leading to asynchronous and irregular responses, especially in noisy environments, which affects crowd interaction during events like concerts and sporting events.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates and outputs inaudible audio signals with specific triggering patterns, which are received by mobile devices to execute coordinated actions, such as LED flashes or audio outputs, using ultrasonic frequencies that are not perceivable by humans but can be detected by devices, ensuring synchronized and controlled responses across a large number of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional audio signals are used for device synchronization, then devices can receive control signals, but precision and simultaneity of control across multiple devices deteriorates due to environmental noise and spatial dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the audio signal to ultrasonic ranges (above 20kHz), which are imperceptible to humans but detectable by device microphones. This parameter change allows the control signals to operate in a frequency band that is not affected by environmental noise in the audible range, thereby improving synchronization precision while eliminating interference from crowd noise and music.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wireless communication methods (WiFi, Bluetooth) with acoustic wave transmission for control signal delivery. By using sound waves in the ultrasonic range, the system achieves precise timing synchronization across devices without the latency and interference issues of wireless protocols, while the inaudible nature of the signals prevents disruption to the event atmosphere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control signals are transmitted through audible audio, then crowd interaction can be enabled, but the control signals become imperceptible and lose precision in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the audio signal frequency to the ultrasonic range, creating a dual-nature signal that is both detectable by device microphones for reliable control and imperceptible to human ears for maintaining event atmosphere. This parameter change ensures control signal reliability while enabling versatile crowd interaction through synchronized device responses.
3Productivity
If multiple devices are controlled simultaneously, then synchronized responses can be achieved, but precision deteriorates due to lack of control over individual device timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds periodic ultrasonic tone bursts within the audio signal at specific intervals and positions. These periodic control signals act as precise temporal markers that devices detect and use to synchronize their responses. The periodic nature ensures that all devices receive identical timing cues simultaneously, achieving precise synchronization across the entire device population without individual timing variations.
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
The system achieves precise and simultaneous control of multiple mobile devices, providing a dynamic and synchronized visual and audio experience, resilient to environmental noise and spatial dispersion, enhancing crowd interaction and event engagement.
Implementation Method 1
generating, with one or more processors of a controller, an inaudible audio signal including one or more audio triggering patterns... outputting, with a speaker unit, the inaudible audio signal including one or more audio triggering patterns to one or more mobile devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coordinating multiple mobile devices includes generating, with one or more processors of a controller, an inaudible audio signal including one or more audio triggering patterns. The method also includes outputting, with a speaker unit, the inaudible audio signal including one or more audio triggering patterns to one or more mobile devices, wherein the one or more triggering patterns correspond with one or more actions executable by the one or more mobile devices.