Ultrasonic Messaging for Mixed Reality Media Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixed reality (xR) devices face challenges in coordinating presentations with traditional audio-video content without requiring special media players or xR devices.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting digital patterns in human-inaudible sonic messages from media players, which are then used to control xR device outputs, allowing coordination with traditional audio-video content without the need for special hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless radio signaling is used to coordinate AR device with media player, then coordination between AR output and entertainment content is achieved, but the system requires special media players and xR devices which limits accessibility for home use and transitory use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with traditional media playersVSAvoidrequirement for special media player hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wireless radio signaling system with an acoustic communication system. The media player embeds control messages in audio output that can be detected by the xR device's microphone, eliminating the need for specialized wireless communication hardware and enabling compatibility with any traditional media player that outputs audio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio output of the media player serves multiple functions: it provides the entertainment content to users and simultaneously carries embedded control messages for coordinating the xR device. This multi-functionality allows any standard media player to work with xR devices without requiring specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If ultrasonic frequencies are used for control messages, then human-inaudible coordination is achieved, but detection precision requires sensitive microphones and signal processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol message detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection of human-inaudible frequencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the control messages to the ultrasonic range (above human hearing), allowing the media player to embed control information in the audio output without interfering with the audible entertainment content. The xR device's microphone and signal processing system are configured to detect and decode these ultrasonic frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables seamless integration of xR content with traditional media, enhancing the user experience by allowing xR devices to render content in sync with audio-video presentations from any media player.

Implementation Method 1

captured by a microphone of the xR device, which converts the audio output to digital data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

The acoustic output may be human-inaudible, for example, ultrasonic or subliminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12335716B2Ultrasonic messaging in mixed reality

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 WARNER BROS ENTERTAINMENT INC

AI summary

A method for receiving and processing sonic messaging by a mixed reality (xR) device from acoustic output of a media player playing content for a two-dimensional (2D) screen or projection surface, to coordinate the rendering and playing of an xR output in the xR device with the playing of the 2D content at the media player.