Ultrasonic Device Positioning for Multi-Device Smart Home Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current one-finger connection technologies for intelligent home devices rely on ultra-wide band (UWB) modules, which are costly and not universally available, limiting the precision and accuracy of device control due to hardware constraints and interference from camera modules.
Innovation Solution
A communication method using ultrasonic signals to determine the position of intelligent devices by multiplexing existing loudspeakers and microphones in devices, enabling precise control without additional hardware and achieving communication with multiple devices through time division mode, thus avoiding the need for UWB modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB modules are used for one-finger connection technology, then positioning precision and control accuracy are improved, but device cost and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic UWB communication system with an acoustic ultrasonic signal system. Instead of using radio frequency UWB modules for positioning and communication, the invention uses ultrasonic waves transmitted through air to carry device identification and position information, which is then received and processed by the master device's microphone system. This substitution achieves comparable positioning precision while avoiding the need for expensive UWB hardware modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium for communication and positioning between devices. Rather than direct electromagnetic communication between UWB modules, the system uses ultrasonic sound waves as a carrier to transmit device information through the air medium, enabling indirect communication that achieves positioning functionality without requiring complex UWB hardware in each device.
2Measurement precision
If UWB modules are installed in each device, then communication precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ultrasonic communication system universal by using components (loudspeakers and microphones) that are already standard in most modern devices. Instead of requiring specialized UWB modules in each device, the system leverages existing universal audio components to achieve precise control and communication, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity and low device cost while enabling advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to use their own existing audio components (loudspeakers for transmission, microphones for reception) to perform the positioning and communication functions traditionally requiring separate UWB modules. Each device serves itself by utilizing its built-in audio hardware, eliminating the need for additional specialized components and reducing overall device cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time division mode is used for multiple device communication, then system capacity and device connectivity are improved, but communication time and detection cycles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where each slave device is assigned specific time slots for transmission within repeated detection cycles. The master device periodically initiates detection cycles, and slave devices respond in their designated time slots. This periodic structure enables multiple devices to communicate systematically, increasing system capacity while maintaining manageable detection cycle times through efficient time slot allocation and repetition.
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 approach lowers costs, enhances detection precision, and increases the universality of device control, allowing for more devices to be connected simultaneously while improving the overall capacity and efficiency of the communication system.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, in each time slot in the detection cycle, an ultrasonic sweep signal sent by the controlled device
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a first ultrasonic sweep signal received by a first microphone of the master device in the time slot and a second ultrasonic sweep signal received by a second microphone of the master device in the time slot
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications of electronic devices and provides a communication method, apparatus and system, and a storage medium. The communication method, performed by a master device, includes: determining (S310), according to the number of controlled devices and a preset time slot length, detection cycles and detection timing of various controlled devices in each detection cycle; receiving (S320), in each time slot in the detection cycle, an ultrasonic sweep signal sent by the controlled device; and determining (S330), according to the detection timing and the ultrasonic sweep signal, a detection result of the master device and each controlled device.