Voice Modem FSK Data Transmission for Low Baud Rate Security Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional off-the-shelf voice modems do not support low baud rates such as 110 or 300 baud, making it difficult for security equipment manufacturers to remotely administer security panels, as they require separate modems for high and low-speed communication, limiting compatibility and increasing costs for clients.

Innovation Solution

A software package that utilizes the voice recording and playback capabilities of standard voice modems to enable FSK data transmission and reception at low baud rates by generating and demodulating modulated FSK signals, allowing communication at both higher and lower baud rates than the modem was designed for.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a custom proprietary modem (MD-12) is created to support low baud rates (110/300 baud), then compatibility with security panels is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with security panelsVSAvoidmodem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a standard voice modem perform multiple functions by enabling it to operate at both low baud rates (110/300 baud) for legacy security panels and high baud rates for modern panels. The software package transforms the voice modem into a multi-functional device that can adapt to different communication requirements without requiring separate specialized modems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces software as an intermediary layer between the voice modem and the security panel. This software package acts as a mediator that converts voice modem capabilities into compatible data communication protocols, enabling the modem to communicate with both old and new security panels without hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate modems are purchased for high and low baud rate communication, then communication capability is improved, but cost and device quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidnumber of modems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single voice modem to perform the functions of multiple specialized modems by supporting both low baud rates (110/300 baud) for legacy panels and high baud rates for modern panels. The software package allows the modem to dynamically adapt its communication parameters, eliminating the need for clients to purchase and manage multiple different modem devices.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If standard voice modems are used for data communication, then cost is reduced, but data rate capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoiddata rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of standard voice modems by enabling them to operate at various baud rates through software control. The system can dynamically adjust communication speed parameters, allowing the modem to operate at high data rates when needed while maintaining compatibility with lower rate devices, thus preserving both cost-effectiveness and performance capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1927223B1FSK data communications using voice modem
Publication Date: 2014.11.26 TYCO SAFETY PRODS CANADA
  • EP1927223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1927223B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for transferring data over a communication link using a data rate and a voice modem not designed to provide communications at the data rate, includes generating, in a processor, a modulated FSK signal from an outgoing data stream. The voice modem, in playback mode, plays the modulated FSK signal over the communication link. The voice modem, in record mode, receives voice data from the communication link and sends the voice data to the processor, which demodulates any FSK signal that is present in the voice wave data to produce an incoming data stream.