Method to use acoustic signals for computer communications

Abstract

A method of communicating with an electronic device, comprising:providing a computer having an audible sound receiving and generating sub-system including a microphone;transmitting from a source at least one ultrasonic acoustic signal, encoded with information to the computer; andreceiving said at least one signal by said microphone, to be detected by said computer. Preferably, the ultrasonic frequency used is below 50 kHz.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a 119(e) of U.S. provisional applications 60 / 115,231, filed Jan. 8, 1999 (attorney docket 100 / 00798), 60 / 122,687, filed Mar. 3, 1999 (attorney docket 100 / 00809), 60 / 143,220, filed Jul. 9, 1999 (attorney docket 100 / 01200), 60 / 145,342, filed Jul. 23, 1999 (attorney docket 100 / 01124) and an application titled “Card for Interaction with a Computer”, filed Sep. 14, 1999 and having attorney docket 100 / 01300. This application is also a continuation-in-part of PCT applications PCT / IL99 / 00470, filed Aug. 27, 1999 and PCT application PCT / IL99 / 00506, filed Sep. 16, 1999, both filed in the Israel receiving office by applicant Comsense Technologies Ltd. and designating the US. The disclosures of all of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to method of interaction with a computer and especially to methods that use acoustic signals for such communications.BACKGROUND OF T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention relates to a system that allows electronic devices to communicate with each other using acoustics, such as sound cards or smart cards. This eliminates the need for dedicated communication hardware and allows for communication with a wide range of electronic devices. The acoustic communication can be done through a microphone and speaker, and can use low ultrasonic or high auditory frequencies. The invention also provides a way for electronic devices to communicate using standard audio components and can be controlled through varying the amplitude of the acoustic waves. Overall, the invention provides a simple and efficient way to communicate between electronic devices."

Problems solved by technology

This is especially useful for electronic wallets and Internet commerce, where the cost of installing dedicated hardware may prevent wide acceptance of these commercial methods.

It should be noted that standard music cards are designed for music generation, and specifically for audible audio frequencies, such as between 20 Hz and 16 kHz, however, they have a limited reception and transmission ability in the near-ultrasonic (e.g., between 16 kHz and 50 kHz) and infrasonic (e.g., 0.01 Hz to 20 or 40 Hz) frequency ranges.

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