Patent Publication Number: US-2021175929-A1

Title: Data transmission between a user terminal and another apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of copending International Application No. PCT/EP2019/073067, filed Aug. 29, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and additionally claims priority from German Application No. 102018214716.7, filed Aug. 30, 2018, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. Further embodiments relate to a user terminal, another apparatus and a system comprising a user terminal and another apparatus. Some embodiments relate to a bidirectional configuration of a sensor node by a mobile phone. 
     Conventionally, user-configurable apparatuses, like IoT nodes (like sensor nodes), for example, or WLAN cameras, are configured via a wired connection. However, several electric contacts are entailed in this case both at the apparatus to be configured and the user terminal, like a mobile phone, employed for configuring the apparatus. 
     Alternatively, user-configurable apparatuses can be configured via a radio connection. However, dedicated transmission/reception elements are used here. 
     Furthermore, user-configurable apparatuses can be configured via an optical connection. However, both visual contact and dedicated optical components are used here. 
     Additionally, user-configurable apparatuses can be configured via an acoustic connection, as is, for example, usually done in smoke detectors. However, using an acoustic connection entails a microphone in the apparatus. 
     Additionally, user-configurable devices can be configured by means of magnetic coupling. Usually, NFC (near field communication) is employed here, which, however, means additional NFC elements in the apparatus. To aggravate the situation, not all user terminals support NFC. Currently available iPhones®, for example, are only able to read, but not write using NFC. 
     Furthermore, making use of the magnetic effect of loudspeakers is known. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 2,381,079 A describes a so-called telephone listening amplifier which makes use of the magnetic effect of loudspeakers. Here, the magnetic field of a loudspeaker is received, amplified and converted to an acoustic signal by another loudspeaker. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,769 A describes an apparatus allowing transmitting and receiving signals via a telephone line to at least one inductive element of the telephone apparatus by electromagnetic coupling. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,764,746 A describes a data coupler for coupling a data terminal to a telephone network with no direct conducting connection. Here, data signals from an induction coil are electromagnetically coupled into a loudspeaker of a telephone receiver. 
     Consequently, the object underlying the present invention is providing a concept which allows a cheap configuration of an apparatus easy to be performed by a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus may have the steps of: generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal, driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus; wherein the generated signal is generated by an audio signal generator of the user terminal; or wherein the generated signal is generated by an audio signal generator connected to the user terminal; wherein the data are configuration data for configuring the other apparatus; detecting the magnetic field by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus to receive the data; configuring the other apparatus based on the received data; wherein the data are first data, wherein the magnetic field is a first magnetic field, the method further having the steps of: producing a second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, the second magnetic field carrying second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal, and detecting the second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal to receive the second data. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for bidirectionally transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus may have the steps of: generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal, driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus, detecting, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal, wherein the electromagnetic oscillating circuit is connected to the user terminal via a bidirectional audio interface of the user terminal, or wherein the electromagnetic oscillating circuit is connected via a bidirectional audio interface of a wireless audio adapter connected to the user terminal. 
     Another embodiment may have a user terminal, wherein the user terminal is connected to an audio signal generator, wherein the user terminal is configured to drive the audio signal generator to generate a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus; wherein the user terminal is connected to an audio signal detector and configured to detect, by means of the audio signal detector, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal. 
     Another embodiment may have a system having: an inventive user terminal as mentioned above, and another apparatus, the other apparatus having an electromagnetic oscillating circuit configured to detect the first magnetic field which carries the first data. 
     According to another embodiment, an apparatus may have: a microcontroller, an electromagnetic oscillating circuit for detecting a first magnetic field and for producing a second magnetic field, wherein the microcontroller is configured to evaluate the first magnetic field detected by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit to receive first data which the first magnetic field carries, wherein the microcontroller is configured to generate a signal for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce the second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, the second magnetic field carrying second data, wherein the electromagnetic oscillating circuit is connected directly to comparator inputs/outputs of the microcontroller of the apparatus. 
     According to still another embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus may have the steps of: generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station, and driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus; wherein the data are configuration data for configuring the other apparatus; detecting the magnetic field by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus to receive the data; configuring the other apparatus based on the received data. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for bidirectionally transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus may have the steps of: generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station, driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus, detecting, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station. 
     Another embodiment may have a base station, wherein the base station has a signal generator, the signal generator being configured to generate a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus; wherein the base station has a signal detector, the signal detector being configured to detect, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station. 
     According to another embodiment, a system may have: an inventive base station as mentioned above, and another apparatus, wherein the other apparatus has an electromagnetic oscillating circuit configured to detect the first magnetic field which carries the first data. 
     Embodiments provide a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method comprises a step of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal. In addition, the method comprises a step of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus. 
     The present invention is based on the idea of using an electromagnetic oscillating circuit which is connected to the user terminal via an audio interface (for example of the user terminal or a wireless audio adapter wirelessly connected to the user terminal) to produce a magnetic field which carries the data (like configuration data for configuring the other apparatus, for example) to be transmitted to the other apparatus (like an IoT node or a WLAN camera). This offers the advantage that every standard user terminal, like mobile phone or tablet computer, for example, can be used. A cheap electromagnetic oscillating circuit which can be realized, for example, by means of an LC oscillating circuit and thus is cheaper by a multiple than conventionally used components, like dedicated radio elements, optical components, acoustic sensors or NFC modules, can be used in the other apparatus for detecting the magnetic field which carries the data. Optionally, the other apparatus can, for a bidirectional connection between the user terminal and the other apparatus, be configured to produce, by means of its electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a second magnetic field, which carries second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal, wherein the user terminal can detect the second magnetic field by means of its electromagnetic oscillating circuit to receive the second data. 
     In embodiments, the generated signal can be generated by an audio signal generator of the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the generated signal can be generated by an audio signal generator connected to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the generated signal can be in the frequency range between 10 Hz and 22 kHz. 
     In embodiments, the data can be modulated onto the generated signal. 
     In embodiments, the data can be configuration data for configuring the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be connected to the user terminal via an audio interface of the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be connected via an audio interface of a wireless audio adapter connected to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the audio interface can be a wired audio interface. 
     In embodiments, the wired audio interface can be a jack, an USB-C audio port or a Lightning audio port. 
     In embodiments, the wireless audio adapter can be a Bluetooth, WLAN or Certified Wireless USB audio adapter. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be an LC oscillating circuit. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal can be a mobile phone or tablet computer. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of detecting the magnetic field by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus to receive the data. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of configuring the other apparatus based on the received data. 
     In embodiments, the step of configuring the other apparatus can comprise a step of connecting the other apparatus to a communication network using the received data. 
     In embodiments, the steps of detecting and configuring can be performed by the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the other apparatus can be an IoT node or a WLAN camera. 
     In embodiments, the IoT node can be a sensor node or actuator node. 
     In embodiments, the data can be first data and the magnetic field can be a first magnetic field, wherein the method can additionally comprise a step of producing a second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, wherein the second magnetic field carries second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal, and wherein the method can additionally comprise a step of detecting the second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal to receive the second data. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of evaluating a signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit responsive to detecting the second magnetic field to receive the second data. 
     In embodiments, the signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be evaluated by the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the step of producing the second magnetic field can comprise a step of generating a second signal for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, and a step of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus by the generated second signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, the second magnetic field which carries the second data. 
     Further embodiments provide a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method comprises a step of detecting a magnetic field produced by the other apparatus, by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal to receive data which the magnetic field of the other apparatus carries. Additionally, the method comprises a step of evaluating a signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit response to detecting the magnetic field to receive the second data. 
     Further embodiments provide a method for bidirectionally transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method comprises a step of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal. Additionally, the method comprises a step of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus. Additionally, the method comprises a step of detecting a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of evaluating a signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit ( 126 ) responsive to detecting the second magnetic field ( 132 ) to receive the second data. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be connected to the user terminal via a bidirectional audio interface of the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be connected via a bidirectional audio interface of a wireless audio adapter connected to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of detecting the first magnetic field by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus to receive the first data. 
     In embodiments, the method can further comprise a step of producing the second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, wherein the second magnetic field carries the second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal. 
     Further embodiments provide a user terminal, the user terminal being connected to a signal generator, the user terminal being configured to drive the signal generator to generate a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal can comprise the audio signal generator. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal can be connected to a wireless audio adapter which comprises the audio signal generator. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal can be connected to an audio signal detector and can be configured to detect, by means of the audio signal detector, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal can comprise the audio signal detector. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal can be connected to a wireless audio adapter which comprises the audio signal detector. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be connected to the user terminal via an audio interface of the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be connected via an audio interface of a wireless audio adapter connected to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the audio interface can be a wired audio interface. 
     In embodiments, the wired audio interface can be a jack, an USB-C audio port or a Lightning audio port. 
     In embodiments, the wireless audio adapter can be a Bluetooth, WLAN or Certified Wireless USB audio adapter. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be an LC oscillating circuit. 
     Further embodiments provide a system comprising a user terminal in accordance with any of the embodiments described above, and another apparatus, the other apparatus comprising an electromagnetic oscillating circuit configured to detect the first magnetic field, which carries the first data. 
     In embodiments, the other apparatus can comprise a microcontroller configured to evaluate the detected first magnetic field to receive the first data. 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller of the other apparatus can be configured to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, a second magnetic field, which carries second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus can be connected directly to comparator inputs/outputs of the microcontroller of the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller of the other apparatus can be configured to put the comparator inputs/outputs to a defined level to detect the first magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller of the other apparatus can be configured to generate a signal for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, the second magnetic field, which carries the second data. 
     Further embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a microcontroller, an electromagnetic oscillating circuit for detecting a first magnetic field and for producing a second magnetic field, the microcontroller being configured to evaluate the first magnetic field detected by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit to receive first data which the first magnetic field carries, the microcontroller being configured to generate a signal for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce the second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, the second magnetic field carrying second data, wherein the electromagnetic oscillating circuit is connected directly to comparator inputs/outputs of the microcontroller of the apparatus. 
     Further embodiments provide a method for transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus. The method comprises a step of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station. The method additionally comprises a step of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the generated signal can be in the frequency range between 10 Hz and 22 kHz. 
     In embodiments, the data can be modulated onto the generated signal ( 124 ). 
     In embodiments, the data can be configuration data for configuring the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of detecting the magnetic field by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus to receive the data. 
     In embodiments, the method can additionally comprise a step of configuring the other apparatus based on the received data. 
     In embodiments, the step of configuring the other apparatus can comprise a step of connecting the other apparatus to a communication network using the received data. 
     In embodiments, the data can be first data and the magnetic field can be a first magnetic field, wherein the method can further comprise a step of producing a second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, wherein the second magnetic field carries second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station, and a step of detecting the second magnetic field by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station to receive the second data. 
     Further embodiments provide a method for bidirectionally transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus. The method comprises a step of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station. Additionally, the method comprises a step of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field, which carries first data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus. In addition, the method comprises a step of detecting, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station. 
     Further embodiments provide a base station, the base station comprising a signal generator, the signal generator being configured to generate a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit, and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the base station can comprise a signal detector, the signal detector being configured to detect a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station. 
     Further embodiments provide a system comprising a base station in accordance with any of the embodiments described above, and another apparatus, the other apparatus comprising an electromagnetic oscillating circuit configured to detect the first magnetic field which carries the first data. 
     In embodiments, the other apparatus can comprise a microcontroller configured to evaluate the detected first magnetic field ( 130 ) to receive the first data. 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller of the other apparatus can be configured to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the other apparatus, a second magnetic field, which carries second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in greater detail referring to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart of a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2 a    shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system comprising a user terminal and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2 b    shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system comprising a user terminal and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2 c    shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system comprising a user terminal and another apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system comprising a base station and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment;  FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a method for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method for bidirectionally transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a method for transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a method for bidirectionally transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, equal elements or elements of equal effect, in the figures, are provided with equal reference numerals so that the description thereof is mutually interchangeable. 
       FIG. 1  shows a flowchart of a method  100  for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method  100  comprises a step  102  of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal. Additionally, the method  100  comprises a step  104  of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus. 
     Embodiments of the method  100  for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1  will be discussed below in greater detail referring to  FIGS. 2 a    to  2   c.    
       FIG. 2 a    shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system  110  comprising a user terminal  120  and another apparatus  140 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
     The user terminal  120  comprises a signal generator  122 , the user terminal  120  (or a processor  121  of the user terminal  120 , for example) being configured to drive the signal generator  122  to generate a signal  124  for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit  124 , and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  by the generated signal  124  to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126 , a first magnetic field  130  which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal  120  to the other apparatus  140 . 
     In embodiments, the signal generator  122  can be an audio signal generator. Conventionally, such an audio signal generator  122  is configured to generate an audio signal for driving an audio reproduction apparatus (like headsets) connected to the user terminal  120 , wherein, in embodiments, instead of an audio reproduction apparatus, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  is driven by the signal  124  generated by the audio signal generator  122  to generate the magnetic field  130  which carries the data. The audio signal generator  122  can, for example, be an amplifier. 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  can be connected to the signal generator  122  via an audio interface  128 . The audio interface  128  can, for example, be a wired audio interface, like a jack, an USB-C® audio port or Lightning® audio port. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 a   , the user terminal  120  comprises the signal generator  122 . Alternatively, the signal generator  122  can also be implemented externally of the user terminal  120 . Exemplarily, the signal generator  122  can be implemented in a wireless audio adapter connected to the user terminal  120 , as is shown in  FIG. 2   b.    
     In detail,  FIG. 2 b    shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system  100  comprising a user terminal  120  and another apparatus  140 , wherein the user terminal  120  is connected to a wireless audio adapter  123  which comprises the signal generator  122 , wirelessly (like via corresponding radio interfaces  125 ,  125 ′ (like Bluetooth, WLAN, Certified Wireless USB)). 
     As can be recognized from  FIG. 2 b   , in this case, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  can be connected the signal generator  122  via an audio interface  128  of the wireless audio adapter  123 . The audio interface  128  can be a wired audio interface, like a jack, an USB-C® audio port or a Lightning® audio port, for example. 
     The wireless audio adapter  123  can, for example, be a Bluetooth, WLAN or Certified Wireless USB audio adapter. 
     Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below, which can be applied both to embodiments in which the user terminal  120  comprises a signal generator  122 , and to embodiments in which a wireless audio adapter  123  connected to the user terminal comprises the signal generator  122 . 
     In embodiments, the generated signal can be in a frequency range between 10 Hz and 22 kHz. 
     In embodiments, the data can be modulated onto the generated signal  124 , for example by means of FSK (frequency shift keying), MSK (minimum shift keying) or GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift keying). 
     Another type of modulation can of course also be used, like ASK (amplitude shift keying), PSK (phase shift keying) or OOK (on-off keying, a type of amplitude shift keying where the carrier is switched on and off). 
     In embodiments, the ratio between carrier frequency and modulation bandwidth of the generated signal can be smaller than 25% (or exemplarily smaller than 20% or smaller than 15%). 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be an LC oscillating circuit. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal  120  can be a mobile phone (smart phone) or tablet computer. 
     As can be recognized from  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , the other apparatus  140  comprises an electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  configured to detect the magnetic field  130  which carries the data. Additionally, the other apparatus  140  comprises a microcontroller  144  configured to evaluate the detected magnetic field  130  to receive the data. 
     In embodiments, the data which the magnetic field  130  carries can be configuration data. The microcontroller  144  can be configured to configure the other apparatus  140  based on the configuration data, like include the same in a wireless network, for example. 
     Exemplarily the other apparatus  140  can be a user-configurable apparatus, like an IoT (internet of things) node (like a sensor node or actuator node) or a WLAN camera, for example. In this case, the configuration data can comprise information for connecting the user-configurable apparatus  140  to a wireless network (like sensor network or WLAN, for example), like a network name and network key, for example. Of course, other parameters, like a frequency channel to be used, time slots to be used or a hopping pattern to be used, can be associated to the user-configurable apparatus  140  by the configuration data. 
     The arrangement shown in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    can also be used for bidirectionally transmitting data between the user terminal  120  and the other apparatus  140 , as will be discussed below referring the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2   c.    
     In detail,  FIG. 2 c    shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system  110  comprising a user terminal  120  and another apparatus  140 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
     The user terminal  122  (or the processor  121  of the user terminal  122 ) can be configured to generate a signal  124  for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  connected to the user terminal  120  by means of the signal generator  122 , and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126 , a first magnetic field  130  which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal  120  to the other apparatus  140 . 
     Additionally, the user terminal  122  (or the processor  121  of the user terminal  122 ) can be configured to detect, by means of a signal detector  127 , a signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  responsive to the second magnetic field  132  to receive second data, which the second magnetic field  130  carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus  140  to the user terminal  120 . 
     In embodiments, the user terminal  122  can additionally be configured to evaluate the detected signal to receive the second data. 
     In embodiments, the user terminal  122  can comprise both the signal generator  122  and the signal detector  127 . The electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  can thus be connected to the signal generator  122  and the signal detector  127  via the bidirectional audio interface  128  (for example audio output and audio input (microphone input)). The bidirectional audio interface  128  can be a wired audio interface, like a jack, an USB-C® audio port or Lightning® audio port. 
     In analogy to  FIG. 2 b   , it is of course also possible for both the signal generator  122  and the signal detector  127  to be implemented externally of the user terminal  120 . Thus, the wireless audio adapter (see  FIG. 2 b   ) can comprise the signal generator  122  and the signal detector  127 , wherein the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  in this case is connected to the signal generator  122  and the signal detector  127  via the bidirectional audio interface of the wireless audio adapter. The bidirectional audio interface  128  can be a wired audio interface, like a jack, an USB-C® audio port or Lightning® audio port. 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller of the other apparatus  140  can be configured to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140 , the second magnetic field  132  which carries the second data to be transmitted from the other apparatus  140  to the user terminal  120 . 
     Exemplarily, the microcontroller  144  of the other apparatus  140  can be configured to generate a signal for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140 , and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140  by the generated signal to produce the second magnetic field  132 , which carries the second data, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention thus provide a cheap and generally available method of configuring and reading out apparatuses, above all sensor nodes. In embodiments, only one or two oscillating circuits each are connected both on the mobile phone side and the sensor node side. 
     Nowadays, mobile phones are generally widespread as user terminals  120 . Combined microphone/loudspeaker connectors are, for example, incorporated in these mobile phones. The mobile phone  120  comprises an input and output amplifier having at least one input, one output and one ground connection. 
     In order to output an audio signal, the audio signal in the mobile phone  120  is passed to the amplifier  122  which in turn passes this signal  124  as an amplified signal to the audio interface  128 , for example, an audio connector. If, instead of a loudspeaker or headset, an oscillating circuit  126  is connected to the audio interface  128 , this oscillating circuit  126  produces a magnetic field  130  the temporal course of which is determined by the audio signal  124 . Sensor nodes  140  can be configured cheaply and in an energy-efficient manner by detecting or receiving this magnetic field  130  by a simple oscillating circuit  142  (for example, only one single coil and one capacitor). 
     If an oscillating circuit  126  is connected to the microphone input instead of a microphone, it can detect a time-variable magnetic field  132 . This allows a bidirectional connection to the sensor node  140  which, apart from configuring, also allows reading out parameters and confirming the configuration and a bidirectional key exchange. 
     Detailed embodiments of the present invention will be described below in greater detail. 
     1. Connecting an Oscillating Circuit to a Loudspeaker Output/Microphone Input of the User Terminal (in Combination and Individually) 
     In embodiments, an app (or application software) can be used on the user terminal  120  (like a mobile phone) to drive the audio output (for example loudspeaker output) (by means of the signal generator  122 , for example). A magnetic field  130  can be produced by an oscillating circuit  126  inserted at the audio output. The other apparatus  140  (like IoT node, like sensor node or actuator node, for example) can be provided with a magnetic detector  142 . Thus, it is, for example, possible to configure the other apparatus using the user terminal. 
     In embodiments, the audio output (loudspeaker output, for example) of a user terminal  120  (like mobile phone, for example) can be made use of to drive the oscillating circuit  126 . 
     In embodiments, the magnetic field  130  can be received by a magnetic detector (like LC oscillating circuit, for example) of the other apparatus  140  (like sensor node). 
     In embodiments, the data can be used for configuration in the other apparatus  140  (like sensor node, for example). 
     The embodiments described herein have the following advantages. User terminals are generally available (everybody has a mobile phone). Additionally, only a cheap magnetic detector (like only one coil and only one capacitor, for example) has to be provided on the side of the other apparatus. Additionally, the method is interference-proof (no sound). Additionally, the method is interception-proof since it works only over short distances (a few centimeters) (proximity to the other apparatus to be ensured). Additionally, the other apparatus (like sensor node) can be sealed/encapsulated in an air-tight manner. 
     2. Using Only a Single Oscillating Circuit For Bidirectional Communication by Reconfiguring the Microcontroller 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140  can be connected directly to comparator inputs/outputs of the microcontroller  144  of the other apparatus  142 . 
     In embodiments, the oscillating circuit  142  can be an LC oscillating circuit connected directly to a comparator input and an output of the microcontroller  144 . 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller  144  of the other apparatus  140  can be configured to put the comparator inputs to a defined level to detect the first magnetic field  130  by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140 . 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller output can be put to a defined level for receiving. 
     In embodiments, the microcontroller  142  of the other apparatus  140  can be configured to generate a signal for driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140 , and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus  140  by the generated signal to produce the second magnetic field  132 , which carries the second data, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  of the other apparatus. 
     In embodiments, the comparator input can be switched to be an output for transmitting. 
     3. Intercommunication Via Bluetooth 
     In embodiments, the audio signal to/from/to/from the oscillating circuit can be transmitted via Bluetooth. Thus, a separate module can simply be provided where the oscillating circuit/the oscillating circuits is/are connected to a headset, for example. 
     4. Using an Extendable Stick 
     In embodiments, the oscillating circuit can be mounted to an (extendable) stick, wherein the connection to the user terminal  120  can be made by cable or Bluetooth. 
     5. Configuration Interface in the Base Station 
     The communication interface can also be integrated in a base station by means of an oscillating circuit. Thus, new participants can be configured directly by holding them to the corresponding base station for operating the same, as is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In detail,  FIG. 3  shows a schematic block circuit diagram of a system comprising a base station  160  and another apparatus  140 , in accordance with an embodiment. 
     The base station  160  comprises a signal generator  122 , wherein the signal generator  120  (for example driven by the processor  121  of the base station  160 ) is configured to generate a signal  124  for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  of the base station  160 , and to drive the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  by the generated signal  124  to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126 , a first magnetic field  130  which carries first data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus  140 . 
     In embodiments, the generated signal can be in the frequency range between 10 Hz and 22 kHz. 
     In embodiments, the data can be modulated onto the generated signal  124 , for example by means of FSK (frequency shift keying), MSK (minimum shift keying), or GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift keying). A different type of modulation can of course also be used, like ASK (amplitude shift keying), PSK (phase shift keying) or OOK (on-off keying, a type of amplitude shift keying where the carrier is switched on and off). 
     In embodiments, the ratio between carrier frequency and modulation bandwidth of the generated signal can be smaller than 25% (or smaller than 20% or smaller than 15%, for example). 
     In embodiments, the electromagnetic oscillating circuit can be an LC oscillating circuit. 
     The other apparatus  140  can comprise an electromagnetic oscillating circuit  142  configured to detect the magnetic field  130  which carries the data. Additionally, the other apparatus  140  comprises a microcontroller  144  configured to evaluate the detected magnetic field  130  to receive the data. 
     In embodiments, the data which the magnetic field  130  carries can be configuration data. The microcontroller  144  can be configured to configure, for example, incorporate in a wireless network, the other apparatus  140  based on the configuration data. 
     Exemplarily, the other apparatus  140  can be a user-configurable apparatus, like an IoT (internet of things) node (like a sensor node or actuator node, for example) or a WLAN camera. In this case, the configuration data can comprise information for integrating the user-configurable apparatus  140  in a wireless network (like sensor network or WLAN, for example), like a network name and network key, for example. Of course, other parameters, like a frequency channel to be used, time slots to be used or a hopping pattern to be used, can be associated to the user-configurable apparatus  140  by the configuration data. 
     In embodiments, the base station (in analogy to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 c   , for example) can comprise a signal detector, the signal detector (for example driven by the processor  121  of the base station  160 ) being configured to detect a signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit  126  responsive to a second magnetic field to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus  140  to the base station  160 . 
     6. Further Embodiments 
       FIG. 4  shows a flow chart of a method  200  for transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method  200  comprises a step  202  of detecting, by an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal, a magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive data which the magnetic field of the other apparatus carries. Additionally, the method  200  comprises a step  204  of evaluating a signal provided by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit responsive to detecting the magnetic field to receive the second data. 
       FIG. 5  shows a flowchart of a method  300  for bidirectionally transmitting data between a user terminal and another apparatus. The method  300  comprises a step  302  of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal. Additionally, the method  300  comprises a step  304  of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the user terminal to the other apparatus. Additionally, the method  300  comprises a step  306  of detecting, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit connected to the user terminal, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the user terminal. 
       FIG. 6  shows a flowchart of a method  400  for transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus. The method  400  comprises a step  402  of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station. Additionally, the method  400  comprises a step  404  of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a magnetic field which carries data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus. 
       FIG. 7  shows a flowchart of a method  500  for bidirectionally transmitting data between a base station and another apparatus. The method  500  comprises a step  502  of generating a signal for driving an electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station. Additionally, the method  500  comprises a step  504  of driving the electromagnetic oscillating circuit by the generated signal to produce, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit, a first magnetic field which carries first data to be transmitted from the base station to the other apparatus. Additionally, the method  500  comprises a step  506  of detecting, by the electromagnetic oscillating circuit of the base station, a second magnetic field produced by the other apparatus to receive second data, which the second magnetic field carries, to be transmitted from the other apparatus to the base station. 
     Although some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, such that a block or device of an apparatus also corresponds to a respective method step or a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in the context of or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps may be executed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, like, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or several of the most important method steps may be executed by such an apparatus. 
     Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be performed using a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-Ray disc, a CD, an ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard drive or another magnetic or optical memory having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate or are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable. 
     Some embodiments according to the invention include a data carrier comprising electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system such that one of the methods described herein is performed. 
     Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, the program code being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. 
     The program code may, for example, be stored on a machine-readable carrier. 
     Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, wherein the computer program is stored on a machine-readable carrier. 
     In other words, an embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a computer program comprising a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer. 
     A further embodiment of the inventive methods is, therefore, a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) comprising, recorded thereon, the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data carrier, the digital storage medium or the computer-readable medium are typically tangible and/or non-volatile or non-transitory. 
     A further embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals may, for example, be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet. 
     A further embodiment comprises processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein. 
     A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. 
     A further embodiment according to the invention comprises an apparatus or a system configured to transfer a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The transmission can, for example, be performed electronically or optically. The receiver may, for example, be a computer, a mobile device, a memory device or the like. The apparatus or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver. 
     In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example a field-programmable gate array, FPGA) may be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor in order to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, in some embodiments, the methods are performed by any hardware apparatus. This can be universally applicable hardware, such as a computer processor (CPU), or hardware specific for the method, such as ASIC. 
     The apparatuses described herein can, for example, be implemented using a hardware apparatus, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware apparatus and a computer. 
     The apparatuses described herein, or any components of the apparatuses described herein, can be implemented, at least partly, in hardware and/or in software (computer program). 
     The methods described herein can, for example, be implemented using a hardware apparatus, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware apparatus and a computer. 
     The methods described herein, or any components of the methods described herein, can be executed, at least partly, by hardware and/or by software. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents which will be apparent to others skilled in the art and which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and compositions of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.