Wireless cross pairing solution on interconnect devices

Abstract

Systems and methods for pairing wireless peripherals with networked devices are described herein. Knowledge about the location of the networked devices can be used to correctly route or transmit audio to paired wireless peripherals regardless of whether the wireless peripherals are paired with the correct networked device, as long as they are networked with other potential devices. This can be achieved by prompting the user to select inputs based on audio challenges to determine which wireless peripherals should be mapped to which networked hosts.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 979074, filed February 20, 2020. This application and all other foreign material cited are incorporated herein by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in a cited reference is inconsistent with or contrary to the definition of a term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein shall be deemed to be controlling. Technical Field

[0002] The field of this invention is the pairing of devices and wireless peripherals. Background Technology

[0003] The following description includes information that may help in understanding the invention. No information provided herein is acknowledged to be prior art or related to the currently claimed invention, nor is any specific or implied reference to any publication acknowledged to be prior art.

[0004] In environments where many users simultaneously want to pair headphones or other wireless peripherals with audio sources or other networked devices (such as seatback displays in in-flight entertainment systems), ensuring each peripheral pairs with the desired audio source can be complex. For example, on an airplane, each seatback display may have a wireless transceiver to pair with peripherals belonging to the user seated in the corresponding seat. However, because headphones and other peripherals typically lack displays, they may be cross-paired with the wrong screen. Instead, pairing often relies on a matching name and identifier associated with the peripheral, which may not always be obvious or known to the user.

[0005] Use Bluetooth Pairing headphones (speakers or earphones) or other peripherals with an audio source typically involves initiating the pairing sequence by pressing the "Discover" button on the audio source and entering "Discover" mode. Next, the user needs to select a Bluetooth-enabled audio source from the list on the audio source. The peripheral device name or BT_ADDR (MAC address) is used. However, the conventions for BT_ADDR and peripheral device names are cryptic. For example, if people use peripherals from the same brand, the names and numbers can be similar. Once a selection is made, verification typically requires the user to enter a generic PIN, such as 0000 or 1234, along with the peripheral device, and then the connection is complete. These steps are useful when pairing operations are infrequent and the physical distance is long, as the number of devices to choose from is limited.

[0006] In a crowded airplane, vehicle, or room, where many users may be pairing peripherals simultaneously, this approach is impractical. The likelihood of cross-pairing (incorrect matching between audio sources and peripherals) is greatly increased due to common or unknown peripheral names, BT_ADDR, etc.

[0007] While others have attempted to address this problem, these solutions all have one or more drawbacks. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0029154 discusses using barcodes to assist in the pairing process. However, this concept has not been widely adopted in consumer devices and appears unsuitable for existing devices lacking scanners.

[0008] In another example described in U.S. Patent No. 7,831,207, the user is prompted to enter a challenge number or code to verify the connection. If an incorrect code is entered, device pairing is aborted. While such a process ensures that incorrect devices are not paired, it is inconvenient when pairing devices in a crowded space displaying many similar peripheral device names, and the user is unsure which one to select.

[0009] Other potential solutions are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0360350 and WIPO Publication No. 2016 / 168409, which discuss automatically pairing devices by using a user account to connect devices registered to that account in different ways.

[0010] Therefore, the above concepts are all designed to ensure proper pairing, but they cannot solve the problems that exist when connecting multiple devices in congested areas.

[0011] All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent that each individual publication or patent application is explicitly and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. If a definition or use of a term in the incorporated references is inconsistent with or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition provided herein shall apply, and the definition of that term in the references shall not apply.

[0012] Therefore, improvements are still needed in the process of pairing wireless devices with sources. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for simplifying the pairing of networked devices with wireless peripherals. The invention is applicable anywhere a user wishes to pair a wireless peripheral with limited interfaces with a networked device with abundant interfaces. Such systems and methods can be configured to operate in a variety of locations, including, for example, airplanes, buses, trains, cars, ferries and other vessels, as well as theaters, classrooms, theme parks, and other public spaces or buildings where multiple displays or other networked devices may be present and pairing of wireless headsets or other peripherals with networked devices may be necessary.

[0014] The subject of this invention seeks to solve the aforementioned problems by utilizing network abstraction of networked devices acting as audio sources and interrogation systems to match audio interrogations heard on a pair of headphones or other interrogations presented on different types of wireless peripheral devices with content displayed on the networked device, regardless of the physical pairing link.

[0015] The intended system and method described herein can advantageously allow two or more wireless peripheral devices to pair without knowing the identifiers of the peripheral devices. Therefore, each wireless peripheral device can pair with a unique source device (i.e., the network device) without knowing whether the pairing is ultimately correct. To achieve this, a software algorithm analyzes the received data to determine which networked devices and wireless peripheral devices should be paired. Although the following description references Bluetooth... While pairing protocols are supported, it is expected that issues may arise due to the large-scale pairing of devices and peripherals. Therefore, the system and methods can be equally applied to pairing devices and wireless peripherals via other wireless protocols.

[0016] Such data may include, for example, a prompt timing (e.g., pressing a "pair" button), the transmitter's signal strength, and the user-selected peripheral name or BT_ADDR. Therefore, the system and method described herein can best guess, for example, which headset or other wireless peripheral should be paired with which networked device on an aircraft. This is particularly advantageous on aircraft, where there may be hundreds of networked devices, all of which need to be paired with wireless peripherals during flight. Thus, the system and method can facilitate pairing between wireless peripherals and networked devices, simplifying the user's process.

[0017] After at least some networked devices are paired with the wireless peripheral, the system can be configured to extract audio and video, allowing the network to transmit audio associated with any networked device (e.g., a seatback display unit with a screen) to any wireless peripheral (e.g., headphones). Once paired, the system can query each user connection with a unique sequence of codes (shapes, numbers, etc.), which could be displayed on components of the networked device, such as the screen. Once the user responds to the query, the system can remap the audio transmission based on the received response, enabling the wireless peripheral to receive the correct audio from the networked device paired with it. In this way, even if the wireless peripheral is not paired with the correct networked device, it can still receive the correct audio transmission of the video presented on the networked device in front of the user (e.g., a seatback display unit).

[0018] As used herein, the terms “pairing” or “in pairing” are used to refer to the process of establishing a peer-to-peer wireless connection between a networked device and a wireless peripheral device, such as commonly used with Bluetooth. The process of establishing the protocol. As used herein, the term "match" refers to a pair of audio paths and is used to indicate that audio associated with a given network device is routed to a set of headphones (or other wireless peripherals) worn by the passenger. The passenger may pair with the transmitter of a networked device several rows away, but the audio link is only matched if the sound on the passenger's headphones represents activity on the networked device that the passenger intends to watch.

[0019] The subject matter of this invention, discussed herein, advantageously utilizes the intelligence and capabilities of networked systems to correctly route or transmit audio to paired wireless peripherals, regardless of whether the wireless peripherals are paired with the correct networked device. Many wireless transceivers act as audio sources that can communicate with each other, and audio can be mapped and synchronized to any network device from, for example, a server or another network device via wired and wireless network infrastructure.

[0020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein similar numbers denote similar components. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shows the audio challenge sent to the user after the initial pairing.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shows the user's response after receiving an audio challenge.

[0023] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the remapping of audio transmission based on user input is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the reconnection of wireless peripherals based on user input is shown.

[0025] Figure 5-6 Various flowcharts are shown for methods of determining the match between wireless peripherals and networking devices.

[0026] Figure 7 A time slot pairing diagram of networked devices and wireless peripherals is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following discussion, extensive reference will be made to servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems comprised of computing devices. It should be understood that the use of such terms is considered to refer to one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable tangible, non-transient medium. For example, a server may include one or more computers operating as web servers, database servers, or other types of computer servers to fulfill the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0028] The following discussion provides numerous exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of this invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the subject matter of this invention is considered to encompass all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the subject matter of this invention is also considered to encompass other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0029] exist Figure 1-3 The diagram shows three users / personnel, each with a display screen in front of them. This display screen is connected to a display unit configured to display content on the screen. Each display unit is a component of a networked device that can be communicatively coupled to server 130, as shown, and / or communicatively coupled to each other. Although a central server is shown, it is contemplated that the system and method described herein can be used without a central server. For example, the server used herein may be inherently self-organizing or mesh-like and resides on one or more networked devices.

[0030] As shown in the figure, Person X intends to pair earphone 101 with network device 100, Person Y intends to pair earphone 103 with network device 102, and Person Z intends to pair earphone 105 with network device 104.

[0031] Although headphones are shown and described below, any wireless peripheral device that requires pairing with a networked device may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] During pairing, each of the networked devices 100, 102, and 104 can be associated arbitrarily or by best guess with one of the headsets 101, 103, and 105. In some embodiments, a user can initiate pairing from the display of the networked device in front of them. The user can select what they deem the correct headset or other wireless peripheral, or the wireless peripheral can be paired arbitrarily, or by best guess based on available data (e.g., passenger headset selection, pairing time, signal strength). Incorrect pairing between the networked device and the headset or other wireless peripheral is expected because initial pairing may occur without any initial determination of whether the pairing is correct. Figure 1 As shown, the pairings of person X and person Z are swapped (e.g., an unexpected match), with earphone 101 paired with network device 104 and earphone 105 paired with network device 100. Earphone 103 is correctly paired with network device 102 (e.g., an expected match).

[0033] Once the initial pairing is complete, the audio transmission can be remapped using one or more of the methods described below.

[0034] At this point, server 130 does not know which networked device is paired with which user's headset. To determine this, server 130 can send commands to each networked device 100, 102, and 104 via wired or wireless network to present an input request, such as... Figure 1 The symbols “XYZ” are shown. Although each of the networked devices 100, 102, and 104 is displayed as showing the same input request, it is expected that a particular request can vary among one or more of the networked devices 100, 102, and 104. Furthermore, although letters are displayed, it is expected that any combination can be displayed as long as it prompts the user to select from the shown objects, symbols, colors, or other objects. In some embodiments, a single object pointing in a different direction, such as an arrow, may be shown. In other embodiments, it is expected that the user can be prompted to enter something according to the request, which could be drawing letters or numbers, swiping in a specific direction, etc.

[0035] Next, the user can receive one or more audio challenges. Audio challenges are expected to include unique challenges between users. Figure 1 As shown, user X receives the audio challenge "Press Z" from headset 101 via audio path 110, user Y receives the audio challenge "Press Y" from headset 103 via audio path 112, and user Z receives the audio challenge "Press X" from headset 105 via audio path 114. However, if there are many users, it is expected that some users can receive the same audio challenge. However, in this case, the timing of the challenge can be changed to help the system determine which networked device and user's wireless peripheral should be paired and / or can be determined based on signal strength and other factors.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, users respond to audio queries by inputting selections via a touchscreen or other inputs on a networked device in front of them. For example, person X inputs "Z", person Y inputs "Y", and person Z inputs "X".

[0037] Users provide feedback to server 130 regarding these inputs from their respective networked devices, which allows server 130 or other components of the networked devices (including, but not limited to, networked devices 100, 102, and 104) to associate each user with the networked device associated with the user's seat. Where one or more networked devices include server 130, the input is intended to allow the networked device acting as a server to associate each user with the networked device associated with their seat. Therefore, depending on the number of networked devices and the network architecture, the system is expected to have multiple servers for associating each user with the networked device associated with the user's seat.

[0038] It is anticipated that multiple audio challenges can be used as needed to further eliminate conflicts until all active headphones or other wireless peripherals and networked devices match at an acceptable level of confidence.

[0039] To achieve this, each user's audio can continue to be transmitted from the network device initially paired with the user, but the content is synchronized with the user's local network device (e.g., the network device set up in front of the user) via server 130. For example, Figure 3 This describes how network device 100 sends audio to headset 105 for person Z, and how the content on display 104 is synchronized with the audio sent from network device 100. Similarly, network device 104 can send audio to headset 101 for person X. Therefore, persons X and Z continue to receive audio transmissions from networked devices independent of their seats (remote sources), but the content is synchronized over the network to the users' local networked devices. Although Figure 3 This demonstrates that network audio can be wirelessly transmitted from server 130 to a specific networked device, but wired connections can also be considered.

[0040] Users may not realize they aren't directly connected to the screen; they simply follow the instructions during installation, and audio is matched when installation is complete. Advantageously, users don't need to know details of their peripheral devices, such as the wireless peripheral name, BT_ADDR, or pin. Instead, users only need to select the correct entry when the audio challenge request is made.

[0041] Alternatively, audio can be remapped so that local networked devices deliver audio to the user in the optimal configuration. For example, such as... Figure 4As shown, server 130 can remap audio based on user input. Therefore, for example, since person X inputs "Z" in network device 100, server 130 determines that headset 101 is paired with an incorrect network device and, in this example, a possible network device 104, as an unexpected match. Similarly, since person Z inputs "X" in network device 104, server 130 determines that headset 105 is paired with an incorrect network device and, in this example, a possible network device 100, as an unexpected match. Server 130 will also determine that headset 103 can be paired with the expected match of network device 102 based on person Y inputting "Y" in network device 102.

[0042] Server 130 can then intelligently reconnect the wireless pairings between the networked devices and the wireless peripherals. In this example, once server 130 determines which headset should be associated with which networked device, server 130 can remap the audio transmission from networked device 100 to person X, and the audio transmission from networked device 104 to person Z. This can be achieved by server 130 delinking the wireless connection and then reconnecting the wireless peripheral to pair with one of the networked devices based on the shortest distance (e.g., the nearest networked device). Therefore, persons X and Z will no longer receive audio transmissions from networked devices that are not positioned in front of them.

[0043] Server 130 can utilize various methods, including those discussed above, to determine which headset or other wireless peripheral should link to which networked device. For example, using intelligent reconnection, server 130 knows the identifier of each headset and the MAC address or other identifier of each device. Server 130 can remove and re-establish wireless links to optimize minimum RF distance. Server 130 can then prompt the user with another challenge using one or more audio challenges. Using user input, a pairing can be determined for each headset. If a pairing for a particular headset is not determined, wireless pairing / linking can be canceled so that the headset or other wireless peripheral is free to pair with other devices, such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0044] After identifying the correct pairing, server 130 may optionally optimize the link between the networked device and the wireless peripheral device by rerouting the connection to achieve optimal performance or handle user movement allowed by the wireless protocol. Such rerouting can occur to reduce interference between peripheral devices or interference caused by hardware issues. If automatic switching is not supported (e.g., Bluetooth), The protocol requires pressing the pairing button to put the external device into discovery mode. It is expected that one or more users can receive audio messages and press the pairing button to allow for the necessary rerouting. It is also expected that one or more networked devices will support multiple scenarios with the same or different audio from headphones 101, 103, 105, etc.

[0045] Therefore, as described above, the systems and methods described herein advantageously allow cross-pairing between network devices and wireless peripherals for later fixation via remapping or relinking of the network device with the wireless peripheral (such as headphones). In this way, any pairing can be initially allowed, even incorrect or unintentional pairings. The user can then pair their wireless peripheral with the network device via a challenge step. In the worst case, the user may respond incorrectly to the audio challenge. This can lead to incorrect audio feeds / transmissions, requiring the user to restart the challenge process. This is a similar penalty to conventional pairing; however, the subject matter of this invention can significantly reduce incorrect pairings compared to conventional headphone pairing techniques.

[0046] The above and Figure 1-4 The examples given are simplified to illustrate the application of the system and method in cases of mispairing, where each pairing involves a networked device that unexpectedly pairs with a wireless peripheral device, while another networked device is the intended pairing with that wireless peripheral device. However, the concept of the invention is not limited to pairing networked devices and wireless peripheral devices, but can be extended to any number of mispairings within the transceiver and control network scope. The system and method are also not limited to pairing displays and headsets within an aircraft. For example, the system and method can be used with different networked devices, such as audio hubs or wireless speakers detached from the display. They can also be used with VR headsets, Wi-Fi connections, and to pair a user's device (such as a tablet or smartphone) with in-flight entertainment equipment (such as equipment deployed on an aircraft). Of course, the system and method can be used in any vehicle or other situation where cross-pairing may occur.

[0047] Figure 5 An embodiment of the method used in the above system is illustrated. As shown in the figure, there are three wireless peripheral devices, each paired with a specific network device. After initial pairing, an audio challenge can be transmitted to each wireless peripheral device. Upon receiving the audio challenge, each user can input a response, preferably into one of the networked devices.

[0048] Based on the responses received from each user, the confidence value of one or more networked devices can be increased. It is anticipated that the confidence value can be generated based on whether the user's response equals the expected response, the distance between the wireless peripheral device and one or more networked devices, signal quality, and other factors. Therefore, if person X receives an audio challenge with the input "X" and inputs "X" in return, the confidence value of networked device X can increase. Similarly, if person X inputs "Y" or "Z", the confidence value of networked device Y or networked device Z can be increased, respectively.

[0049] Upon receiving user input, the system checks if the confidence value of each pair exceeds a threshold. If so, the system determines it's a match. If not, the system anticipates it may send another audio challenge to one or more of the user's wireless peripherals until the confidence value exceeds the threshold, or the system may abandon the initial pairing. The expected confidence threshold can be determined by weighing factors such as user experience, various challenges, and / or matching accuracy. Higher confidence thresholds typically require more challenges, although the rewards gradually decrease.

[0050] Similarly, Figure 5 Another embodiment of the method used in the above system is illustrated, but with any number of networked devices and wireless peripherals. Initially, one or more pairs (n pairs) of networked devices and wireless peripherals can be created, where n>=1, and the upper limit is limited only by system resources.

[0051] After initial pairing, an audio challenge can be transmitted to each wireless peripheral device. Upon receiving the audio challenge, each user can input a response.

[0052] Based on the responses received from each user, the confidence values ​​of one or more networked devices can be increased. Therefore, if person X receives an audio challenge to input "X" and inputs "X", the confidence value of networked device X can be increased. Similarly, if person X inputs "Y" or "Z", the confidence values ​​of networked device Y or networked device Z can be increased, respectively.

[0053] Upon receiving user input, the system checks if the confidence value of each pair exceeds a threshold. If so, the system determines a match. If the confidence value of each pair does not exceed the threshold, the system can send another audio challenge to one or more users until the confidence value exceeds the threshold, or determine that no match has been found and discard any link between the wireless peripheral and the networked device.

[0054] In this way, the above system and method allow audio to be routed to any networked device, since the system is networked. Therefore, it doesn't matter from which network device the audio is physically transmitted, as long as the user's wireless headset or other wireless peripheral receives the correct transmission that matches the content displayed on their monitor (network device). Many of the embodiments below are optional uses and / or combinations to generate matching strategies with as few audio challenges as possible.

[0055] Figure 7A time-slot method is described, where time slots are used to allow pairing on some networked devices but not on others. For example, server 230 can be used to organize and allocate specific time slots for pairing of wireless peripheral devices, thereby preventing other devices from pairing simultaneously. As shown, server 230 sends a command to allow wireless peripheral device 203 of person Y to pair with networked device 204. Similarly, server 230 can send a command to prevent wireless peripheral devices 201 and 205 from pairing during this time slot.

[0056] This method advantageously limits the number of simultaneous pairings by preventing wireless peripherals from initiating simultaneous pairing operations. Of course, if the number of peripherals to be paired is larger or the space occupied by the peripherals is larger (e.g., interference between devices and peripherals is unlikely, or there is a measurable difference in signal strength between devices that are allowed to pair), it can be expected that multiple sets of networked devices / wireless peripherals can be paired in a single time slot. However, this method cannot completely prevent cross-pairing or incorrect pairing, as users may still enter incorrect information, or nearby users may activate their headsets or other wireless peripherals, establishing incorrect pairings or accidental pairings. Further, this method is expected to be used to supplement the above regarding... Figure 1-4 The system and method described herein. For Figure 7 The remaining numbers in the table, for those with Figure 1 The same considerations apply to similar components with similar numbers in the same context.

[0057] In other embodiments, initial pairing of networked devices and wireless peripherals can be performed using best guessing based on signal strength and timing (e.g., when input is received in response to an audio challenge). This approach reduces the number of incorrect pairings by proactively determining possible pairings between wireless peripherals and networked devices. In the embodiments described above, this can be used to optimize signal quality and narrow down the challenge group.

[0058] In another embodiment, the user can select their preferred language on the networked device, or a default language group can be pre-configured based on flight demographics known to the server before attempting to pair audio. In a multilingual scenario, the challenge command can simply be repeated in all languages ​​configured for actively pairing network devices and wireless peripherals.

[0059] In such an implementation, it is expected that the challenge questions may vary depending on the language to aid the matching process. For example, in Spanish, the user might be asked to press the red button or a specific letter, while in English, the same person might be asked to press the green button or another letter. However, the scripting of the instructions should take into account that some users may be multilingual.

[0060] Time and language can also be used to improve match credibility or speed up audio prompts. If a user consistently responds to German instructions in a multilingual set, they are likely a German speaker and have probably selected German as the language used on their display. If additional questions are required, or if German prompts can be presented first, the user will no longer need prompts in other languages.

[0061] It is also anticipated that a blanking time can be implemented at the start, during which pairing will not occur automatically, allowing users time to manually pair their wireless peripherals. This algorithm can be selectively implemented if a wireless peripheral or networked device is detected to be in pairing mode.

[0062] In aircraft or other vehicle applications, or in other situations where the user's seating location may be known or the user has an account known to the server or other system components, it is anticipated that historical peripheral connectivity data can be used to simplify initial pairing. Once a user has paired a wireless peripheral device and matched it with a networked device in the system, the system can remember that wireless peripheral device and associate it with the user for future pairing. In such embodiments, verification steps may still be necessary, for example, some users may switch wireless peripheral devices or seats, so the information stored in the system may be inaccurate.

[0063] Similarly, it is conceivable that users can use an application on their smartphone or other portable computing device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, etc.) to connect to the server or other components of the system. This application is expected to have information about the user's wireless peripheral device. For example, if the user's portable computing device connects to the server via a wireless network, the server could request the user to confirm their seat or other location. The server could then initiate pairing with the user's wireless peripheral device and networked devices at the user's location. This approach can complement, but not replace, the systems and methods described above, to further reduce the total number of pairings required.

[0064] In another embodiment, once a wireless peripheral device is linked to the system and its location is known, the system can provide automatic or manual prompts to alert the user to re-pair when the current link is suboptimal. This would allow for changes to the audio source antenna or RF channel, which could improve poor connections. For current Bluetooth... The protocol will require the client to press the "Discover" button.

[0065] Once a networked device and a wireless peripheral are paired, the server is expected to provide the ability to switch wireless peripheral pairings. For example, if a user wishes to move to a different seat or other location, the server can be prompted, and the user's wireless peripheral can then re-pair with the networked device at the new location. It is important to note that the systems and methods described herein do not necessarily prevent multiple wireless peripherals from pairing with a single networked device. Potential limitations will depend on the wireless protocol. For example, when using Bluetooth... In applications using this protocol, the number of wireless peripherals paired with a single device is typically limited to one or two peripherals (i.e., Bluetooth). 5.0).

[0066] Further anticipation is that during the pairing process, the server can automatically connect to wireless peripherals that do not prompt for PIN input and / or attempt standard PIN codes such as 0000, 1111, 1234, etc. If some wireless peripherals fail to pair automatically, part of the challenge prompt may request the user to enter a PIN, assuming a user with a unique PIN will enter it into one of the networked devices. A unique PIN response can be considered a correct challenge response and is used to generate confidence for a match.

[0067] It can also be anticipated that, for wireless peripherals equipped with microphones, the system can transmit audio or ultrasound from one or more networked devices, which can then be picked up by the microphones of the wireless peripherals. This helps confirm that a particular wireless peripheral is connected. Similarly, microphones on networked devices can listen for audio from nearby wireless peripherals, provided the audio is loud enough to be detected by the microphone. Since the system is the audio source transmitting to the wireless peripherals, matching can be performed when the microphone detects the expected audio.

[0068] Finally, if the wireless peripheral includes a camera or light-sensitive device (such as smart glasses made by Google and other companies), the connected device can identify itself to the peripheral through visual means such as barcodes, text, colors, images, flashing, etc.

[0069] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (where two mutually coupled elements are in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, “coupled to” and “coupled to” are synonyms.

[0070] In some embodiments, the figures used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention representing the quantity and properties of components (such as concentration, reaction conditions, etc.) should be understood to be modified in some cases by the term "approximately". Therefore, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired characteristics sought to be obtained in a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should be interpreted according to the number of significant figures reported and by applying common rounding techniques. Although the numerical ranges and parameters illustrating a broad range of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the values ​​set forth in specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. The values ​​presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain some errors, which necessarily arise from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements.

[0071] Unless the context otherwise requires, all scopes described herein should be interpreted as including their endpoints, while open scopes should be interpreted as including only business-useful values. Similarly, all lists of values ​​should be considered to include intermediate values ​​unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0072] As used in this description and in all subsequent claims, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Furthermore, as used in this description, “in” includes both “in” and “on” unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0073] The descriptions of numerical ranges in this document are intended only as a shorthand way of referring to each individual value falling within that range. Unless otherwise stated herein, each individual value having a range is incorporated into this specification as if it were described separately herein. Unless otherwise stated herein or the context clearly contradicts this, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein with respect to certain embodiments is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0074] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. For convenience and / or patentability reasons, one or more members of a group may be included in or removed from that group. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, this specification is deemed to include the modified group to satisfy the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that further modifications are possible beyond those already described without departing from the inventive concept described herein. Therefore, the subject matter of the invention is not limited except in the spirit of the appended claims. Furthermore, in interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprising" and "including" should be interpreted as referring to an element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced element, component, or step may be present, used, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not explicitly referenced. Wherein the specification claims refer to at least one selected from A, B, C… The text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A method for pairing a networked device with a wireless peripheral device, comprising: Receive initial information about a group of two or more networked devices, each networked device being configured to send audio to one or more connected peripheral devices; Receive second information about a group of two or more wireless peripheral devices; The received first and second information are analyzed to determine which networked device in the group should be associated with which wireless peripheral device; Generate an initial pairing, with each pairing between a networked device and a wireless peripheral device; Send a unique audio challenge to each of the group of wireless peripheral devices; Receive one or more inputs via this group of networked devices; Based on the received input, a set of suggested pairings is generated between one of the networked devices and one of the wireless peripheral devices, and a confidence value is associated with each suggested pairing; The pairing recommendation is based on the timing of input received via the group of networked devices, the signal strength of the networked devices at the wireless peripherals, and the initial service set identifier (SSID) selected by the user via the connected networked devices; and If the confidence value of the proposed pairing exceeds a threshold, the wireless peripheral device is associated with the paired network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each networked device is communicatively coupled to each other.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pairing of the wireless peripheral device with the paired networked device uses Bluetooth. ® protocol.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial pairing is based on the signal strength of the networked device and the initial service set identifier (SSID) selected by the user via the connected networked device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the suggested pairings includes an incorrect pairing, wherein the suggested pairing includes a networked device that is not intended to be paired with the wireless peripheral device, while the other networked device is intended to be paired.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: The step of associating the wireless peripheral device with the networked device includes determining a match between the wireless peripheral device and one or more networked devices; and For incorrect pairing, the system synchronizes audio transmissions from the incorrectly paired networked device with those from the intended paired networked device of the wireless peripheral device; and Based on the synchronization, audio transmissions from the incorrectly paired networked device are mapped to the incorrectly paired wireless peripheral device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of associating the wireless peripheral device with the networked device includes delinking and re-pairing the first wireless peripheral device of the group and the first networked device of the group.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of associating the wireless peripheral device with the networked device includes determining the location of the wireless peripheral device relative to one or more networked devices.

9. A system for pairing network devices with wireless peripheral devices, comprising: Servers, including processors and memory; Multiple networked devices communicatively coupled to the server via wired or wireless networks, wherein the memory stores the approximate location of each networked device, and wherein each of the multiple networked devices is configured to wirelessly transmit audio; The server receives information about a set of wireless peripheral devices, each of which is configured to receive audio. The server analyzes the received information about the group of wireless peripheral devices to generate an initial pairing between one of the plurality of networked devices and the wireless peripheral device. The server is configured to send an audio challenge to each of the wireless peripheral devices via a wireless connection between each of the wireless peripheral devices and each of the plurality of networked devices. The server receives a set of inputs via one or more of the plurality of networked devices in response to the audio challenge; The server analyzes the input and generates a set of suggested pairings between one of the plurality of networked devices and one of the wireless peripheral devices, wherein each suggested pairing includes a confidence value; For each suggested pairing, if the confidence value of the suggested pairing exceeds a threshold, the server associates the wireless peripheral device with the networked device. For each proposed pairing, if the confidence value of the proposed pairing is less than a threshold, the server causes a second audio challenge to be sent to the wireless peripheral device. The server, in response to the second audio challenge, receives a set of second inputs via one or more of the plurality of networked devices; The server analyzes the second set of inputs and adjusts the confidence value of each of the second set of suggested pairings. For each of the second set of suggested pairings, if the corrected confidence value of the suggested pairing exceeds a threshold, the server associates the wireless peripheral device with the networked device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the associated wireless peripheral device and network device are capable of using Bluetooth. ® Protocol pairing.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the initial pairing is based on the signal strength of the networked device and the initial peripheral device name or BT_ADDR selected by the user via the connected networked device.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the proposed pairing is based on timing of input received via the group of networked devices, the signal strength of the networked devices at the wireless peripheral device, and the initial peripheral device name or BT_ADDR selected by the user via the connected networked device.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the suggested pairings includes a mispairing, the mispairing including a network device among the plurality of networked devices that is not intended to match the wireless peripheral device, and the other network device among the plurality of networked devices is an intended match.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising: The server is also configured to determine a match with each of the wireless peripheral devices relative to one or more of the plurality of networked devices; and In the event of an incorrect pairing, the processor is configured to: (i) synchronize audio transmissions from the incorrectly paired networked device with those from a networked device intended to be paired with the wireless peripheral device; and (ii) map audio transmissions from the incorrectly paired networked device to the incorrectly paired wireless peripheral device based on the synchronization.

15. The system of claim 13, further comprising: The server is also configured to determine the location of each of the wireless peripheral devices relative to one or more of the plurality of networked devices; and In the event of an incorrect pairing, the processor is configured to: (i) disconnect the wireless peripheral device from the incorrectly paired network device; and (ii) pair the wireless peripheral device with a network device located closer to the wireless peripheral device.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the step of associating the wireless peripheral device with the networked device includes determining the location of the wireless peripheral device relative to one or more of the plurality of networked devices.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein one of the plurality of networked devices includes a server.

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