Audio-Based Device Pairing for Guest Mode Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for associating a target device with a source device's credentials, such as those used in media playback systems, face challenges like energy consumption and security concerns, especially in guest mode access, and often rely on unnatural audio signals for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use audio recordings of media content items to identify and associate target devices with source device credentials, allowing seamless playback transfer while maintaining security and aesthetics, by employing audio fingerprinting and media delivery systems to manage account access in primary and guest modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If audio signals are used to transmit credentials between devices, then energy consumption is reduced and user experience is improved, but security concerns arise and authentication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backend server as an intermediary that verifies credentials obtained through audio transmission. The audio signal serves as a secure channel to transfer verification tokens to the backend, which then authenticates the target device. This mediator approach maintains security while enabling energy-efficient audio-based authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical authentication methods (keyboards, buttons, physical pairing) with acoustic wave-based credential transmission. Audio signals carry encoded verification tokens between devices, substituting physical interaction mechanisms with sound wave propagation for credential transfer.
2Reliability
If traditional pairing methods are used, then security is maintained, but energy consumption increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical pairing methods (button presses, keyboard entry, wireless setup protocols) with acoustic wave-based credential transmission. Audio signals efficiently carry verification tokens between devices, consuming significantly less energy while maintaining security through backend verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the audio playback device automatically transmits credentials and the target device automatically receives and processes them through the backend. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention in pairing processes, reducing energy consumption associated with maintaining active pairing interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If audio signals are used for data transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but the audio quality deteriorates due to robotic-sounding synthesized audio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the credential data from the audio signal itself, using the media content being played as the carrier. Instead of overlaying synthesized authentication tones on top of media playback, the system uses the existing audio content to convey verification information, preserving natural audio quality while enabling authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the media playback serve multiple functions: it provides entertainment/content delivery while simultaneously serving as the authentication credential carrier. The same audio signal that delivers media content also transmits verification tokens to the backend, eliminating the need for separate authentication audio streams.
Data Source
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AI summary
A process (400) of operating a target device in a primary mode, or in a guest mode, is disclosed. The target device (150) operates (410) in a primary mode (412) associated with a first account (414). Responsive to receiving a guest mode signal while operating in the primary mode (412), the target device (150) is caused to begin a process of entering a guest mode (422) associated with a second, different, account (424). The target device (150) operates (420) in the guest mode (422) until a reversion signal is received and, in response thereto, the target device (150) reverts (430) to the primary mode (412).