Codeless Media Device Pairing via Hotel Network Login
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospitality establishments face inconvenience as guests need to perform separate and unrelated login processes for Internet access and in-room media device pairing, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for users who want to access both services simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow mobile devices to pair with in-room media devices without requiring a connect code input, by querying a login database to associate the device with a guest area and selecting a media device for pairing, thereby enabling control and media sharing without a full login process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate login processes are used for Internet access and media device pairing, then security and authorization control are improved, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Internet access login process and media device pairing process into a single integrated authentication flow. When a guest logs in for Internet access, the system automatically uses the same credentials to pair their device with the media device, eliminating the need for separate login processes while maintaining security through centralized authorization control
Solution Approach 2:
The login portal serves multiple functions: it authenticates guests for Internet access and simultaneously handles media device pairing. The system uses the same authentication mechanism (room number and last name verification) for both services, making the system universal and reducing the burden on users
2Reliability
If manual connect code entry is required for device pairing, then device security and authorization are improved, but the complexity of user interactions and time required for pairing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication when the guest first logs in for Internet access, storing their authorization information. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual connect code entry later during device pairing, as the system already has the guest's authenticated credentials ready to be automatically applied
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles the pairing process using information already obtained during Internet access login. The guest doesn't need to manually provide connect codes or perform additional pairing actions - the system serves itself by automatically matching the authenticated device with the appropriate media device based on room location data
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate login processes are required, then service authorization control is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the authentication process into a single unified flow rather than separate processes. The login portal is divided into functional modules that handle both Internet access authorization and media device pairing using the same authentication logic, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatile service control
Data Source
AI summary
A media server is for enabling codeless pairing between a mobile device and a particular one of a plurality of media devices. The media server is communicatively coupled to the mobile device and the media devices via a computer network. The media server receives a request by a first media device to enter a codeless pairing mode, queries a database to determine whether any other of the media devices is currently in the codeless pairing mode—and, when yes, the media server transmits a busy message to the first media device, and, when no, the media server detects a media session initiated by the mobile device. Upon detecting the media session, the media server pairs the mobile device with the first media device and causes the first media device to play media content associated with the media session.