Zero-Configuration Conference Pairing via Local Audio Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a local wireless connection between a user device and a conference device for control without manual configuration is challenging due to security and privacy regulations, and existing methods require technical expertise and are complicated by device proximity and supported wireless technologies.
Innovation Solution
A zero-configuration pairing method that enables direct local connectivity between user and conference devices using automated pairing, encoding network addresses as changing pairing codes, and utilizing short-range wireless technologies to simplify the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized server is used to remotely connect and pair the user device to the conference device, then the pairing process is simplified, but security and privacy regulations are violated due to transfer of network addressing and confidential data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audible signal (sound waves) as an intermediary carrier to transfer pairing information from the conference device to the user device. This intermediary method allows data transfer without direct network communication, thereby maintaining security requirements while enabling automated pairing. The sound signal acts as a temporary medium that bridges the two devices without involving the centralized server in data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electronic/network-based pairing mechanism with an acoustic mechanism. Instead of using network protocols to exchange pairing information, the system uses audible signals (sound waves) to transmit the same information. This substitution eliminates the security vulnerability of network data transfer while achieving the same pairing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual configuration procedure is used to establish local wireless connection, then security and privacy regulations are satisfied, but the process becomes lengthy and requires technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The conference device automatically generates and broadcasts an audible pairing signal containing the necessary connection information before the user device needs to connect. This preliminary preparation of pairing data eliminates the need for users to manually configure connection parameters, reducing configuration time while maintaining security through local-only data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated pairing where the conference device self-provides the pairing information through audible signals, and the user device automatically processes this information to establish connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual configuration steps while maintaining security compliance, as the devices autonomously complete the pairing process without human intervention or server involvement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user device connects to different conference devices or comes in and out of range, then versatility is improved, but the pairing process becomes complicated and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pairing approach where the conference device continuously broadcasts audible pairing signals and the user device can dynamically discover and connect to available conference devices. This dynamic mechanism allows users to move in and out of range or switch between devices without breaking the fundamental pairing process, as each device independently maintains its pairing signal broadcast capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conference device periodically broadcasts the pairing information through audible signals at regular intervals. This periodic transmission ensures that even if a user device moves in and out of range or connects to different devices, it can reliably receive the pairing information during each broadcast cycle, maintaining pairing reliability across varying connectivity conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a localized conference system and associated methods for performing a zero-configuration pairing of a first device and a second device. The pairing causes the first device to receive pairing codes that are transmitted from different devices in a wireless range of the first device. The pairing causes the first device to receive alphanumeric characters that are unique to a particular pairing code and that include less than all of the alphanumeric characters of the particular pairing code. The pairing causes the first device to decode a network address of the second device from the particular pairing code, and to establish a network connection with the second device using the network address that is decoded from the particular pairing code. The pairing causes the first device to remotely control the second device or a conference streaming through the second device with messaging passed through the network connection.