Media Device Pairing via Cross-Device Indication Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems, including VoIP and Smart TV integration, lack seamless interaction between devices in a shared environment, such as automatically detecting and responding to events like incoming calls without explicit user input.

Innovation Solution

A media device and user device system that uses pairing communication links to exchange information about experiences, with the media device detecting visual or audio indications from companion devices to present options for interacting with events, allowing automatic communication setup and operation modification based on user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional communication systems are used with separate devices, then users can conduct voice or video calls, but the interaction between devices is not seamless and requires explicit user input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseamless device interactionVSAvoidautomatic event detection and response

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing between media device and user device before actual communication events occur. The detection component is pre-configured to recognize specific indications (visual or audio) from the paired user device, enabling automatic response without requiring user input during the actual event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection component that acts as a mediator between the user device and the communication system. This component detects indications from the user device and triggers appropriate responses automatically, bridging the gap between manual operation and automated response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If the media device continuously monitors for indications from user devices, then automatic detection of communication events is enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic event detectionVSAvoidenergy consumption of detection component

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic sampling of the environment for specific indications. The detection component activates periodically to check for presence of paired user devices and their indications, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages existing resources on the user device (display, speaker) to generate detectable indications rather than requiring dedicated transmission infrastructure. The user device's own output components serve the dual purpose of user notification and device detection, reducing additional energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the media device provides full range of communication features, then high quality voice and video encoding is enabled, but the processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication features rangeVSAvoidprocessing power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication functionality between the media device and user device. The media device handles high-quality encoding and display functions, while the user device manages detection and initial communication setup. This division allows each device to operate within its processing capabilities while achieving overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless and automatic handling of communication events across devices, enhancing user experience by allowing effortless transfer of calls or other interactions between devices without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The indication is received using one or more of a camera (the indication comprising a visual indication)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 2

a microphone (the indication comprising an audio indication)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2995086B1Paired devices

Publication Date: 2023.01.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a media device. The media device comprises an output component configured to deliver an experience to a user. In addition, the media device comprises a pairing communication link for exchanging information about the experience with a paired user device, and a detection component configured to directly detect an indication received from the user device. The indication is received over an air interface other than the communication link. Further, the media device comprises a processing component for decoding the indication. It is configured to exchange information via the pairing communication link with the paired user device in response to decoding the indication, the information including information about an option. The processing component is further configured to detect selection of the option and modify operation of the media device to implement the selected option.