Orientation-Based Device Pairing via Rotation Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device pairing methods that minimize user interaction increase the likelihood of unwanted devices being paired, as they lack effective mechanisms to ensure correct pairing without manual verification.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize device orientation-based pairing, where devices are initially aligned at a predetermined offset and then rotated into a final aligned position to confirm pairing, using Bluetooth LE advertisement messages and context-aware circuitry to determine and exchange orientation information, ensuring secure and intuitive pairing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic pairing methods are used to minimize user interaction, then pairing efficiency is improved, but the risk of unwanted pairings increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing efficiencyVSAvoidpairing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having devices exchange orientation information before pairing is finalized. The first device determines its orientation and transmits this information to the second device, creating a preliminary verification step that occurs automatically before user confirmation is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Device orientation serves as an intermediary verification mechanism. Instead of directly pairing devices based solely on proximity or priority, the system uses orientation data as an intermediate check to confirm that the intended device is the one being paired with, thereby reducing unwanted pairings while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If user interaction is required to confirm device identity, then pairing accuracy is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service pairing by automatically performing orientation determination and information exchange between devices. The devices verify each other's identity through their own orientation data without requiring users to manually confirm device identities, making the process both accurate and convenient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices transmit orientation information to each other and use this feedback to automatically verify identity. This feedback loop provides the necessary verification for accurate pairing without requiring continuous user intervention, as the system self-corrects and confirms pairing based on orientation matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3434034B1Method and apparatus for orientation-based pairing of devices
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP3434034B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3434034B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3434034B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method and apparatus for pairing devices is provided herein. During operation, an initial orientation of the two devices is determined. If the initial orientation of the two devices match a predetermined orientation offset from each other, then after a period of time, the orientation of the devices is again determined. If a final orientation of the two devices match a second predetermined orientation offset (e.g., devices are aligned), and both devices have rotated, then the two devices are paired.