Proximity-Based Device Pairing Using Directional Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of pairing electronic devices is cumbersome, especially when multiple devices are in range, requiring users to manually select and confirm devices, which can be frustrating without knowing the correct device's identifier.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where electronic devices activate a pairing mode, determine the distance and direction to other devices using sensors like UWB, LIDAR, or signal strength, and present a graphical indication of direction and distance, allowing for automatic selection and pairing without user input of device identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual device identification and selection is used for pairing, then pairing can be completed with basic wireless connectivity, but user frustration increases and pairing time increases when multiple devices are in range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic device identification and selection based on proximity sensing, eliminating the need for manual user input. The electronic device autonomously determines which device to pair with by detecting the closest device via sensors (UWB, LIDAR, camera, or signal strength measurement), thereby resolving the contradiction by making the system self-serve the pairing function without requiring user interaction when multiple devices are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines the target device for pairing by measuring proximity and direction before the pairing process initiates. Sensors continuously monitor the environment to identify the closest device in advance, so when pairing is requested, the system already has the target device identified, reducing pairing time and eliminating manual selection steps.
2Reliability
If manual device identification is required, then pairing can work with simple wireless interfaces, but user error increases when device identifiers are unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (typing identifiers, scrolling through lists, pressing buttons) with automated sensing systems. Sensors (UWB radar, LIDAR, camera, or wireless signal strength measurement) automatically detect and identify the target device based on physical proximity and direction, eliminating user errors associated with unknown identifiers while keeping the interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary sensing mechanism between the user and the pairing process. Instead of directly interacting with device identifiers, the user activates pairing mode and the sensing system mediates by automatically identifying the closest device, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex user input interfaces.
3Productivity
If proximity-based automatic pairing is implemented, then pairing speed increases and user frustration decreases, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components in modern electronic devices. Sensors originally designed for other purposes (camera for photos, microphones for audio, processors for computing) are repurposed to perform proximity detection and device identification. This allows the system to achieve fast automatic pairing without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in existing wireless communication signals (signal strength, time of flight) to enable proximity detection. By analyzing variations in these parameters during normal wireless operation, the device can determine distance and direction to other devices without adding dedicated sensing hardware, thereby increasing pairing speed while minimizing complexity increases.
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
Streamlines the pairing process by visually indicating the closest device for pairing, reducing user frustration and errors, and enabling seamless connection without manual identifier selection.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, by the first wireless electronic device, the distance to the second wireless electronic device using a method selected from the group consisting of: ultra-wideband (UWB) radar; light detection and ranging (LIDAR); signal strength; and ultrasonic sound
Implementation Method 2
measuring, by the first wireless electronic device, the distance to the second wireless electronic device using a method selected from the group consisting of: ultra-wideband (UWB) radar; light detection and ranging (LIDAR); signal strength; and ultrasonic sound
Implementation Method 3
measuring, by the first wireless electronic device, the distance to the second wireless electronic device using a method selected from the group consisting of: ultra-wideband (UWB) radar; light detection and ranging (LIDAR); signal strength; and ultrasonic sound
Implementation Method 4
measuring, by the first wireless electronic device, the distance to the second wireless electronic device using a method selected from the group consisting of: ultra-wideband (UWB) radar; light detection and ranging (LIDAR); signal strength; and ultrasonic sound
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for establishing a link between two electronic devices are presented herein. A pairing mode may be activated to establish the link. A first electronic wireless device can determine that a distance to a second wireless electronic device meets a distance threshold criterion. In response to the pairing mode being activated and the distance to the second wireless electronic device meeting the distance threshold criterion, a graphic element, such as a glow effect, can be presented indicative of direction and distance to the second wireless electronic device.