Remote Control Pairing Using Ambient Audio Fingerprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pairing a wireless remote control with the correct controllable computing device can be challenging when multiple devices receive the pairing request due to ambient sound differences at different locations.
Innovation Solution
The system uses ambient sounds to determine proximity between a remote control and a controllable device by recording and comparing audio fingerprints, allowing devices to coordinate and select the appropriate device for pairing through matching thresholds and user interface selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless remote control sends a pairing announcement to multiple controllable devices, then the remote control can potentially pair with any device in range, but it becomes ambiguous which device should be paired when multiple devices receive the request
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ambient audio recordings as an intermediary to mediate the pairing process. Each device records ambient audio during a coordinated time window, and these recordings serve as unique identifiers that resolve the ambiguity of which device should be paired. The audio fingerprint acts as a mediator between the remote control and controllable devices, providing a natural way to identify proximity without requiring complex protocol changes.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses audio fingerprinting to determine device proximity, then pairing accuracy improves, but the complexity of the pairing process increases due to additional coordination and comparison steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where each device independently records ambient audio and generates its own audio fingerprint during the pairing process. The devices autonomously compare their recorded audio samples with the remote control's recording without requiring centralized coordination or complex multi-device negotiation protocols. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high pairing accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple controllable devices coordinate to record ambient sounds for pairing, then the system can resolve ambiguity, but the time required for the pairing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having all controllable devices pre-record ambient audio samples and pre-compute their audio fingerprints before the actual pairing decision is made. The remote control receives these pre-prepared audio identifiers along with the pairing announcement, allowing it to immediately determine which device is closest without requiring time-consuming real-time audio capture or iterative comparison processes during the pairing moment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for pairing a remote control with a controllable device using audio to confirm device pairings. The controllable device and remote control may communicate using low power protocols such as, for example, RF4CE, WiFi and/or Bluetooth low energy (BLE). The controllable device and the remote control may record and/or fingerprint audio. Corresponding audio and/or fingerprints may indicate proximity and cause the devices to initiate a pairing sequence. The audio may be any kind of audio, including for example, ambient noise, TV audio, and the like.