Voice-Directed Remote Controller Pairing for Device-Specific Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for pairing remote controllers with devices require technical skills and are cumbersome, especially in environments with multiple devices in close proximity, leading to accidental control issues.

Innovation Solution

A voice-controlled pairing method using microphones and sound direction detection to recognize a specific activating phrase, allowing devices to accept commands only within a defined activation angle and store the remote controller identifier for authorized control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional pairing mechanisms are used, then device pairing can be achieved, but the process becomes troublesome and time-consuming for non-technical users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing processVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic device discovery and pairing without requiring user intervention in technical procedures. The RCU automatically detects available devices, initiates pairing protocols, and completes authentication, allowing non-technical users to simply select their device from a list while the system handles all complex pairing operations autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-generates pairing codes, establishes device profiles, and prepares authentication credentials before the user needs to pair devices. Device information is pre-configured and stored, so when pairing is initiated, the process completes rapidly without requiring real-time technical setup or user-generated configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual pairing procedures are used, then devices can be paired, but users with limited technical skills find the process difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing processVSAvoidsetup procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary pairing interface that mediates between the user and the complex pairing protocols. This interface presents simplified options to users while automatically managing the underlying technical complexity of device discovery, authentication, and connection establishment, shielding users from technical details

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates simplified digital representations or copies of device information and pairing states that are easy for users to interact with. Instead of requiring users to understand complex device identifiers and protocols, the system presents user-friendly device names, icons, and pre-configured pairing options that mirror the actual device functionality without exposing technical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote controllers can operate multiple devices, then versatility is improved, but accidental control of wrong devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidaccidental control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements device-specific authentication credentials and identification markers that are locally unique to each device-RCU pairing. When an RCU is paired with a device, cryptographic keys, device identifiers, or location-based authentication data are stored locally in the RCU, ensuring that commands are only executed on the paired device even if the RCU is physically near other devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback to the user about which device will be controlled by commands from the RCU. Before executing commands, the system displays device identification information, confirms the target device, and provides visual or auditory feedback about the active pairing, allowing users to verify they are controlling the intended device and preventing accidental control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Facilitates easy and intuitive pairing of remote controllers by eliminating the need for complex setup procedures, reducing accidental control of incorrect devices.

Implementation Method 1

recognizing the activating phrase by a voice interface of the device, wherein the voice interface comprises a plurality of microphones and a sound direction detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound direction detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4024358B1A method for pairing a remote controller with a device
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 ADVANCED DIGITAL BROADCAST
  • EP4024358B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4024358B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4024358B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for pairing a remote controller (51) with a device (100), the method comprising: receiving (301), via a voice interface (120), an activation phrase; checking (302) whether the application phrase is received from within an allowable activation angle (12, 22, 32); if so, receiving (306), via a remote controller interface (130), a command from the remote controller (51), wherein the command includes a remote controller identifier; storing (307) the remote controller identifier as an identifier of a paired remote controller.