{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854388","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854388","title":"Method and apparatus for pairing a mobile device to an output device","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-05-11T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","G08C","H04L","H04W","H04W","G08C"],"num_claims":26,"abstract":"Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device patent introduces a system that simplifies and secures the process of connecting mobile devices to output devices, such as TVs or speakers. This innovation addresses the limitations of traditional pairing methods like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct, which can be cumbersome and unreliable. Instead, this technology utilizes a central mobile connect server to manage the pairing process. The output device initiates a pairing request, and the server responds with a unique pairing code displayed on the output device. The user then enters this code on their mobile device, which transmits it to the server for verification. Upon a successful match, the mobile device is paired with the output device.\n\nThis approach offers several key benefits. First, it simplifies the pairing process, making it more accessible to a wider range of users. Second, it enhances security by ensuring that only authorized devices can be paired. Third, it enables new opportunities for personalization, allowing user preferences stored on the mobile device to be applied to the output device. This could include customized settings for volume, channels, or display preferences.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve the user experience and drive engagement. By simplifying device pairing, it can reduce frustration and encourage users to connect their devices more often. This can lead to increased usage of output devices and greater exposure to content and advertising. The market opportunity is significant, as the number of connected devices continues to grow rapidly. The Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device patent represents a valuable asset for companies seeking to capitalize on this trend.","layman_explanation":"The Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device patent addresses the common problem of connecting devices like smartphones to TVs, speakers, or other output devices. Existing methods, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, often involve complicated setup processes and can be unreliable, leading to user frustration. This patent offers a simpler and more secure solution.\n\nInstead of relying on direct wireless connections, this technology uses a central server to manage the pairing process. When you want to connect your phone to a TV, for example, the TV displays a unique code. You then enter this code into your phone, which sends it to the central server. If the code matches, the server confirms the connection, and your phone is paired with the TV. It's similar to using a password to log into a website, but for connecting devices.\n\nThis technology matters because it makes device pairing much easier and more reliable. It also enhances security by ensuring that only authorized devices can connect. This has significant market impact, as it can improve the user experience and drive adoption of connected devices. For businesses, this means increased customer satisfaction and potential revenue growth. The Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device also addresses the issue of compatibility, making it simpler to connect devices.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be integrated into a wide range of devices and applications. It could also pave the way for new features, such as personalized content delivery and enhanced device management. The market adoption timeline will depend on the willingness of device manufacturers to adopt this technology and the ability of businesses to integrate it into their products and services. For investors, this patent represents a promising opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for seamless device connectivity.","technical_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device patent details a system designed to streamline and secure the connection between mobile devices and output devices. The technical architecture comprises three primary components: the mobile device, the output device, and a central mobile connect server. The process begins when the output device initiates a pairing request, sending it to the mobile connect server. This server then generates a unique pairing code, which is relayed back to the output device for display to the user.\n\nThe user inputs this pairing code into their mobile device, which transmits the code back to the mobile connect server for verification. The server compares the received code with the originally generated code. If the codes match, the server establishes a secure connection between the mobile device and the output device, enabling data exchange and control functionalities. The system can implement various encryption algorithms to protect the pairing code and data transmitted during the pairing process.\n\nFrom an implementation standpoint, the mobile connect server could be deployed on a cloud platform or within a local network. The communication between devices and the server can be facilitated using standard network protocols such as HTTP or WebSocket. The pairing code generation algorithm must ensure uniqueness and randomness to prevent unauthorized access. The performance characteristics of the system depend on the server's processing power and network latency. Efficient coding and optimization techniques are necessary to minimize delays during the pairing process. The code-level implications involve designing robust error handling mechanisms and ensuring compatibility with different mobile and output devices.","business_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device patent presents a significant business opportunity in the rapidly expanding market of connected devices. The core innovation lies in its simplified and secure pairing process, addressing a common pain point for users of mobile devices and output devices such as TVs, speakers, and smart appliances. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing proliferation of IoT devices and the growing demand for seamless connectivity.\n\nOne of the key competitive advantages of this technology is its user-friendly approach. By replacing complex pairing procedures with a simple code-based system, it can significantly improve the user experience and reduce frustration. This can lead to increased adoption and usage of connected devices. The revenue potential can be realized through various business models, including licensing the technology to device manufacturers, offering subscription-based pairing services, or integrating it into existing mobile device management platforms.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, this patent can enable companies to differentiate themselves in the crowded market of connected devices. By offering a more seamless and secure pairing experience, they can attract and retain customers. The ROI projections are promising, given the potential for increased device sales, subscription revenue, and customer loyalty. This innovation aligns with the broader trend of simplifying and securing device connectivity, making it a valuable asset for companies seeking to capitalize on the growth of the IoT market.","faqs":null,"topics":["device pairing","mobile connect server","pairing code","output device","secure connection","method","apparatus","pairing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Device Pairing: Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device - Patent US-9854388","description":"Discover the Method and Apparatus for Pairing a Mobile Device to an Output Device, simplifying device connections. Full patent analysis, claims, and market impact.","keywords":["device pairing","mobile connect server","pairing code","output device","secure connection","mobile technology","patent","patent US-9854388"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854388","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854388","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and apparatus for pairing a mobile device to an output device\" (US-9854388). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854388","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854388","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854388","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T11:40:41.771Z"}