On September 19, a Microsoft patent application was published in Europe and the U.S. that relates to their work on using Sonic Initiation to easily connect devices in the home.

In Microsoft's patent background they note that computing environments commonly involve multiple devices in proximity that interact over wireless data links. Such devices may all be associated with an individual user, or interacting devices may be used/ controlled by multiple users. Preparing the devices for interaction digitally over a wireless data link (e g., connecting the devices) can require various actions from the user. For example, the user might be required to operate a user interface on a device to activate a connection, enter an authorization code or other credentials, select a device to connect to, switch from one connected device to another, etc. These actions can be burdensome and decrease the seamlessness of interaction between devices.

Accordingly, Microsoft's invention is directed to a sonic-based engagement mechanism that takes initial steps to more efficiently set up subsequent digital interaction over wireless data links.

The examples are directed to a host computing device that listens for sonic waveforms from a target computing device. Based at least on the sonic waveforms, the host computing device determines the identity of the target computing device and uses that identity determination to initialize an alternate channel for further interactivity, namely a wireless data link for communication between the two devices. This in turn leads to entry into a mode of interactivity between the devices in which the target computing device and the host computing device interact over the wireless data link. This sonic pre-engagement can eliminate some of the steps that would otherwise be required to initiate interactivity, thereby enabling a more seamless user experience.

Microsoft's patent FIG. 1 below depicts an example computing environment including computing devices configured to interact sonically to initialize subsequent connection and interactivity; FIG. 2 depicts example computing devices configured to use sonic interaction to initialize subsequent connection and interactivity.

Microsoft's patent FIG. 3 above depicts an example of using sonic waveforms to identify and locate a target computing device, to initialize subsequent connection and interactivity; and FIG. 5 depicts an example method for using sonic waveforms to identify and locate.   

To review the full details of U.S. patent application 20240314863 click here.