WO2006114362A1

WO2006114362A1 - Method for pairing and separating appliances, method for networking, computer programs, and corresponding appliances

Info

Publication number: WO2006114362A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/061227
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henri Thomas; Sylvie Jumpertz; Catherine Benguigui
Original assignee: France Telecom
Priority date: 2005-04-27
Filing date: 2006-03-31
Publication date: 2006-11-02

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for pairing a first appliance (20) with a second appliance. According to said method, an electrical contact (13) is established between the first appliance and the second appliance, and a button (22) is pressed on the first appliance and then on the second appliance, in order to launch the first pairing stage (35) between the first appliance and the second appliance.

Description

Device pairing and mismatching method, networking method, computer programs and corresponding apparatus. 1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of techniques for matching devices.

The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the pairing of devices that can communicate via a wireless link according to a radio communication protocol (for example, to the Bluetooth standard (this standard is also known under the name IEEE 802.15 ), WiFi ("Wireless Fidelity" in English, this standard is also known as IEEE 802.11), Zigbee (this standard is also known as IEEE 802.15.4), ...), such as mobile phones, handheld computers, digital cameras, children's toys, ....

Conventionally, in the case of a pairing of two wireless communication devices, this type of pairing comprises two steps: a first pairing step (also called "pairing" later) consisting of an exchange of identifiers between two devices so that each device has an identifier of the other device; a second pairing step (also called thereafter

"Radio pairing") consisting of a use of previously exchanged identifiers, so that the two devices recognize each other to communicate with each other according to a radio communication protocol (eg Bluetooth). Such pairing is thus secure because only paired devices can communicate together.

It is clear however that other matching techniques can be envisaged, as long as they allow two devices to recognize each other so that they communicate with each other. 2. Solutions and disadvantages of the prior art

For the sake of simplification of the description, we will limit ourselves, in all the following this document, to describe the particular case of a pairing of two devices. The skilled person will easily extend this teaching to a greater number of devices to be matched with each other.

The disadvantages of the prior art are discussed below through the particular case of radio communication apparatus.

In general, wireless access technology has profoundly changed the interconnection between equipment. Indeed the proliferation of electronic devices with a function "wireless connection" and the simplicity associated with each connection (due to the absence of cables) have led to the proliferation of wireless links. Currently, more and more users have one or more wireless communication devices (mobile phone, digital camera, ...) that can be paired and interact remotely with other devices.

For example, a mobile phone and a personal digital assistant (PDA) can be paired with each other so that the mobile phone can download, via a radio link, a list of phone numbers stored in the PDA.

As already indicated, to guarantee the security of a pairing of two devices (that is to say prohibit any other device close to being paired), one solution may be to pair these devices, that is to say perform a prior exchange of identifiers between the two devices concerned. It should be noted that this pairing phase (called the first pairing step) is generally performed before the radio pairing (called the second pairing step) of the two devices. Many twinning techniques are known for naming and coupling two wireless communication devices.

The pairing by "manual entry of identifiers" is a first technique in which the user (or users) enters on the first device, via a first human / machine interface, any numeric code, then enters on the second device, via a second human / machine interface, this same digital code. This first technique thus makes it possible to couple the two devices, and thus, if necessary to obtain the pairing of the first and second devices.

In some cases, manufacturers of wireless communication devices clearly assign and affix on each of their equipment a unique code. Thus, according to this first technique, the user enters the code of the second and the first device respectively on the first and the second device.

This "manual entry of identifiers" pairing technique is well suited to users who are familiar with computers. However, for other users, it has a number of disadvantages.

Indeed, the ergonomics of this known technique is limited by the fact that, for each wireless communication device, the user must first launch a software (or a program) embedded on the device, then navigate through a menu to select and click on the icon corresponding to the operations of pairing (or acquisition of identifiers), then enter manually by means of a numeric keypad, generally of small size, an identifier in the form of a numerical code or alphanumeric, sometimes composed of a large number of numbers and / or letters.

Another disadvantage of this first known technique lies in the fact that the confidentiality of the identifiers is not optimal (in some cases they are apparent on the devices). Whatever the type of user, accustomed or allergic to computers, such a technique requires at least one entry from an alphanumeric keyboard, which is binding and time consuming.

Moreover, this technique does not allow to offer matching with devices without a keyboard. However, this is the case of most conventional cameras and / or digital video or even toys for children.

To remedy these problems, it is proposed in the patent document

US 6,783,071 to use a pairing technique by "scanning identifiers". According to this second technique, each of the devices is equipped with a device for scanning a bar code affixed apparently on the housing of the device.

Although the device for acquiring identifiers represented a progress important in the pairing mechanism of wireless communication devices, the second known technique nevertheless has the disadvantages of being complex to implement and expensive. In addition, it is unreliable because a device can not be paired with another device simply because of a readability on the bar code (barcode cleared, scratched, ...) or a defect of visibility at the reading device (dust and dirt, insufficient ambient light, etc.).

3. Objectives of the invention

The invention particularly aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a device matching technique that is efficient and simple to implement, without having to use expensive identifier reading means, particularly in terms of integration.

Another object of the invention is to propose such a technique that makes it possible to avoid an apparent marking of an identifier on the housing of an appliance.

Another object of the invention is to propose such a technique which allows better security of the radio pairing of wireless communication devices. Another object of the invention is to provide such a technique which is ergonomic and eliminates, or at least limits, the manual input operations to be performed by the user.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a technique, which is particularly well suited to children. The invention also aims to provide such a technique which, in a particular embodiment, allows a user to validate or not the pairing of his device with another device.

The invention also aims to provide such a technique which, in at least one embodiment, is inexpensive and compatible with all existing wireless communication devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a technique which in one embodiment, allows a user to easily disconnect his device with another device.

4. Summary of the invention

These objectives, as well as others that will become apparent, are achieved by a method of matching a given apparatus with at least one other apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a electrical contact between the given apparatus and the at least one other apparatus; action on a button on the given apparatus and on a button on said at least one other apparatus; to initiate execution of a first pairing step of the given apparatus with said at least one other apparatus.

The invention also relates to a method implemented within a given apparatus in order to match it with at least one other apparatus, the method comprising the following steps: first detection of the establishment of an electrical contact between the given apparatus and said at least one other apparatus; second detection of the action on a button on the given device and a button on said at least one other device; - In case of first and second positive detections, exchange with said at least one other information device relating to a first step of matching the given device with said at least one other device.

Preferably, the first pairing step precedes a second pairing step of the given apparatus with said at least one other apparatus, via a radio link and according to a predetermined radio communication protocol.

Advantageously, the first pairing step comprises a step of exchanging identifiers between the given apparatus and said at least one other apparatus, via the electrical contact.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the exchange of identifiers is done via an electrical circuit comprising: a first portion formed by said electrical contact and obtained by contacting first and second conductive surfaces that present respectively the given apparatus and said at least one other apparatus; and a second part obtained by putting in series the first and second conductive surfaces via at least one user and / or the earth.

Preferably, the action on the button of each device participates in the establishment of the electrical circuit.

The invention further relates to a method of mismatching a given apparatus with at least one other apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: pressing a button on the given apparatus for a predetermined duration; in the absence of an electrical contact between the given apparatus and said at least one other apparatus, during said predetermined duration, launching the execution of a mismatching step of the given apparatus with said at least one other apparatus .

The invention also relates to a method implemented within a given device in order to detach it from at least one other device, the method comprising the following steps: first detection of the action on a button of the given device during a predetermined duration; second detecting the absence of an electrical contact established between the given apparatus and said at least one other apparatus, during said predetermined duration; in case of first and second positive detections, performing a mismatching step of the given apparatus with said at least one other device. The invention also relates to a method of networking N devices, N> 3, for each of at least two pairs of devices among N devices, it implements the aforementioned matching method.

Preferably, the aforementioned pairing method is implemented several times, so that each apparatus is paired with two and only two other devices.

The invention also relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer readable medium and / or executable by a processor comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method set implemented within a given device to match it with at least one other device as described above.

The invention further relates to a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer readable and / or executable medium by a processor comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method implemented within a given device to disconnect with at least one other device as described above.

The invention also relates to an apparatus of the type that can be paired with at least one other appliance of the same type, the apparatus comprising: first means for detecting the establishment of an electrical contact between the appliance and the at least one other appliance; second means for detecting action on a button on the apparatus and a button on said at least one other apparatus; first pairing means making it possible, in the event of positive detections by said first and second detecting means, to exchange with said at least one other apparatus information relating to a first step of pairing the apparatus with said at least one other apparatus; least another device. Advantageously, the apparatus comprises second means of pairing the apparatus with said at least one other apparatus, via a link radio and according to a predetermined radio communication protocol, the second pairing means being actuated after the activation of the first pairing means.

Preferably, the first pairing means comprise means for exchanging identifiers between the apparatus and the at least one other apparatus, via an electrical contact.

Advantageously, the identifier exchange means use an electrical circuit comprising: a first part formed by said electrical contact and obtained by contacting the first and second conductive surfaces that the apparatus and said at least one other apparatus respectively ; and a second part obtained by putting in series the first and second conductive surfaces via at least one user and / or the earth.

Preferably, the action on the button of the device participates in the establishment of the electrical circuit.

The invention also relates to an apparatus of the type that can be mismatched with at least one other apparatus of the same type, the apparatus comprising: first means for detecting action on a button of the apparatus for a predetermined duration; second means for detecting absence of an electrical contact established between the apparatus and said at least one other apparatus during said predetermined duration; - Execution means allowing, in case of positive detections by said first and second detection means, to perform a mismatch of the device with said at least one other device. 5. List of Figures Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of an embodiment. preferred, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

FIGS. 1A-1C are diagrammatic views showing three successive steps in the operation of the method according to the invention: FIG. 1A: two users who are distant from one another with two unpaired apparatuses; o figure IB: two users close together with two devices in electrical contact; o Figure IC: two users distant from each other with paired devices with each other;

FIG. 2 shows a functional pairing chain within an apparatus, in a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 represents a flowchart of a particular embodiment of the pairing method of the invention; FIG. 4 represents a flowchart of a particular embodiment of the mismatching method of the invention; and

FIG. 5 shows the structure of a particular embodiment of a device of the type that can be paired according to the pairing method of the invention with another device of the same type. 6. Detailed description

The general principle of the invention is based on a device pairing technique, conditioning the pairing itself to the formation of a temporary electrical contact between the devices and pressing a button on each of these devices ( that is, the formation of an electrical circuit between the appliances).

The detection of the formation of a temporary electrical contact can use one or more methods of electrical contact detection. The joint use of several detection methods makes it possible to provide more precise contact information. For the sake of clarity, the remainder of this document will be limited to describing the particular case of bringing two devices into contact with each other by two users each holding in one hand a device. The skilled person will extend this teaching without difficulty to the case where a single user holds in each hand a device or in the absence of users (for example the devices are brought into contact by robotic arms, by a trolley system, ...). This device pairing method according to the invention for example milk a conductive button and a conductive contact surface mounted on each device.

This approach is illustrated in particular (schematically) by FIGS. 1A-1C and 2. In a conventional way (FIG. 2), it is assumed that a radio communication module 26 is integrated in each wireless communication apparatus.

At first, the radio communication module 26 of each device is inactivated (the devices are not paired). As illustrated by FIG. 1A, the two users 11 and 12 are distant from each other and hold respectively in their hand a wireless communication apparatus 20.

According to the invention (Figure 2), a conductive contact surface 21, for example metal, is present at the end of each device. This conductive contact surface 21 cooperates with a conductive button 22 mounted integral with the apparatus 20 and provided to be actuated by a finger, for example the thumb (in the manner of a remote control), of the user.

In a second step (FIG. 1B), the users 11 and 12 come closer to each other so as to put the conductive surfaces 21 of the apparatuses 20 in contact with one another. At this point, an electrical contact 13 is established between the two devices. In each apparatus, a first detection module 23 transmits electrical contact establishment information 232 to a first input 251 of a management module 25. The first detection module 23 comprises, for example, first measuring means for measuring both the intensity of a current and a voltage across a resistor electrically connected to the conductive surface 21 of the apparatus. The ratio of the measured voltage value to the measured amperage value is compared to a value of threshold resistance, so that if the ratio of the measured values is lower than the threshold resistance value then the electrical contact establishment information 232 is transmitted to the management module 25.

Users then press the driver buttons 22 of their respective devices.

A second detection module 24 transmits information 242 establishing an electrical circuit to a second input 252 of the management module 25, that is to say the pressing of a button on each of the two devices. The second detection module 24 comprises, for example, second measuring means making it possible to measure the resistance of the electrical circuit (passing through the apparatuses, the users' body and / or the ground), so that if the value of the resistance of the circuit electrical is substantially zero (that is to say when a closed electrical circuit is detected) then the information 242 for establishing an electrical circuit is transmitted to the management module 25. In this particular embodiment, the invention therefore proposes forming an electric circuit 14 by putting the conductive surfaces 21 of the devices 20 in series via the bodies 111 and 121 of the two users 11 and 12 and the floor 15 on which they are standing. It should be noted that the electric circuit 14 thus established is a high impedance electrical circuit. It is also noted that the conductive buttons 22 form part of the electrical circuit and act as electrical connection interfaces between the conductive contact surfaces 21 and the users 11 and 12.

The establishment of the electric circuit 14 being done by the physical contact (electrical type) of the apparatus 20, has the advantage of greatly limiting the risk of unwanted and unintended radio matching (that is to say the pairing by unknown devices), milk that the user himself identifies the devices to be matched by their physical presence.

The management modules 25 of the two devices then implement a communication protocol for exchanging their identifiers via the electric circuit 14.

Advantageously, the communication protocol is bidirectional on a single link, and allows the implementation of a packet communication. It also provides for the implementation of a collision detection and management mechanism (when both devices are communicating at the same time) and uses a wait and re-test protocol to allow devices to talk to each other. their turn, without conflicts.

In a third step (Figure IC), after the pairing between the two devices has been established, the users 11 and 12 move away from each other and release the conductive buttons 22 of their respective devices. The devices can then implement a conventional radio matching procedure, based on the use of the identifiers previously exchanged during the pairing phase according to the invention. During this conventional radio matching procedure, the radio communication module 26 of each device is activated and the two devices communicate with each other via a radio link 16 and according to a radio communication protocol (for example, Bluetooth standard, WiFi, ...).

In an implementation variant, a single user (not shown) can easily perform the pairing of two devices. In this case, the user grasps a device in each hand and then contacts their conductive surfaces so as to establish an electrical contact. The user then presses the two conductive buttons to form an electrical circuit (via which the identifiers circulate) passing through the devices and the body of the user. In this variant, the identifiers of the devices are not transmitted via the earth.

It is noted that it is possible to display information relating to a state of the pairing, via playback means (not shown) embarked on an apparatus, as described with reference to FIG. 2. Advantageously, the module management can cooperate with means of restitution already existing on the wireless communication device (for example an LCD ("Liquid Crystal Display" for "LCD"), speakers, ...). These means can restore pre-recorded information messages for example in the form of a text and / or a sound message. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is equipped with an LED 27 ("Light-Emitting Diode" for "Electro-luminous diode") two-color for signaling with a flashing red color, the detection of an electrical contact 13 with another device, and a flashing green color, the pairing of the two devices in contact. In another variant embodiment, it is also possible to envisage replacing the conductive surface 21 of the apparatus with two connectors (not shown) (for example of the USB, FireWire type, etc.). Advantageously, provision is made on a device provided a male connector and a female connector into which are respectively inserted a female connector and a male connector of another device. Thus, instead of producing an electrical circuit passing through the body of the user and / or the earth, a looped electrical circuit (allowing the exchange of data) is formed between the two devices by contacting, two by two , connectors.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart generally illustrating a method of pairing devices according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This method, based on detection of an electrical contact between conductive surfaces 21, can be implemented in the form of a controller in a wireless communication apparatus.

A rest phase comprises a first step 30, during which the radio communication module 26 (of each device) is inactivated.

A contacting phase, referenced I, comprises a step 31, during which the users bring their respective devices closer so as to put the conductive surfaces 21 of the apparatus in electrical contact with each other. A phase of detection of an electrical contact 13, referenced II, comprises a step 32, during which the first detection module 23 (embedded in each device) processes a signal 231 comprising information relating to the formation of a contact between the two devices, so that in the presence of an electrical contact 13 it goes to a step 33, however, in the absence of electrical contact is returned to step 30.

A detection phase of an electric circuit 14, referenced III, comprises a step 33, during which the second detection module 24 (embedded in each device) processes a signal 241 comprising information relating to the formation of an electrical circuit, so that in the presence of an electric circuit 14 to high impedance goes to a step 34, however, in the absence of an electrical circuit is returned to step 32.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information relating to the formation of the electrical circuit is a resistance value. Thus, in step 33, it is decided that an electrical circuit is established if the resistance detected is less than a predetermined resistance value. The following steps relate to a pairing phase of the devices in contact (referenced IV).

In step 34, the management module 25 of a given apparatus reads a memory so as to extract the identifier of the given apparatus.

In step 35, the identifier of the given device is transmitted to the other device via the electric circuit 14 and according to a bidirectional and packet communication protocol.

Then, in step 36, the management module 25 receives (via the electrical circuit) and stores in a memory the identifier of the other device.

The next step relates to a radio pairing phase of the two devices (referenced V).

Finally, in step 37, the radio communication module 26 (of each device) is activated and uses the identifier of the other device, received during step 36, so as to establish a radio communication. with the other device according to a predetermined radio communication protocol (for example Bluetooth).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the same button driver 22 cooperates with the management module so as to control a mismatch of the device.

With reference to FIG. 4, a flowchart generally illustrating an apparatus mismatching method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be presented. A use phase comprises a first step 40, during which the radio communication module 26 can use the identifier of another device, received following a pairing phase (as described with reference to the Figure 3) and stored in a memory, so as to establish a radio communication 16 with the other device according to a predetermined radio communication protocol (eg Bluetooth).

A detection phase of a pressing on a conductive button 22, referenced VI, comprises a step 41, during which it is determined whether the driver button 22 of the device is actuated by a user. If the driver button is activated, we go to a step 42, otherwise we return to step 40.

A phase of detection of an electrical contact 13, referenced VII, comprises a step 42, during which it is determined whether an electrical contact is established between the two devices, so that in the absence of electrical contact, it passes in a step 43, otherwise we return to step 40. A decision phase, referenced VIII, comprises a step 43, during which it is determined whether the driver button 22 remains actuated for a predetermined time Tl. press the driver button for the duration Tl (that is to say that the user wants to unmatch the devices), we go to a step 44, otherwise we return to step 40. The next step is relative a phase of mismatching the two devices (referenced IX).

Finally, during step 44, the management module 25 (of the given device) deletes, or at least deactivates (for example by a change of a flag state (or "flag" in English)) , the identifier of the other device stored in a memory, so as to cut the radio communication 16 with the other device.

FIG. 5 finally presents the structure of an apparatus 42 of the type that can be paired according to the pairing method of the invention, which comprises a memory 422, and a processing unit 421 equipped with a microprocessor μP, which is controlled by a computer program (or application) 423. The processing unit 421 receives on a first input a 232 information relating to the establishment of an electrical contact and a second input 242 information relating to the establishment of an electrical circuit (that is to say, information relating to the support on the two conductive buttons). The microprocessor μP processes this information according to the instructions of program 423 so that:

if the two pieces of information are positive (that is to say in the presence of an electrical contact and an electrical circuit), the processing unit 421 reads an identifier 424 (for example stored in the memory 422 or in another memory), which is transmitted to another device via the electrical circuit, then it receives on a third input an identifier 425 of the other device, which is then stored in a memory (in the memory 422 or in another memory );

if the information 232 relating to the establishment of an electrical contact is negative (that is to say in the absence of electrical contact) and the information 242 relating to the establishment of an electrical circuit is positive (that is to say, detecting a button on a conductive button for a predetermined duration), the processing unit 421 generates a mismatch control 426. The technique of the invention has many advantages, including a non-exhaustive list is given below:

- improved ergonomics for pairing two devices. Indeed, the invention allows a user to easily and efficiently perform an exchange of identifier between the two devices, without having to do any particular manipulation with a keyboard or any other man / machine interface unwieldy. The invention is therefore of particular interest for children;

- improved security of device pairing. Indeed, the invention is based on the detection of an electrical contact (thus physical) between the devices and the detection of an intentional validation of the user. This double condition must be verified to allow the pairing of devices. The invention applies in particular to any type of apparatus, and in particular, but not exclusively, to wireless communication devices, whatever the type of radio communication protocol used (for example, Bluetooth standard, WiFi, Zigbee ...) -

Claims

1. A method of pairing a given apparatus (20) with at least one other apparatus, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: establishing an electrical contact (13) between the given apparatus (20) and said at least one other apparatus; actuating a button (22) on the given apparatus (20) and a button on said at least one other apparatus; to initiate the execution of a first pairing step (35) of the apparatus (20) given with the at least one other apparatus.

2. Method implemented in a given apparatus (20) for matching it with at least one other apparatus, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: first detection (32) of the establishment of an electrical contact (13) between the given apparatus and the at least one other apparatus; - second detection (33) of the action on a button (22) on the given device and a button on said at least one other device; in case of first (32) and second (33) positive detections, exchange with said at least one other information device relating to a first matching step (35) of the given apparatus with said at least one other device.

3. Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first pairing step (35) precedes a second pairing step (37) of the given apparatus with said at least one other apparatus, via a radio link (16) and according to a predetermined radio communication protocol.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first matching step (35) comprises an identifier exchange step (35) between the given apparatus and said at least one other device, via the electrical contact (13).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the exchange of identifiers is via an electric circuit (14) comprising:

a first part formed by said electrical contact (13) and obtained by contacting first and second conductive surfaces (21) that present respectively the apparatus (20) and the at least one other apparatus; and

- a second part obtained by placing in series the first and second conductive surfaces (21) via at least one user (11) and / or the earth (15).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the action on the button (22) of each device participates in the establishment of the electric circuit (14).

7. A method of mismatching a device (20) given with at least one other device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: action on a button (22) on the given device for a predetermined duration (Tl) ; in the absence of an electrical contact (13) between the given apparatus and the at least one other apparatus, during said predetermined duration (Tl), starting the execution of a mismatching step (44) of the given apparatus with said at least one other apparatus.

8. A method implemented within a given device in order to detach it from at least one other device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - first detection (41) of the action on a button (22) ) of the given apparatus for a predetermined duration (T1); second detecting (42) the absence of an electrical contact (13) established between the given apparatus and the at least one other apparatus, during said predetermined time (T1); - In case of first (41) and second (42) positive detections, performing a mismatching step (44) of the given device with said at least one other device.

9. A method of networking N devices, N> 3, characterized in that for each of at least two pairs of devices among N devices, the pairing method according to any one of the following is implemented. Claims 1 and 3 to 7.

10. Networking method according to claim 9, characterized in that it carries out several times the pairing method according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, so that each device is paired with two and only two other devices.

11. Computer program product (423) downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer readable medium and / or executable by a processor characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for execution steps of the process according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

12. Computer program product (423) downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer readable medium and / or executable by a processor characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for execution process steps according to claim 8.

13. Apparatus (20) of the type that can be paired with at least one other apparatus of the same type, characterized in that it comprises: first detection means (23) for establishing an electrical contact (13) between the apparatus and said at least one other apparatus; second means for detecting (24) action on a button (22) on the apparatus and a button on said at least one other apparatus; first pairing means (25) enabling, in the event of positive detections by said first (23) and second (24) detection means, to exchange with said at least one other apparatus information relating to a first step of pairing the apparatus with the at least one other apparatus.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises second pairing means (26) of the apparatus with said at least one other apparatus, via a radio link (16) and according to a radio communication protocol predetermined, the second pairing means (26) being actuated after the activation of the first pairing means (25).

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the first pairing means (25) comprises means exchange of identifiers between the device and said at least one other device via an electrical contact (13).

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the identifier exchange means use an electrical circuit (14) comprising: a first part formed by said electrical contact (13) and obtained by a contacting first and second conductive surfaces (21) which the apparatus and the at least one other apparatus respectively; and - a second part obtained by placing the first and second conductive surfaces (21) in series via at least one user (11) and / or the earth (15).

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the action on the button (22) of the apparatus participates in the establishment of the electric circuit (14).

18. Apparatus (20) of the type that can be mismatched with at least one other apparatus of the same type, characterized in that it comprises: first means for detecting action on a button (22) of the apparatus for a period of time predetermined (Tl); second means for detecting the absence of an electrical contact (13) established between the apparatus and the at least one other apparatus during said predetermined duration (T1); execution means allowing, in case of positive detections by said first and second detecting means, to perform a mismatch of the apparatus with said at least one other apparatus.