Procedure for printing a Zigbee installation code and corresponding systems and devices

Abstract

Procedure for printing a Zigbee installation code, comprising the following steps: Reading the Zigbee installation code from a Zigbee device (10) via a radio interface, Print (80) the Zigbee installation code, and Assembling the Zigbee device (10), wherein the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10) via a radio interface is carried out after the step of assembling the Zigbee device, and wherein the step of printing (80) the Zigbee installation code comprises printing the Zigbee installation code on the Zigbee device (10) or on a packaging intended for the Zigbee device (10), wherein the step of printing the Zigbee installation code on the Zigbee device is carried out immediately after the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10), wherein the Zigbee device is in a manufacturing mode when reading the Zigbee installation code, and wherein the method of switching from the manufacturing mode to a Zigbee mode after the Zigbee installation code has been successfully read from the Zigbee device, after which the Zigbee device remains permanently in Zigbee mode,to prevent any attempt to read the Zigbee installation code by unauthorized persons.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for printing a Zigbee installation code on a Zigbee device and corresponding systems and devices. background

[0002] Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate, and short-range wireless network. Each Zigbee network has a coordinator that acts as a trust center to coordinate which devices are allowed to join the network.

[0003] In Zigbee 3.0 systems, all Zigbee devices that can join networks must support the use of installation codes. The installation code itself is a random value installed on the joining device at the time of manufacture and is used to encrypt the initial message exchange between the device and the trust authority (the coordinator).

[0004] The installation code is typically printed on the packaging or on the device, either as a hexadecimal string or as a graphical encoding, such as a barcode or QR code, and can be provided to the trust authority via an out-of-band mechanism. For example, the installation code can be entered into an application running on a smartphone (e.g., by typing or scanning the graphical encoding) and sent by the application to the trust authority along with the device's 64-bit IEEE MAC address ("EUI64"). Once these security credentials are known to the trust authority, the in-band joining process can be initiated.

[0005] Since each Zigbee device has its own installation code, care must be taken during assembly to ensure that the correct installation code is printed on the packaging or device. Existing solutions read the installation code from the device before the device is fully assembled. The installation code is read from the Zigbee controller (usually a system-on-chip, SoC) via a serial interface, such as a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). This requires physical access to the serial interface connection pins, which are usually hidden in the housing once the device is fully assembled. The read installation code is then written to an NFC (Near Field Communication) card or printed on a label. The NFC card or label then accompanies the Zigbee device through subsequent production steps.Once the device is fully assembled, the installation code can be printed on the device (or on the box after packaging).

[0006] However, there's a risk that the Zigbee device and the NFC card or tag could be swapped during the production process. If this happens and the wrong code is printed on the device, the device will never be able to join a Zigbee network that uses installation code security.

[0007] US 2012 / 0124367 A1 describes a method for registering a device in a home network, whereby a random installation code is generated and provided as a sticker on the device or its packaging. US 2006 / 0109105 A1 describes a method for labeling packages containing surgical instruments by reading an RFID chip contained therein and immediately printing a label. US 2014 / 0263614 A1 describes a system for printing dilution instructions for medications based on information read via RFID. Description of the invention

[0008] Taking into account the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for printing a Zigbee installation code that overcomes the disadvantages presented above.

[0009] This object is achieved by a method and a system according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are provided by the dependent claims.

[0010] In a method according to the present invention for printing a Zigbee installation code, the Zigbee installation code is read from a Zigbee device via a radio interface. The read Zigbee installation code is then printed out. The Zigbee installation code can be printed on the Zigbee device itself and / or on packaging intended for the Zigbee device, i.e., packaging into which the Zigbee device is to be inserted, e.g., for shipping. Reading the installation code of the Zigbee device via a radio interface enables the installation code to be read even when the electronic components of the Zigbee device (in particular, the connection ports) are not or no longer accessible. It is also possible for the Zigbee device to have no connection ports that would enable the Zigbee installation code to be read by physically connecting a serial interface to them.

[0011] The term "Zigbee device" refers to a device primarily designed to join a Zigbee network (especially Zigbee 3.0), but which can also use other communication protocols such as Bluetooth. The Zigbee device can be a lighting device such as a lamp (often referred to as a "smart lamp") or any other Zigbee device.

[0012] The Zigbee device may include a processing means. The Zigbee installation code may be programmed into a memory area of ​​the processing means or into a separate memory of the Zigbee device. The processing means may be an EFR32MG12 SoC (System-on-Chip) available from Silicon Laboratories Inc.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the Zigbee device can be assembled, in particular fully assembled, before the Zigbee installation code is read from the Zigbee device. In other words, the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device via a radio interface is performed after the step of mounting the Zigbee device. In this way, the read Zigbee installation code can be immediately printed on the Zigbee device, and there is no risk of exchanging the Zigbee device and an information carrier carrying the installation code (such as an NFC card or label).

[0014] By printing the installation code onto the Zigbee device immediately after reading it from the Zigbee device, manufacturing becomes faster, as additional steps such as saving the installation code to a data carrier and then re-reading the installation code from the data carrier are eliminated. The cost of the data carrier can also be saved.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the ZigBee installation code is read from the ZigBee device over a radio interface using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol (802.15.4 MAC radio). IEEE 802.15.4 is a standard maintained by the 802.15 Working Group of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). The standard is intended to provide the basic lower network layers of a type of wireless personal area network (WPAN) that focuses on low-cost, universal, low-speed communication between devices. The ZigBee standard is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, reducing the need for additional electronic components in the ZigBee device.

[0016] To transmit the Zigbee installation code over the radio interface, the Zigbee device typically needs to be powered. If the Zigbee device is a lamp, the electrical connections will usually be easily accessible, allowing the lamp to be connected to a power source. An external power source can also be used to power other types of Zigbee devices, usually by connecting to the electrical connections provided for normal use of the device. Alternatively, an energy storage device, such as a (rechargeable) battery, can be incorporated into the Zigbee device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the Zigbee installation code is read from the Zigbee device by a radio communication unit (also referred to as a "Zigbee sniffer install code manufacture tool"), wherein the radio communication unit is connected to a printing system. The radio communication unit may comprise a Zigbee SoC, such as the EM3588 module available from Silicon Laboratories Inc. The radio communication unit may be provided as a dongle that can be plugged directly into a corresponding port of the printing system, or it may be connected to the printing system via a cable.

[0018] The printing system may include a computer and a printer connected to the computer. The computer may be connected to the radio communication unit via a serial interface, e.g., a UART interface or a USB interface. The printer is configured to print the Zigbee installation code directly onto the Zigbee device or onto packaging designed for the Zigbee device.

[0019] The computer can be a standard PC. The computer can be configured to convert the Zigbee installation code read from the Zigbee device into a graphical representation of it. The computer would then control the printer to print the graphical representation of the Zigbee installation code and / or a numeric (including hexadecimal) representation of it.

[0020] The term "Zigbee Installation Code," as used here, refers to the actual installation code required by the Zigbee device to join a Zigbee network. It may also include additional information, such as the 64-bit IEEE MAC address ("EUI64") of the Zigbee device or other manufacturer-specific information such as manufacturer ID, device ID, device type, firmware version, production date, etc. Such additional information may also be included in the graphical representation and / or printed on the Zigbee device and / or the packaging intended for the Zigbee device.

[0021] The present invention further relates to a system for printing a Zigbee installation code, in particular according to the method described herein. The system comprises a radio communication unit for reading the Zigbee installation code from a Zigbee device via a radio interface and a printing system for printing the Zigbee installation code.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the radio communication unit is configured to read the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device via the radio interface using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the printing device comprises a computer (e.g., a conventional PC) and a printer connected to the computer. The computer can be connected to the radio communication unit via a serial interface, e.g., a UART interface.

[0024] The present invention further relates to a Zigbee device having a radio interface for transmitting a Zigbee installation code, in particular using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.

[0025] To enable communication between the Zigbee device and the radio communication unit, the Zigbee device may need to be equipped with software (firmware) that enables such communication. This software can be installed on the Zigbee device during manufacturing (e.g., on the Zigbee SoC). The Zigbee device's software can have at least two modes: manufacturing mode and normal Zigbee mode. Only one of the modes should be active at a time. The software can be configured so that when the Zigbee device is first powered on, it runs in manufacturing mode. This would enable communication with the radio unit via an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.

[0026] The software can further be configured to exit manufacturing mode and enter normal ZigBee mode upon receiving the "quit manufacture mode" command. Such a command could be issued by the radio communication unit after the ZigBee installation code has been successfully read from the ZigBee device, after the ZigBee installation code has been successfully printed on the ZigBee device or packaging, or at any other time, preferably before the ZigBee device leaves the factory. After the ZigBee device's software exits manufacturing mode and enters normal ZigBee mode, it remains permanently in normal ZigBee mode to prevent any attempt by unauthorized persons to read the ZigBee installation code. Manufacturing mode can only be entered by erasing the SoC and reinstalling the software.

[0027] The features described above with respect to the method can also be applied to the system and the device and vice versa. Short description of the drawings

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth below with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a system according to the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Identical or similar elements, or elements with the same function, are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures where appropriate. Repetition of the description of such elements is omitted where appropriate to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0030] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the present invention. A Zigbee device 10 (such as a lighting device) comprises processing means 12 and a memory 14 in which a Zigbee installation code and the EUI64 of the Zigbee device 10 are stored. The memory can also store other information.

[0031] A radio communication unit 20 (also referred to as “Zigbee install code manufacture tool”) communicates with the Zigbee device 10 wirelessly 50 via an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and reads the Zigbee installation code (together with the EUI64) from the Zigbee device 10.

[0032] The radio communication unit 20 is connected via a UART interface 60 to a computer 30 which is configured (ie, executes an application) to convert the Zigbee installation code (and any further information read by the radio communication unit 20 from the Zigbee device 10) into a graphical representation (e.g., QR code).

[0033] A printer 40 is connected to the computer in a conventional manner (e.g., via USB 70). The application running on the computer 30 then controls the printer 40 to print the QR code generated by the application onto the Zigbee device 10 80.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the Zigbee installation code can be printed in hexadecimal or other representation.

[0035] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the embodiments presented above, it is not limited to these embodiments. Other variants may be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0036] In general, “a” or “an” can be understood as singular or plural, in particular with the meaning “at least one”, “one or more”, etc., unless this is expressly excluded, e.g. by the formulation “exactly one”, etc.

[0037] In addition, numerical values ​​may include the exact value as well as a usual tolerance interval, unless expressly excluded.

[0038] Features shown in the embodiments, in particular in different embodiments, can be combined or replaced without departing from the subject matter of the invention. List of reference symbols 10 Zigbee devices 12 processing agents 14 storage 20 radio communication device 30 computers 40 printers 50 Wireless communication via the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol 60 UART interface 70 USB interface 80 printing process

Claims

[1] Method for printing a Zigbee installation code, comprising the following steps: Reading the Zigbee installation code from a Zigbee device (10) via a radio interface, Print (80) the Zigbee installation code, and Assembling the Zigbee device (10), wherein the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10) via a radio interface is carried out after the step of assembling the Zigbee device, and wherein the step of printing (80) the Zigbee installation code comprises printing the Zigbee installation code on the Zigbee device (10) or on a packaging intended for the Zigbee device (10), wherein the step of printing the Zigbee installation code on the Zigbee device is carried out immediately after the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10), wherein the Zigbee device is in a manufacturing mode when reading the Zigbee installation code, and wherein the method of switching from the manufacturing mode to a Zigbee mode after the Zigbee installation code has been successfully read from the Zigbee device, after which the Zigbee device remains permanently in Zigbee mode,to prevent any attempt to read the Zigbee installation code by unauthorized persons. [2] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10) is performed via a radio interface using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol (50). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10) via a radio interface is performed by a radio communication unit (20), wherein the radio communication unit (20) is connected to a printing system. [4] The method of claim 3, wherein the printing system comprises a computer (30) and a printer (40) connected to the computer (30), the computer (30) being connected to the radio communication unit (20) via a serial interface (60). [5] System for printing a Zigbee installation code, the system comprising: at least one Zigbee device according to one of the preceding claims, a radio communication unit (20) for reading the Zigbee installation code from a Zigbee device (10) via a radio interface, a printing system for printing (80) the Zigbee installation code, wherein the printing system is designed to print the Zigbee installation code on the Zigbee device or on packaging intended for the Zigbee device (10) immediately after the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (10). [6] The system of claim 5, wherein the radio communication unit (20) is configured to read the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device (20) via the radio interface using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol (50). [7] System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the printing device comprises a computer (30) and a printer (40) connected to the computer (30), the computer (30) being connected to the radio communication unit (20) via a serial interface (60). [8] Zigbee device (10) having a radio interface for transmitting a Zigbee installation code, the Zigbee device comprising processing means (12) configured to enter a manufacturing mode when the Zigbee device (10) is first switched on, the processing means (12) being configured in the manufacturing mode to communicate with a radio communication unit (20) using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol (50) to transmit a Zigbee installation code of the Zigbee device (10) to the radio communication unit (20) so that the Zigbee installation code can be printed on the Zigbee device or on a package intended for the Zigbee device (10) immediately after the step of reading the Zigbee installation code from the Zigbee device, wherein the processing means is further configured to switch from the manufacturing mode to a Zigbee mode after the Zigbee installation code has been successfully read from the Zigbee device, after which the Zigbee device remains permanently in the Zigbee mode to prevent any attempt to read the Zigbee installation code by unauthorized persons.

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