Electronic device with wireless communication

Abstract

An electronic device (1) comprising: a. a power management unit having a power feed interface, wherein the power feed interface is configured to receive a supply current, and the power management unit is configured to detect the supply current and subsequently generate a feed signal; b. a wireless communication interface; and c. a processor connected to the power management unit and the wireless communication interface, the processor being configured to perform the following steps: Receiving the feed-in signal from the energy management unit; initiating wireless data communication between the electrical device and a user device by means of the communication interface after the feed signal has been received; Performing authentication between the electronic device and the user device by exchanging authentication messages via the communication interface; Generating a cryptographic key based on authentication; Creating a communication profile, wherein the communication profile comprises a communication address of the user device and the cryptographic key.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, in particular an electronic device comprising a processor configured to establish wireless data communication with a user device. BACKGROUND OF REVELATION

[0002] Electronic devices such as lights, speakers, or household appliances are increasingly being equipped with communication interfaces that enable a wireless connection to a user device. This connection can be used to control, configure, or monitor the electronic device from the user device, such as a mobile phone or tablet.

[0003] Typically, establishing such a wireless connection requires a manual initialization process, requiring a user to perform certain interactions, such as manually activating a connection mode. However, such methods are inefficient in terms of time and user-friendliness.

[0004] There is therefore a need for an improved solution that enables more efficient wireless data communication between an electronic device and a user device. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an electronic device that at least partially overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] In particular, it is an object of the disclosed embodiments to provide an electronic device that can more efficiently establish wireless data communication with a user device.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, these objects are achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] An electronic device according to the present disclosure comprises a power management unit with a power feed interface. The power feed interface is configured to receive a supply current. The power management unit is configured to detect the supply current and subsequently generate a feed signal. Furthermore, the electronic device comprises a wireless communication interface. The electronic device further comprises a processor. The processor is connected to the power management unit and the wireless communication interface.

[0009] The processor is configured to perform a plurality of steps. The steps include receiving the supply signal from the power management unit. A power supply line can supply the electronic device with the supply current via the power supply interface. The power management unit can be configured to detect the supply current, for example, via a current sensor, and then generate the supply signal. The supply signal preferably indicates an electronic voltage level and can, for example, be in the form of an analog signal, a digital logic signal, or a bus message. The supply signal can, for example, assume the value "zero" or "one." "One" if the supply current has been detected. "Zero" if the supply current has not been detected.If the supply signal assumes the value "one," the supply signal remains at the value "one" as long as the supply current is detected. The processor can receive the supply signal, for example, via a digital input pin of the processor, an analog input pin of the processor, for example, via a bus, or another defined signal path.

[0010] The steps further comprise initiating a wireless data communication between the electronic device and a user device. The wireless data communication is initiated by means of the communication interface after the feed signal has been received. Depending on the application, the wireless communication interface can be a radio module, such as a Bluetooth module or a WLAN module. Depending on the application, the user device can be, for example, a mobile phone, computer or a tablet, which has a corresponding wireless communication interface that is configured for corresponding wireless data communication. The data communication between the electronic device and the user device can be initiated directly. The data communication can also be initiated indirectly via an intermediate communication unit, such asan access point, an interface module (gateway), or a comparable network-capable component configured for wireless data communication. The input signal preferably puts the electronic device into a connection mode. The connection mode of the electronic device is understood to be an operating state in which the electronic device is activated for wireless data communication with a user device via its communication interface. In particular, the electronic device is configured to carry out communication processes such as exchanging messages, signals, or connection data via the communication interface.

[0011] The steps further include performing authentication between the electronic device and the user device by exchanging authentication messages via the communication interface. The exchange of authentication messages can be based on a PIN entry, a keystroke, or an automatic key exchange. Depending on the application, authentication is performed using legacy pairing, the concept of secure simple pairing (so-called Secure Simple Pairing), WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, configuration via button, network key, or network integration key. An authentication message preferably comprises data packets, identification information, and / or check values. Specifically, the electronic device receives and processes one or more authentication messages from the user device via the communication interface and, in turn, sends corresponding authentication messages back to the user device.

[0012] The processor is preferably configured to verify the received authentication messages. For example, the processor verifies the authentication data by comparison, request-response procedures, or certificate verification.

[0013] The steps further include generating a cryptographic key based on the authentication. In particular, the cryptographic key is generated after or during the authentication. The processor can be configured to apply a cryptographic method, such as a Diffie-Hellman-based or symmetric method, to generate the cryptographic key. Depending on the application, the cryptographic key can be a connection key (so-called link key), a temporary key (so-called transient key), a group session key (so-called group temporal key), or a network key (so-called network key). The cryptographic key serves the purpose of securing the data communication between the electronic device and the user device.

[0014] The steps further include creating a communication profile. In particular, the communication profile includes a communication address of the user device and the cryptographic key. The processor can be configured to send a communication address to the user device via the wireless communication interface and / or receive it from the user device. A communication address can be, for example, a MAC address, an IP address, or a similar device identification address.

[0015] In particular, the communication address enables unique identification of the user device in order to exchange data in a targeted manner.

[0016] The electronic device preferably comprises a processor unit comprising the processor and a memory. The communication addresses and cryptographic keys can be stored in the memory. The processor can preferably be configured to retrieve the communication addresses and cryptographic keys stored in the memory after the feed signal has been received and subsequently create the communication profile based on them. Overall, future establishment of wireless data communication between the electronic device and the user device can occur automatically when they are within range.

[0017] In one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to support Bluetooth, WLAN, Zigbee, or Z-WAVE communication. Bluetooth communication is based on radio connections in the internationally approved frequency band for industrial, scientific, and medical applications (ISM band). WLAN communication is based on local data transmission within a local area network based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Zigbee communication is based on a short-range radio connection within a mesh network based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Z-Wave communication is based on a short-range radio connection within a mesh network. Such communication types are common and allow flexible and automated data communication between the electronic device and the user device.

[0018] In one embodiment, initiating wireless data communication comprises sending a broadcast message to the user device via the communication interface. With a broadcast message, the electronic device can make itself known to other receptive devices within range of the wireless communication interface, e.g., the user device, or respond to a connection request from the user device. The broadcast message can be sent via the communication interface using a defined transmission protocol. For example, the electronic device can make itself known by periodically sending a generally addressed message that signals the presence of the electronic device and makes it identifiable as a potential communication partner.In another example, the received connection request is processed by the processor and then a response message is sent back via the communication interface, which follows a confirmation of the connection request.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally (but not limited in order), initiating wireless data communication includes receiving a connection request from the user device via the communication interface. With the connection request, the user device can establish an explicit connection with the electronic device. For example, the electronic device receives the connection request via the communication interface and processes the connection request using the processor. The electronic device can then return a response message that is an acknowledgment of the connection request.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power management unit is further configured to generate the feed-in signal if the supply current meets a defined current threshold. The defined current threshold can be met, for example, if the supply current is not less than the defined current threshold for a defined minimum period. The defined current threshold enables robust wireless data communication between the electronic device and the user device, in particular, uninterrupted initiation of wireless data communication.

[0021] In one embodiment, the power supply interface is designed as a wired power supply interface. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply interface can be designed as a wireless power supply interface. Such power supply interfaces can achieve a more stable and efficient power supply to the electronic device.

[0022] Depending on the application, the power supply interface, especially a wired power supply interface, can be selected from the group consisting of USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, and Micro-USB. Such wired connector types enable a more stable and efficient power supply to the electronic device.

[0023] Depending on the application, the power supply interface, in particular a wireless power supply interface, can be designed as an inductive power supply interface. The inductive power supply interface is preferably designed as an inductive surface on the electronic device.

[0024] In particular, a receiving coil is arranged on the inductive surface. The receiving coil is preferably configured to receive an alternating magnetic field generated by an external transmitting coil and to generate an alternating voltage by means of electromagnetic induction, which is then converted into a direct voltage, for example, by means of a rectifier circuit connected to the receiving coil. The direct voltage preferably corresponds to the supply current. An inductive feed interface increases the service life of the electronic device, which is advantageous in the area of ​​household appliances due to their requirements for dust or moisture protection.

[0025] In one embodiment, the initiation of the wireless data communication is aborted after a defined time interval after the injection signal has been received. The processor can be configured to measure a propagation time from the receipt of the injection signal. If the propagation time reaches the defined time interval, the processor can be configured to abort the wireless communication. The defined time interval can be, for example, 60 s, 30 s or 10 s. For example, it may be that the electronic device cannot receive relevant data from the user device due to a technical defect. As soon as the injection signal has been received, the processor counts the time until 10 s is reached and aborts the initiation of the wireless data communication with the user device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to initiate wireless data communication periodically as long as the feed signal is received. For example, as long as the feed signal has the value "one," the processor can perform the step of initiating wireless data communication every 60 seconds, every 30 seconds, or every 10 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, the processor can be configured to initiate wireless data communication for a defined number of repetitions. For example, as long as the feed signal has the value "one," the processor can perform the step of initiating wireless data communication for 10 repetitions, 5 repetitions, or 3 repetitions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electronic device is a light or a speaker.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electronic device comprises an actuating element. The actuating element can be, for example, a switch, push button, or touch pad. The actuating element is preferably connected to the processor. For example, the actuating element can be connected to the processor via a digital input pin of the processor.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the processor is configured to initiate wireless data communication between the electronic device and the user device via the communication interface after the feed signal has been received and / or after the actuating element has been actuated. The actuating element can be configured to generate an actuating signal. In an unactuated state of the actuating element, the actuating signal preferably assumes the value "zero." In an actuated state of the actuating element, the actuating signal preferably assumes the value "one." The processor can be configured to receive the actuating signal. The actuating signal and / or the feed signal preferably puts the electronic device into connection mode.

[0030] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for automatically establishing wireless data communication between an electronic device, in particular an electronic device as described herein, and a user device by means of a processor of the electronic device. The method comprises the steps: Receiving a feed signal from a power management unit of the electronic device; initiating wireless data communication between the electronic device and the user device by means of a communication interface of the electronic device after the feed signal has been received; Performing authentication between the electronic device and the user device by exchanging authentication messages via the communication interface; Generating a cryptographic key based on authentication; Creating a communication profile, wherein the communication profile comprises a communication address of the user device and the cryptographic key.

[0031] According to the method, data communication can be established between the electronic device and the user device. Depending on the application, the communication is based on radio technology, network-based protocols, or meshed radio technologies. Depending on the application, the data communication between the electronic device and the user device takes place via IP protocol stacks (so-called IP stack) using protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP), or protocol for logical link control and adaptation (so-called Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol). Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising an electronic device, in particular an electronic device as described herein, and a power transmission line with a power transmission interface and a power source connection.The power transmission interface is preferably located at one end of the power transmission line. The power source connection is preferably located at another end of the power transmission line.

[0032] The power source connector can be a connector type selected from the group consisting of USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, Micro USB, and power plug. The power transfer interface can be a wired power transfer interface or a wireless power transfer interface. The wired power transfer interface can be a connector type selected from the group consisting of USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, and Micro USB. The wireless power transfer interface can be an inductive charging surface.

[0033] The inductive surface preferably has a transmitting coil which is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0034] Depending on the application, the power supply line interface, in particular the wired power supply line interface, can be selected from the group consisting of USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, and Micro-USB. Depending on the application, the energy feed interface, in particular a wireless power supply line interface, can be designed in the form of an inductive charging surface. A transmitting coil is arranged on the inductive charging surface. The transmitting coil is preferably configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description. They show: Fig. 1 An electronic device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 an electronic device according to a second embodiment Fig. 3 a block diagram of an electronic device; Fig. 4 a flowchart illustrating a sequence of steps for automatically establishing wireless data communication between an electronic device and a user device. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows an electronic device 1 in a first embodiment. The electronic device 1 is designed as a box-shaped loudspeaker, but other embodiments are conceivable, such as a light. The electronic device 1 comprises a power management unit, which has a power supply interface 21. As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic device 1 is supplied with a power transmission line 5, which has a power transmission interface 51 in the form of a USB 3.0 port at one end and a power source connection 52 in the form of a power plug at the other end. Accordingly, the power feed interface 21 is designed as a wired feed interface 21, which corresponds to a USB 3.0 port. In particular, a user can plug the power transmission interface 51 of the power transmission line into the power feed interface 21 of the power management unit. The power feed interface is configured to receive the supply current. Upon plugging in, the power feed interface 21 receives a supply current. The power management unit is configured to detect the supply current and subsequently generate a feed signal.The power management unit detects this supply current via a current sensor and subsequently generates a feed-in signal. The electronic device 1 comprises a processor (not shown) connected to the power management unit and the wireless communication interface. The processor is configured to receive the feed-in signal from the power management unit. Upon receiving the feed-in signal, the processor is configured to initiate wireless data communication between the electronic device 1 and a user device (not shown). In other words, the feed-in signal puts the electronic device 1 into a connection mode.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows an electronic device 1 in a second embodiment. The electronic device 1 according to Fig. 2 differs from the electronic device according to Fig. 1 in that the energy feed interface 21 is designed as an inductive energy feed interface 21. Such an inductive energy feed interface 21 is designed as an inductive surface on the electronic device 1. A receiving coil is arranged on the inductive surface. A power transmission line 5 has a power transmission interface 51 at one end and a power source connection 52 in the form of a power plug at the other end. The power transmission interface 51 is designed as an inductive charging surface. The inductive charging surface has a transmitting coil that is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. When the electronic device 1, in particular the inductive surface of the electronic device, is placed on the inductive charging surface by a user, the energy feed interface 21 receives a supply current.The receiving coil is configured to receive an alternating magnetic field generated by a transmitting coil and to generate an alternating voltage therefrom by means of electromagnetic induction, which is converted into a direct voltage, for example by means of a rectifier circuit, wherein the direct voltage corresponds to the supply current. The energy management unit detects this supply current via a current sensor and subsequently generates a feed-in signal. The electronic device 1 comprises a processor (not shown) which is connected to the energy management unit and the wireless communication interface. The processor is configured to receive the feed-in signal from the energy management unit. The processor is configured to initiate wireless data communication between the electronic device 1 and a user device (not shown) after receiving the feed-in signal.In other words, the feed signal puts the electronic device 1 into a connection mode.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 comprises a power management unit 2 with a power feed interface 21. The power feed interface 21 is configured to receive a supply current. The power management unit 2 is configured to detect the supply current via a current sensor and then generate a feed signal. The feed signal can indicate an electronic voltage level in the form of an analog signal, but other forms such as a digital logic signal or a bus message are conceivable. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 comprises a wireless communication interface 3. The communication interface 3 can be a radio module, such as a WLAN module. In addition, the electronic device 1 comprises a processor 41.The feed signal can be received via an analog input pin of the processor 41, but the feed signal can also be received via a digital input pin, a bus, or a defined signal path. The processor 41 can be installed in a processor unit 4. The processor unit 4 also has a memory 42. The processor unit 4, in particular the processor 41, is connected to the power management unit 2 and the wireless communication interface 3. Depending on the embodiment, the wireless communication interface 3 can be integrated with the processor 41 in a common integrated circuit. The processor 41 can be designed, for example, as a microprocessor, microcontroller, or system on a chip (SoC).

[0039] Processor 41 is configured to perform steps, functions, and / or methods as described herein. Processor 41 may include circuitry specifically designed for this purpose, but may additionally or alternatively include general or generic processing units configured to execute computer program instructions stored in memory 42. These computer program instructions may be stored as firmware and / or application logic, for example.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 100 for automatically establishing a wireless data communication between an electronic device, in particular an electronic device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or Fig. 3, and a user device. The method 100 comprises several steps S1-S6. Steps S1-S6 can be performed by a processor of the electronic device, as described above.

[0041] In step S1, a supply signal from a power management unit of the electronic device is received. The supply signal can be embodied as a digital logic signal received via a digital input pin of the processor. The supply signal corresponds, for example, to zero if a supply current does not meet a current threshold or corresponds, for example, to one if a supply current does meet the current threshold.

[0042] After the feed signal has been received, in step S2, wireless data communication is initiated between the electronic device and the user device via a communication interface of the electronic device. The wireless data communication is initiated as soon as the feed signal has been received by the processor. In other words, the wireless data communication is only initiated if the feed signal has the value one. The initiation of the wireless data communication varies depending on the type of communication.

[0043] In the case of a WLAN communication type, the communication interface sends broadcast messages to the user device and receives a connection request from the user device via the communication interface. Data communication between the electronic device and the user device can be initiated indirectly via a communication unit. The communication interface can be embodied as a WLAN module. The communication unit can be embodied as an access point. The WLAN module can send a discovery search request (so-called probe request) to the access point and can receive a discovery response (so-called probe response) from the access point.

[0044] In the case of Bluetooth communication, the communication interface receives connection requests via the communication interface and sends broadcast messages to the user device. The communication interface can be implemented as a Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth module receives a search request (so-called inquiry request) from the user device and sends a search response (so-called inquiry response) back to the user device.

[0045] In step S3, authentication is performed between the electronic device and the user device by exchanging authentication messages via the communication interface. Depending on the application, the exchange of authentication messages is based on a PIN entry, a keystroke, or an automatic key exchange. In the case of a WLAN communication method, authentication is based on the WPA2 protocol, which uses a pre-shared key. In the case of a Bluetooth communication method, authentication is based on the concept of secure simple pairing, where the authentication message can include a key.

[0046] Based on the authentication, a cryptographic key is generated in step S4. After successful authentication, the processor generates the cryptographic key. In the case of a WLAN communication type, the processor generates a connection key (so-called link key) using a Diffie-Hellmann filter based on elliptic curves (so-called Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellmann filter). In the case of a Bluetooth communication type, a temporary key (so-called transient key) and a group session key (so-called group temporal key) are generated via a four-way handshake. The generated cryptographic key can be stored in the processor's memory in step S5.

[0047] In step S6, a communication profile is created. In particular, the communication profile includes a communication address of the user device and the cryptographic key. The communication address can be, for example, the IP address of the user device.

[0048] According to this method 100, data communication can be established between the electronic device and the user device. Depending on the application, the communication is based on radio technology, network-based protocols, or mesh radio technologies. In the case of WLAN communication, data communication between the electronic device and the user device takes place via IP protocol stacks (so-called IP stack) using protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or UDP. In the case of Bluetooth communication, data communication takes place via the Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 2 Energy management unit 21 Energy feed-in interface 3 Communication interface 4 Processor unit 41 processor 42 storage 5 Power transmission line 51 Energy transfer interface 52 Energy source connection 100 methods for automatically establishing wireless data communication S1 Receiving a feed-in signal S2 Initiating wireless data communication S3 Performing authentication S4 Generating a cryptographic key S5 Storing the cryptographic key S6 Creating a communication profile

Claims

[1] An electronic device (1) comprising: a. a power management unit having a power feed interface, wherein the power feed interface is configured to receive a supply current, and the power management unit is configured to detect the supply current and subsequently generate a feed signal; b. a wireless communication interface; and c. a processor connected to the power management unit and the wireless communication interface, the processor being configured to perform the following steps: Receiving the feed-in signal from the energy management unit; initiating wireless data communication between the electrical device and a user device by means of the communication interface after the feed signal has been received; Performing authentication between the electronic device and the user device by exchanging authentication messages via the communication interface; Generating a cryptographic key based on authentication; Creating a communication profile, wherein the communication profile comprises a communication address of the user device and the cryptographic key. [2] Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface is arranged to support Bluetooth, WLAN, Zigbee or Z-WAVE communication. [3] An electronic device according to any preceding claim, wherein initiating wireless data communication comprises: a. Sending a broadcast message to the user device via the communication interface and / or b. Receiving a connection request from the user device via the communication interface. [4] Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power management unit is further configured to generate the injection signal if the supply current satisfies a defined current threshold. [5] Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply interface is designed in the form of a wired power supply interface and / or a wireless power supply interface. [6] Electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the power supply interface, in particular the wired power supply interface, is selected from the group consisting of USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C and Micro-USB in terms of connection type. [7] Electronic device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the energy supply interface, in particular the wireless energy supply interface, is designed in the form of an inductive supply interface. [8] Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the initiation of the wireless data communication is aborted after a defined time interval after the injection signal has been received. [9] Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is arranged to initiate a wireless data communication periodically or for a defined number of repetitions as long as the injection signal is received. [10] An electronic device according to any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device is a lamp or a speaker. [11] Electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device comprises an actuator connected to the processor. [12] The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to initiate wireless data communication after the injection signal has been received and / or after the actuating element has been actuated. [13] A kit comprising an electronic device, in particular an electronic device according to one of claims 1 to 12, and a power transmission line with a power transmission interface and a power source connection.

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