Ad Hoc Network Node Enrollment Using Room-Limited Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network technologies are complex and difficult for consumers to use, requiring professional installation for adding, authenticating, and configuring new devices, especially as the number of networked devices increases with decreasing costs of microprocessors and communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method for enrolling nodes into an ad hoc network using consumer product devices equipped with both room-limited and room-transparent communication modules, allowing devices to form mesh networks without prior knowledge of the floor plan, and enabling users to manage household or environmental settings through a network of intelligent consumer products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing home network technologies are used to add and configure new devices, then device connectivity is achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires professional installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic device discovery and enrollment mechanisms. When a new device is added to the network, it automatically discovers available networks, selects the appropriate one, and enrolls itself without requiring manual configuration or professional installation. The device autonomously completes the joining process by exchanging cryptographic credentials and establishing secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network coordinator or gateway as an intermediary that simplifies the enrollment process. This intermediary manages the complex authentication and credential exchange between new devices and the network, shielding end users from technical complexities while ensuring reliable device connectivity through standardized enrollment procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of networked devices is increased, then network capability and flexibility are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function into automated enrollment procedures handled individually for each device. Instead of requiring manual management of the entire network, each device independently goes through a standardized enrollment process, reducing overall system management complexity while allowing the network to scale with increased adaptability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the enrollment parameter from manual configuration to automated discovery and selection. By altering how devices join the network—from requiring explicit user input to automatically discovering and enrolling in available networks—the system can accommodate more devices without proportionally increasing management complexity.
3Reliability
If manual configuration and authentication processes are used, then security is maintained, but user time and effort are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring cryptographic credentials and security parameters in devices before they are deployed to the network. This preliminary setup enables automated secure enrollment without requiring users to perform time-consuming manual authentication processes, thereby maintaining security while reducing configuration time and user effort.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Systems and methods for enrolling nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-roomed structure. Nodes within the ad hoc network comprise a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network using at least one of room-limited communications and room-transparent communications.