Adaptive IoT Possession Verification for Ownership Levels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for proving physical possession of IoT devices are inadequate, particularly in scenarios requiring different levels of ownership and possession verification, and often involve insecure factory-reset mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for determining physical possession of IoT devices using various verification methods, including RF packets, NFC, audio, visible light, infrared, laser signals, acceleration force measurement, and location matching, along with a physical possession determining system that utilizes transceivers, magnetic detectors, and power supply manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a physical button is used to prove physical possession, then the device can be reset to factory state and basic ownership can be established, but the method is insecure and cannot support different levels of ownership verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of possession proofVSAvoidlevels of ownership verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic verification mechanisms where the required proof level adapts based on the current state and operational context. Different verification methods (RF packet transmission, NFC communication, audio signal verification, light signal detection, acceleration force measurement, location matching) are selectively applied depending on the ownership level being verified, allowing the system to adjust security requirements dynamically rather than using a fixed verification approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the verification parameters based on the required ownership level. For basic possession, simpler methods like physical button presses may suffice, while higher ownership levels require more complex verification such as RF packet exchange, NFC communication, or multiple signal type verification. This parameter adaptation allows the same hardware to support multiple verification depths without requiring separate dedicated systems for each level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple verification methods are implemented to support different ownership levels, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevels of ownership verificationVSAvoidverification system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal verification framework where a single system can handle multiple verification methods through a common architecture. The device includes transceivers for RF and NFC communication, sensors for audio, light, and acceleration detection, and a centralized verification system that selects and executes appropriate methods based on requirements. This multi-functional design allows one system to serve multiple verification purposes without requiring separate dedicated systems for each verification type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification system is segmented into independent verification modules, each handling a specific verification method (RF packet verification, NFC verification, audio signal verification, light signal verification, acceleration verification, location verification). This modular segmentation allows the system to implement multiple verification methods while maintaining organizational structure and enabling selective activation of individual modules based on the required verification level, thus managing complexity through structured decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual setup is required for configuration and control, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and setup time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration processVSAvoiddevice setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service verification where the IoT device automatically performs verification procedures without requiring manual user intervention. The device can autonomously transmit RF packets, detect audio signals, measure acceleration forces, and verify locations to prove physical possession. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual setup operations while maintaining security, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification actions automatically during the device initialization and configuration process. Before allowing full operation, the device autonomously executes verification protocols to establish ownership and physical possession. This preliminary automated action removes the need for subsequent manual setup steps, as the verification framework is already in place and has been activated through automated means, thereby reducing overall setup time while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances security and flexibility in proving physical possession by adapting to different levels of ownership, ensuring secure configuration and control of IoT devices without manual setup, and facilitating secure ownership transfer.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, using the first IoT device, a first radio frequency (RF) packet to a user device, receiving, using the first IoT device, a second RF packet from the user device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmitting, using the first IoT device, a first near-field communication (NFC) packet to a user device, receiving, using the first IoT device, a second NFC packet from the user device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

A physical possession determining system that utilizes transceivers, magnetic detectors, and power supply manipulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12425072B2Proving physical possession of internet-of-things (IOT) devices
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 ROKU INC
  • US12425072B2 patent drawing
  • US12425072B2 patent drawing
  • US12425072B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for determining physical possession of one or more IoT devices. According to some embodiments, a method for determining physical possession of a plurality of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices includes determining physical possession of a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices. The method further includes determining whether the first IoT device with the determined physical possession satisfies a condition. In response to determining that the first IoT device with the determined physical possession does not satisfy the condition, determining physical possession of a second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices. In response to determining that the first IoT device with the determined physical possession satisfies the condition, determining the physical possession of the plurality of IoT devices based on the determined physical possession of the first IoT device.