Audio Credential Authentication for Interface-Limited IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating IoT devices with wireless access points are cumbersome due to the lack of user input and output interfaces, making the setup process slow and complex.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing audio signals to encode and decode network credentials, enabling IoT devices to authenticate with wireless access points through microphone processing, thereby simplifying the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ad hoc network configuration methods are used for IoT device authentication, then network credentials can be transferred between devices, but the setup process becomes slow and complex due to limited user input and output interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (button pressing, text input/output) with acoustic signal transmission. Audio signals encode network credentials and are transmitted through the air to the IoT device, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration steps and significantly reducing setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary medium to transfer network credentials between devices. Instead of direct device-to-device configuration or manual input, the credentials are encoded into audio signals that can be easily received and processed by the IoT device's microphone, simplifying the authentication process
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration interfaces are provided on IoT devices, then users can input network credentials directly, but the device form factor and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the IoT device to perform self-service authentication by receiving and processing audio signals containing network credentials. The device autonomously extracts credentials from the audio input without requiring manual user interaction through keyboards or display interfaces, maintaining its simple form factor while achieving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing microphone component of the IoT device for a new function - receiving authentication credentials. The microphone, originally intended for other purposes, is utilized to capture audio signals containing network credentials, eliminating the need for dedicated input interfaces and reducing device complexity
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
Facilitates faster and more secure authentication of IoT devices by eliminating the need for manual configuration of ad hoc networks, allowing multiple devices to be onboarded simultaneously and ensuring secure, proximity-based connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an audio signal at the device via a microphone; processing the audio signal to extract a code
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for authenticating a device with a wireless access point. The method includes receiving an audio signal at the device via a microphone; processing the audio signal to extract a code; using the code to authenticate the device, at least in part, with the wireless access point; and in response to the authentication, providing access to one or more network services to the device via the wireless access point. A system and software are also disclosed.