BLE Device Deployment With Encrypted Segmented Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying a large number of devices in a wireless environment face challenges such as security concerns with unauthenticated Wi-Fi connections and increased complexity with authenticated APs, as well as the need for manual operations in offline methods like QR codes or file transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mode to send encrypted and segmented messages to receiving devices, which automatically decrypt and execute deployment settings upon boot-up, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi access points and manual operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unauthenticated Wi-Fi access points are used for device deployment, then connection setup is simplified, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as an intermediary communication channel between the sending device and receiving devices. BLE transmits encrypted deployment messages that enable Wi-Fi connection without requiring unauthenticated access points, thus maintaining security while simplifying the connection setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment message is segmented into multiple parts and transmitted through BLE communication. This segmentation allows secure transmission of deployment credentials without requiring open Wi-Fi access, resolving the contradiction between ease of connection setup and security maintenance.
2Reliability
If authenticated Wi-Fi access points are used for device deployment, then security is improved, but connection setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting encrypted deployment messages through BLE communication before Wi-Fi connection is established. The receiving devices obtain authentication credentials in advance through BLE, eliminating the need for complex authenticated Wi-Fi setup procedures while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If offline deployment methods like QR codes or file transmission are used, then manual operation is required one device at a time, but no authentication infrastructure is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (one-by-one device configuration) with automated wireless communication. BLE enables automatic transmission of deployment messages to multiple devices simultaneously, and the receiving devices automatically process and apply the deployment settings, dramatically increasing deployment productivity while maintaining methodological flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving devices activate built-in initial boot services that automatically receive, decrypt, and process deployment messages without manual intervention. This self-service capability enables mass deployment across multiple devices simultaneously, resolving the productivity limitation of manual offline methods.
4Ease of operation
If mass deployment messages are transmitted without encryption, then transmission simplicity is improved, but message security and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of message transmission from unencrypted to encrypted form. BLE communication transmits encrypted deployment messages, and the receiving devices use stored keys to decrypt them. This parameter change maintains transmission simplicity through automated encryption/decryption processes while ensuring message security and integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of device deployment includes steps as follows. Each of a plurality of receiving devices executes a Bluetooth low energy mode when being booted initially. Any one individual receiving device in the plurality of receiving devices decrypts a plurality of sub-encrypted messages repeatedly sent by a sending device executing the Bluetooth low energy mode, so as to generate a message of mass deployment setting corresponding to the plurality of sub-encrypted messages. The individual receiving device executes a subsequent deployment according to the message of mass deployment setting after the individual receiving device is booted initially.