BLE Light Switch Authentication Without a Central Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home lighting control systems are often complex and require expert installation, with smart light bulbs being limited by associated light switches and fixtures, leading to operational inefficiencies and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system with a light switch module that includes a processor for direct wireless communication with mobile devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), enabling secure connection and control through a dual-factor authentication process, allowing for automated lighting adjustments and scene modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a central hub is used for automated lighting control, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central hub component from the lighting control system. Instead of requiring a centralized control unit, individual light switches are equipped with wireless communication capabilities (Bluetooth Low Energy) to communicate directly with mobile devices and the cloud server, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining automation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The light switches are designed to autonomously perform authentication and registration with the cloud server using dual-factor authentication (physical switch actuation combined with mobile device verification). This self-service capability eliminates the need for expert installation and technical configuration, allowing end-users to independently set up and control the lighting system
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart light bulbs are used, then lighting control flexibility is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates when associated switches are off
Solution Approach 1:
The light switch module serves multiple functions: it acts as both a traditional physical switch for immediate local control and as a wireless communication interface for smart home integration. The dual-factor authentication mechanism allows the switch to function as both a physical actuator and a verification device, enabling reliable operation regardless of the switch's physical state
3Reliability
If dual-factor authentication is implemented, then connection security is improved, but authentication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two authentication factors into a unified process: physical actuation of the light switch and verification through a mobile device application. These two separate authentication methods are merged into a single seamless workflow where the mobile device detects the switch actuation event and automatically completes the authentication process with the cloud server, maintaining high security while simplifying user interaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides intelligent lighting control systems. The lighting control systems include a switch control circuit including a processor configured to cause a transmitter communicably coupled to the processor to initiate direct wireless communication with a mobile electronic device via a wireless protocol, the mobile electronic device operating a mobile application and communicably coupled to a remote server system via a dual factor authentication. The processor is configured to broadcast a device pin to the mobile electronic device via the wireless protocol, wherein the device pin comprises one or more of a serial number, a UUID and an actuator state. The processor is configured to obtain Wi-Fi credentials from the application via an encrypted exchange with the mobile electronic device. The processor is configured to initiate an authentication sequence with the remote server system using the Wi-Fi credentials and the device pin.