Wireless Security Camera Configuration via External Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring wireless electronic devices without user interfaces are cumbersome, requiring physical connections, complex user interactions, and may involve security risks, especially when updating or reconfiguring connections to different wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A method using a first wireless communication system to establish a connection with an external electronic device, transmitting configuration information for a second wireless communication system, and configuring the device to connect using that system, eliminating the need for user interface components and physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired communication system is used for device configuration, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring physical connections and additional hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system for device configuration. The camera device uses wireless protocols to communicate configuration data with the external device, eliminating the need for physical USB or Ethernet connections during the configuration process while maintaining security through encrypted wireless communication channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer between the camera device and the external device. This intermediary uses standardized wireless protocols to transfer configuration data securely, avoiding the need for direct physical connections while maintaining the security requirements of the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wired communication system is used for device configuration, then security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring physical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If user interface components are added to the camera device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the camera device and relocates it to the external device. The camera device maintains a minimal implementation without display or input controls, while the external device (which the user already possesses) provides the configuration interface. This extraction reduces camera device complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation through the external device's interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the external device universal by using it for both its primary function and as the configuration interface for the camera device. The external device's existing display and input controls are leveraged to configure the camera, eliminating the need for duplicate interface components in the camera itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If configuration values are transmitted over wireless communication system, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to broadcast nature of wireless data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the security parameters of the wireless communication by implementing encrypted communication channels for transmitting configuration data. Instead of using open wireless protocols, the system employs security protocols that encrypt the configuration data transmission, changing the security state from vulnerable to protected while maintaining the convenience of wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10152861B2Wireless security camera system

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 APPLE INC

AI summary

A security camera system, comprising wireless communication components for communicating over first and second wireless communications, and a digital camera system. A data processing system implements a method for providing digital images to an image receiving system. The method includes: establishing a first wireless connection between the security camera system and an external electronic device using the first wireless communication system. Configuration information pertaining to the second wireless communication system is transmitted from the security camera system to the external electronic device using the first wireless connection. Instructions for configuring the security camera system to communicate using the second wireless communication system are transmitted by the external electronic device to the security camera system over the first wireless connection. Captured digital images are then transmitted to the image receiving system over the second wireless communication system.