Dual-Antenna Provisioning to Prevent Unintended Device Pairing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent devices can be discovered and paired with neighboring devices during provisioning, affecting user experience by potentially connecting to unintended devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of dual antennas in intelligent devices, where one antenna operates at a reduced power for discovery and another for provisioning, minimizing communication distance and preventing unintended pairing, while eliminating the need for out-of-band transmission hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for both device discovery and provisioning, then device complexity is reduced, but security is compromised due to unintended device pairing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna function into two separate antennas: a first antenna dedicated for device discovery and a second antenna for provisioning. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function's transmit power and communication distance, preventing unintended pairing while maintaining simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transmit power levels to different antennas based on their specific functions. The first antenna uses lower transmit power suitable for discovery, while the second antenna uses higher transmit power for reliable provisioning communication. This local quality differentiation ensures each antenna operates at optimal power for its intended purpose
2Area of stationary object
If high transmit power is used for device discovery, then discovery range is extended, but unintended devices in neighboring areas can discover and pair with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmit power parameter differently for discovery and provisioning phases. During discovery, the first antenna uses reduced transmit power to limit discovery range to only nearby devices. During provisioning, the second antenna increases transmit power to ensure reliable communication. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between discovery range and pairing security
3Reliability
If out-of-band transmission hardware is added to prevent unintended pairing, then pairing security is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing wireless communication hardware serve multiple functions by implementing different transmit power levels and communication protocols for different phases. The same wireless module handles both discovery and provisioning, eliminating the need for separate out-of-band transmission hardware while maintaining security through controlled power levels
Data Source
AI summary
A discovery and provisioning method. The method includes: A first device in an unprovisioned state sends a first message through a first antenna, where the first message is used by a second device to discover the first device, and the first message includes a device identifier of the first device; when a distance between the second device and the first device is less than or equal to a preset distance, the second device receives the device identifier sent by the first device; and after being discovered by the second device, the first device performs provisioning by using a second antenna.