Envoy Device Automatic Link Establishment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connecting and maintaining communication between devices is challenging due to security concerns and the use of different protocols, requiring authentication keys, which complicates the establishment of secure and user-friendly connections.

Innovation Solution

An envoy device that automatically establishes a secure short-range communication link with nearby devices, transfers information about longer-range communication links, and seamlessly switches to those links if necessary, ensuring secure and convenient transactions by prioritizing communication links based on current operating conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections are used to establish communication links, then security is improved and manual configuration is eliminated, but device flexibility and physical mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidphysical mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication process is divided into two distinct phases: initial secure authentication via wired connection, and subsequent data transfer via wireless connection. This segmentation allows each communication mode to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between security requirements and mobility needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Security authentication and connection establishment are performed in advance through wired connections before the device needs to be moved. The authentication keys and security parameters are exchanged preliminarily, allowing the device to later communicate securely over wireless links without requiring continuous physical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple communication protocols and authentication keys are used, then security is improved, but connection establishment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconnection establishment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs authentication key exchange, protocol selection, and connection establishment without requiring manual user configuration. The devices self-configure by exchanging necessary authentication parameters and selecting appropriate communication protocols, eliminating the complexity burden from users while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized authentication protocol acts as an intermediary layer between different communication protocols. This mediator handles the complex key exchange and authentication processes, presenting a simplified interface to users while managing multiple underlying protocols and security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If short range communication links are used for secure transactions, then security is improved, but communication range and data transfer capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous secure communication by seamlessly transitioning from short-range secure authentication to longer-range data transfer. The useful action of secure communication continues uninterrupted as the device moves from proximity-based authentication to extended-range data exchange, maintaining security throughout the entire interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9544372B2Establishing communication links automatically with local devices

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 ARM IP

AI summary

An envoy device for performing transactions with a further device in proximity to said envoy device, said envoy device comprising a data store, a processor; a first communication device configured to communicate with said further device that is located close enough to said envoy device to establish a first communication link; and at least one further communication device configured to communicate with said further device using at least one further communication link; said envoy device being configured to respond to detecting said further device close enough to said envoy device to establish said first communication link to: establish communication with said further device using said first communication link; receive information from said further device regarding said at least one further communication link that said further device is capable of communicating via and communicating at least one access key for connecting said further device and said first envoy device via said at least one further communication link; and commence a transaction with said further device using said first communication link.