Hazard Detector Pairing Using Mobile Intermediary for Simplified Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hazard detection systems face challenges in easy setup and management, particularly in network-connected smart hazard detectors, requiring significant user effort and lacking efficient methods for pairing with online management accounts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simplifying the provisioning, setup, configuration, control, and management of smart hazard detectors by using a mobile application to pair them with a cloud-based management system, utilizing QR codes and cryptographic keys for secure authentication, and enabling communication through different wireless protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hazard detectors are connected to a network for centralized management and control, then the ability to activate multiple alarms and enable remote monitoring is improved, but the complexity of setup and configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning each hazard detector with a unique identifier and cryptographic authentication credentials during manufacturing. This allows the device to be automatically recognized and paired with the online account through a simplified process using a mobile device, eliminating the need for complex manual network configuration and reducing setup complexity while maintaining network connectivity capabilities
2Reliability
If manual network configuration is required for hazard detectors, then network security can be maintained, but user effort and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that mediates the pairing process between the hazard detector and the online account. The mobile device communicates with both the detector (receiving unique identifier and cryptographic credentials) and the online account system, automatically completing the secure network configuration without requiring manual user input or complex network settings, thus maintaining security while reducing setup effort
3Reliability
If cryptographic authentication is implemented for device pairing, then device authenticity and security are enhanced, but the provisioning process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring cryptographic authentication credentials in the hazard detector during manufacturing. The device is provisioned with unique identifiers and cryptographic keys before deployment, enabling secure automatic authentication during the pairing process without requiring users to manually configure security settings or understand cryptographic protocols, thus maintaining strong authentication while simplifying the provisioning process
4Reliability
If hazard detectors require network configuration during setup, then secure communication can be established, but the setup time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile device as an intermediary to automate the network configuration process. The mobile device automatically communicates the home Wi-Fi network credentials to the hazard detector and facilitates the pairing with the online account, establishing secure communication without requiring users to manually configure network settings or spend time on complex setup procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for establishing a pairing between a hazard detector and an online account may include instantiating an application on a mobile computing device and receiving a first code from a central server. The application may receive a second code from printed material associated with the hazard detector. The hazard detector may broadcast a Wi-Fi access point, and the application may join the Wi-Fi access point. The application can be authenticated by the hazard detector using the second code, and the application can receive an identity of a home Wi-Fi network from a user. The application can then transmit the identity of the home Wi-Fi network to the hazard detector. The hazard detector can use the home Wi-Fi network to access the Internet and transmit the first code to the central server, where the central server can use the first code in completing the pairing process.