IoT Device Network Access via Camera-Based Credential Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for Internet of Things (IoT) devices to access networks are cumbersome, require additional hardware, and pose security risks, leading to increased costs and complex user operations.
Innovation Solution
An IoT device sends a UUID, SSID, and a first pass_tmp to an access point, which verifies the pass_tmp with a server to obtain the SSID and password, allowing the device to access the network securely without user intervention, reducing hardware needs and user steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a user enters SSID and password by using the Internet of Things device, then the device can access the network, but the device needs to be provided with a touchscreen or keyboard which increases costs and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device that assists the IoT device in accessing the network. The mobile terminal displays the SSID and password, and the IoT device captures this information through its camera, eliminating the need for touchscreen or keyboard hardware on the IoT device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical input methods (touchscreen, keyboard) with an optical recognition system. The IoT device uses its camera to capture and recognize the SSID and password displayed on the mobile terminal screen, substituting physical input mechanisms with visual recognition technology.
2Reliability
If a user uses an intelligent device as an access point to notify the Internet of Things device of SSID and password, then the device can access the network, but the user has relatively cumbersome operation and poor user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the IoT device to automatically obtain and store the SSID and password by capturing the information displayed on the mobile terminal screen through its camera. The device performs self-service configuration without requiring manual input from the user, significantly simplifying the operation process.
3Ease of operation
If the Internet of Things device requests a gateway device for accessing the network in a broadcast manner, then the gateway device notifies the Internet of Things device of SSID and password, but the SSID and password are easily intercepted by others posing a security threat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile terminal as a secure intermediary that displays the SSID and password in a controlled manner. The information is transmitted visually through the screen rather than being broadcast over the network, preventing interception while maintaining ease of configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the network broadcast mechanism with an optical display and recognition system. The SSID and password are transmitted through visual display on the mobile terminal screen and captured by the IoT device's camera, eliminating the security vulnerability of network broadcasting while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Reliability
If the Internet of Things device is set by using a computer, then the device can access the network, but the method is complex and is difficult to deploy on a large scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the IoT device to automatically configure itself by capturing the SSID and password from the mobile terminal screen using its camera. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex computer-based configuration, making the device easy to deploy on a large scale without requiring technical expertise.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a method for accessing a network by an Internet of Things device, an apparatus, and a system, and relates to the field of Internet of Things, so as to reduce hardware apparatuses need to be provided for an Internet of Things device, and reduce operation steps of a user when it is ensured the Internet of Things device securely accesses a network. The method includes: sending, by an Internet of Things device, an access request message to an access point, where the access request message includes a UUID, an SSID, and a first pass_tmp; receiving, by the Internet of Things device, an access response message sent by the access point, where the access response message includes the SSID and a password; and accessing, by the Internet of Things device, a network by using the SSID and the password.