IoT Child Tracking System Using BLE Relay and Secure Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in efficiently managing and securing IoT devices, particularly in scenarios like child tracking, where reliable communication and location services are critical, especially in large public areas, due to limitations in range and security protocols.
Innovation Solution
An IoT platform with a hub-and-device architecture that uses Bluetooth Low Energy for low-power communication, secure key exchange protocols, and intermediary mobile devices to extend range, along with secure pairing and encryption methods to ensure data integrity and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used for low-power communication, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that act as relays between the IoT tracking device and the central server. The tracking device communicates with nearby mobile devices via Bluetooth Low Energy, which then forward data through Wi-Fi or cellular networks to extend the effective communication range beyond the limitations of BLE while maintaining low power consumption at the tracking device.
2Reliability
If secure key exchange protocols are implemented, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements secure key exchange protocols during the initial device pairing and setup phase. Encryption keys and security credentials are established beforehand through secure pairing processes between the tracking device and mobile devices. This preliminary security setup ensures ongoing data protection without requiring complex real-time security computations during normal tracking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are described for an IoT security system. For example, one embodiment of the IoT security system comprises: one or more attachable security devices, each comprising an IoT device to establish local wireless connections with one or more IoT hubs within a location, each attachable security device to be attached to a child registered with the security system and comprising a switch to trigger upon detachment of the attachable security device from the child; a plurality of kiosks, each kiosk comprising: a monitor to provide instructions to parents for registering and de-registering children with the security system; an input device to receive input from the parents during a registration process and a de-registration process to register and de-register the children, respectively; a camera to capture a photo of a child to be registered with the security system; an IoT hub to establish a first set of local wireless communication channels with the IoT devices of the security bracelets, the IoT hub to further provide connectivity among each of the kiosks through a second set of one or more communication channels; the IoT hub to associate the photo of the child with an IoT device of a security bracelet provided to the child, the association being stored in one or more of the kiosks or in a network service; an IoT device of an attachable security device to transmit a first alarm to a first kiosk responsive to the switch triggering upon detachment of the attachable security device; the first kiosk to communicate the first alarm with other kiosks and the plurality of kiosks to display the photo.