Peer-to-Peer IoT Validation System for Cluster Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

IoT devices often transmit sensitive information and can become compromised, making it difficult to determine when they are transmitting to unauthorized locations due to their interconnected nature and lack of central control.

Innovation Solution

A peer-to-peer validation system is implemented within clusters of IoT devices, where each device is coupled with others using software to validate data transmission, configuration changes, and behavior modifications by receiving approval signals from a majority of the cluster, ensuring secure and context-aware approvals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IoT devices are interconnected without central control to enable autonomous operation, then device independence and scalability are improved, but security and detection of compromised devices deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple devices into a cluster where they collectively perform security validation functions. Instead of relying on a single central authority or individual device security, the system combines the validation capabilities of multiple devices to achieve enhanced security through collective decision-making and mutual verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism where cluster members act as mediators to verify the legitimacy of data transmissions and device behaviors. Rather than direct trust between devices, an intermediate validation layer is established where multiple cluster members must approve suspicious activities before they are permitted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If peer-to-peer validation is implemented among all cluster devices, then security against compromised devices is improved, but system complexity and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the validation process into distinct phases and responsibilities. Not all devices perform all validation functions at all times - instead, validation is segmented by device role, by transaction type, and by risk level. This reduces the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial validation actions based on risk assessment. Not every data transmission requires full cluster validation - instead, the system applies validation intensity proportional to the suspected risk level. Low-risk transactions receive minimal validation, while high-risk transactions trigger full peer-to-peer verification, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11178155B2Peer to peer internet of things (“IoT”) validation system
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 BANK OF AMERICA CORP
  • US11178155B2 patent drawing
  • US11178155B2 patent drawing
  • US11178155B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for peer to peer validation within a cluster of devices. The system may include the cluster of devices. The system may include a software couple. The software coupler may be configured to couple each device included in the cluster of devices with all of the remaining devices within the cluster. When a transmitting device, included in the cluster, attempts to transmit a request outside of the cluster, the transmitting device may communicate an attempt to transmit the request to the devices within the cluster. The request may include the request, identification of the recipient of the request and payload data to be transmitted with the request. Upon review of the attempt, each device within the cluster may transmit an approval and/or disapproval signal to the transmitting device. The transmitting device may transmit the request to the recipient upon receipt of an approval from a majority of the cluster.