IoT Coin Op Controller with Cellular Mediator and PKI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in efficiently managing and securing coin-operated devices, particularly in terms of data collection, remote control, and secure communication, especially when IoT devices are out of range or require secure key exchange and encryption.
Innovation Solution
An IoT platform with a predefined networking protocol stack, an IoT hub, and an IoT service that enables secure data collection, remote control, and secure key exchange using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for local communication, cellular or WiFi for wide-area connectivity, and public key infrastructure (PKI) for encryption, allowing devices to operate autonomously and securely even when out of range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If IoT devices use local communication protocols like Bluetooth for data transmission, then communication efficiency is improved, but the devices cannot operate when out of range of the local network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cellular module as an intermediary communication channel. When devices are out of range of local Bluetooth/WiFi networks, the cellular module acts as a mediator to relay data between the device and the server via cellular networks, enabling continuous operation beyond local network boundaries while maintaining efficient local communication when available.
2Reliability
If IoT devices establish secure connections using public key infrastructure, then communication security is improved, but the key exchange process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and storing public key pairs on IoT devices during manufacturing. The public keys are pre-configured and stored in secure memory, eliminating the need for complex real-time key exchange protocols during device operation. This preliminary setup simplifies the connection establishment process while maintaining strong security through asymmetric encryption.
3Ease of operation
If coin-operated devices are integrated with IoT platforms, then remote control capability is improved, but the device architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a modular IoT platform architecture that can be integrated into various coin-operated devices (vending machines, laundry machines, etc.). The platform provides universal functions including user authentication, payment processing, device monitoring, and remote control through a unified interface, allowing different device types to benefit from the same core functionality without requiring device-specific complex architectures.
4Productivity
If IoT devices continuously transmit data to the server, then data collection efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing scheduled data transmission intervals between IoT devices and the server. Instead of continuous transmission, devices transmit operational data, status updates, and telemetry information at predetermined intervals or when specific thresholds are reached. This periodic communication pattern maintains effective data collection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for an Internet of Things (IoT) coin operated machine. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) device comprising a local wireless communication interface to establish a local wireless communication link with one or more IoT hubs or client devices and a microcontroller unit (MCU) to execute program code; a secure communication module to establish a secure communication channel between the IoT device and an IoT service over the Internet using the local wireless communication link; a machine/coin acceptor interface comprising a first interface to communicatively couple the IoT device to a coin acceptor device and a second interface to communicatively couple the IoT device to a machine control unit to control operations of a coin operated machine, the machine/coin acceptor interface to receive signals from the coin acceptor device over the first interface when coins are inserted into the coin acceptor device and to transmit a signal to the machine control unit over the second interface to cause the coin operated machine to perform operations when a specified number of coins have been inserted; and the machine/coin acceptor interface to further transmit a signal to the machine control unit over the second interface to cause the coin operated machine to perform operations in response to a command transmitted from the IoT service to the IoT device through the secure communication channel.