IoT Device Dual-Antenna Authorization via Distance Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT device authorization methods face challenges in ensuring security and convenience, particularly in simplifying user operations while maintaining the integrity of IoT device control.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an IoT device and an authorization method that utilize a secure distance-based communication mechanism, where the IoT device switches to a second antenna for short-range communication, ensuring only authorized devices within a secure distance can receive and respond to authorization requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional authorization methods are used, then user operations are simple, but security is compromised due to lack of distance verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidauthorization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification of device proximity through automatic distance measurement and authentication, eliminating the need for manual security verification steps while maintaining high security standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authorization parameter from simple account verification to include spatial distance verification, adding a physical dimension (distance threshold) to the authorization criteria that automatically enhances security without requiring complex user operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If account-based authorization is used, then convenience is provided, but security cannot be ensured against unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control convenienceVSAvoidaccess control security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization system dynamically adjusts access permissions based on real-time distance measurements, transitioning from static account-based authorization to dynamic context-aware authorization that adapts to the physical proximity of devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces distance measurement and verification as an intermediary layer between the user account and device control permissions, acting as a mediator that must be satisfied in addition to account authentication to grant access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If no distance verification is implemented, then the authorization process is simple, but unauthorized devices can access IoT devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidauthorization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary distance verification and device identification checks before initiating the authorization process, filtering out obviously unauthorized devices early and simplifying the subsequent authorization steps for legitimate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4199473B1IoT device and authorization method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4199473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4199473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4199473B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An IoT device and an IoT device authorization method are provided, to ensure security and provide convenience. The IoT device wirelessly communicates with a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The IoT device includes a processor, a memory, a first antenna, and a second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna are different antennas, and a transmit distance of the second antenna is less than a transmit distance of the first antenna. Alternatively, the first antenna and the second antenna are a same antenna, and a transmit power of the second antenna is less than a transmit power of the first antenna. When a computer program stored in the memory is executed by the processor, the IoT device performs the following steps: receiving a first message indicating to add a shared control device for the IoT device; sending, through the second antenna, a second message including device information of the IoT device; receiving a third message including device information of the second electronic device; and sending, through the first antenna, a fourth message including the device information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device.