IoT Device Onboarding Templates for Identity and Cloud Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT device onboarding workflows vary widely, creating complexity and latency due to differing device-to-device and vendor-to-vendor processes, and lack standardized methods for identity verification and configuration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing template-based onboarding using structured documents that define directives and conditions for connecting IoT devices to remote systems, enabling standardized and simplified onboarding processes through device identity verification and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If standardized onboarding templates are implemented, then onboarding latency and complexity are reduced, but adaptability to diverse device types and vendor-specific requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveonboarding latencyVSAvoidadaptability to diverse device types
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the onboarding process into distinct template-defined stages (device discovery, identity verification, configuration, commissioning) that can be independently configured and executed. This segmentation allows standardized processing within each stage while maintaining flexibility across different device types through vendor-specific template configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic template selection and configuration where onboarding templates can be adapted based on device type, vendor, and specific requirements. The system dynamically adjusts verification methods, configuration parameters, and processing flows while maintaining a standardized template-driven framework, resolving the contradiction between standardization and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If vendor-specific onboarding workflows are used, then adaptability to specific device requirements is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to specific device requirementsVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal onboarding template framework that can handle multiple device types, vendors, and requirements through a single standardized interface. The template system provides multi-functionality by supporting various verification methods, configuration approaches, and device protocols within a unified structure, reducing installation complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter-based template configuration where vendor-specific and device-specific requirements are managed through configurable parameters rather than hard-coded workflows. By changing parameters within the standardized template structure, the system adapts to specific device requirements without increasing overall system complexity or requiring custom implementation for each vendor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual identity verification methods are used, then verification accuracy is improved, but onboarding time and automation level deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentity verification accuracyVSAvoidautomation level of onboarding
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback loops where device responses, verification results, and configuration outcomes are automatically processed and used to guide subsequent onboarding steps. The template system incorporates automated verification protocols that maintain high accuracy through structured validation while enabling full automation of the onboarding process, eliminating the need for manual verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If comprehensive device configuration is performed during onboarding, then device performance and reliability are improved, but onboarding time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivity reliabilityVSAvoidonboarding time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs comprehensive device configuration, verification, and validation as preliminary actions within the standardized onboarding template framework. By completing all necessary configuration steps during the initial template-driven onboarding process, the system ensures device reliability and connectivity while maintaining efficient timing through automated parallel processing and structured workflow management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4035327B1Template-based onboarding of internet-connectible devices
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 AMAZON TECH INC
  • EP4035327B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4035327B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4035327B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for template-based onboarding of internet-connectible devices are disclosed. A device onboarding service receives an onboarding request comprising a proof and context of identity (PCI) of an Internet-connectible device (ICD). The service determines an account associated with the ICD based at least in part on the onboarding request. The account is associated with an account policy in an onboarding template that is determined at least in part by an owner of the account. If the PCI is verified against one or more criteria of the onboarding template, then a device configuration is determined based at least in part on the onboarding template. The service sends the device to the ICD, and the ICD's behavior is determined at least in part on the device configuration. The ICD uses the access credentials of the device configuration to communicate with an application in a cloud computing environment.