IoT Hub Mediator for Device Security and Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of IoT devices is hindered by issues such as lack of standardization, connectivity challenges, power supply limitations, short-range wireless technologies like Bluetooth LE, and inadequate security measures, which complicate the design and implementation of IoT systems.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive IoT platform that includes a base hardware/software platform with a predefined networking protocol stack, an IoT hub for internet connectivity, and an IoT service for managing devices, along with secure key exchange mechanisms and intermediary mobile devices for data transmission beyond range, addressing connectivity and security concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standardized IoT platform is implemented, then ease of manufacture and device compatibility improve, but device complexity increases due to the need for hub and service infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IoT hub as an intermediary device that mediates between IoT devices and the network infrastructure. The hub handles complex tasks such as device provisioning, security key management, and data routing, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process for individual IoT devices while maintaining system standardization. The hub acts as a centralized service provider that reduces the complexity burden from individual devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication range is extended beyond Bluetooth LE limits, then connectivity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the IoT hub as an intermediary relay station. IoT devices with limited wireless range communicate with the hub using low-power Bluetooth LE or similar short-range protocols. The hub, which has unlimited or extended range connectivity to the network, then handles long-distance communication. This intermediary approach allows IoT devices to achieve extended effective range without directly consuming high energy for long-range transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is segmented into two parts: short-range device-to-hub communication handled by energy-constrained IoT devices, and long-range hub-to-network communication handled by the powered hub. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its energy constraints while achieving the overall goal of extended connectivity range.
3Reliability
If security measures are enhanced in IoT implementations, then system security improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent centralizes security functions in the IoT hub, which acts as a secure intermediary. The hub manages cryptographic key pairs, handles device provisioning with secure authentication, and mediates all secure communications. Individual IoT devices only need to store their unique identifiers and basic encryption keys, significantly reducing their security implementation complexity while maintaining strong overall system security through the hub's robust security infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for managing attributes in an IoT system. For example, one embodiment of a machine-readable medium comprises program code stored thereon which, when executed by a machine, causes the machine to perform the operations of: specifying a plurality of attributes for a corresponding plurality of items of data managed in an Internet of Things (IoT) device and/or an IoT service; associating one or more ancillary attributes with one or more of the plurality of attributes, the ancillary attributes to specify attribute configurations and/or interdependencies between one or more of the plurality of attributes; evaluating the one or more ancillary attributes to ensure compliance with predefined constraints associated with the plurality of items of data; generating an indication of compliance if the one or more ancillary attributes are in compliance with the predefined constraints; and generating an indication of non-compliance if the one or more ancillary attributes are not in compliance with the predefined constraints.