IoT Location Authorization Using Reference Object Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IoT device tracking systems lack the ability to differentiate between the location of the IoT device and the object it is attached to, leading to potential misuse of location information.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an application function (AF) sending a subscription location request to a network exposure function (NEF) with identifier and reference sensing information, followed by a series of network elements to ensure the location of the IoT device is only provided when the actual object matches the intended reference object, using comparison of sensing information to validate object consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the location of an IoT device is provided to any application function, then the location service functionality is improved and made widely available, but the risk of unauthorized access and misuse of location data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation service availabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access to location data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor data verification mechanism as an intermediary layer between the location service request and the actual location data provision. The network exposure function acts as a mediator that validates sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer readings) before allowing location information to be provided to application functions. This intermediary verification process ensures that only legitimate requests related to the actual physical object are fulfilled, thereby maintaining location service availability while preventing unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the verification parameters from simple device identification to multi-parameter sensor data validation. Instead of relying solely on device IDs or user credentials, the system verifies actual physical parameters such as accelerometer readings, gyroscope data, and magnetometer values. By comparing these physical parameters against expected values for the target object, the system dynamically determines whether to provide location services, thus adapting service provision based on real-time physical verification while preventing misuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the system verifies the actual object collocated with the IoT device by comparing sensing information, then the accuracy of location information provision is improved, but the system complexity and verification overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial verification by selectively checking sensor data only when location service requests are made, rather than continuously monitoring all device parameters. The system performs verification on a demand basis, checking only the necessary sensor parameters (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) relevant to the specific location request. This partial action approach maintains high measurement precision for location accuracy while avoiding the complexity of continuous comprehensive verification of all device states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows IoT devices to track any object, then the versatility of tracking applications is improved, but the risk of tracking unauthorized objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking application versatilityVSAvoidtracking of unauthorized objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor data from the IoT device is continuously monitored and compared against the expected characteristics of the authorized target object. When the sensor data deviates from the expected pattern (indicating the device may be tracking an unauthorized object), the system provides feedback by denying location service requests or alerting the appropriate authorities. This feedback loop maintains tracking versatility for authorized objects while automatically preventing tracking of unauthorized objects through real-time sensor verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260040270A1Positioning and sensing method based on internet of things device, network element, system, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A positioning and sensing method for an internet of things (IoT) device, includes: sending, by an application function (AF), a subscription location request to a network exposure function (NEF), wherein the subscription location request is configured to request to subscribe to a location of an IoT device; wherein the subscription location request includes identifier information of the IoT device and reference sensing information, and the reference sensing information is configured to indicate physical information of a reference object collocated with the IoT device.