IoT Mesh Network Authentication and Control via Beacon Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT systems face challenges in indoor positioning and security, particularly with beacon technology, due to limited communication range, increased power consumption, and latency when controlling multiple electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatic authentication of a user's terminal and control of electronic devices through a mesh network, where terminals and devices exchange identifiers and control information to authenticate and operate services, reducing the need for individual communication with each device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beacon technology is used for indoor positioning, then position identification is enabled, but security issues arise due to open communication with all terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary between the beacon and terminals. The authentication server verifies terminal credentials and manages authorized access, preventing unauthorized terminals from receiving or transmitting control information through the beacon network, thus resolving the security vulnerability of open beacon communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication of terminals before they can participate in the beacon network. Terminals must be pre-registered and authenticated with the authentication server, obtaining authorization tokens in advance. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized terminals can communicate with the beacon, preventing security breaches before they occur
2Ease of operation
If a terminal individually transmits control information to multiple electronic devices, then each device can be controlled, but power consumption and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual control transmissions into a single broadcast transmission. The terminal transmits control information once to the beacon, and the beacon distributes this control information to multiple electronic devices simultaneously through the mesh network. This combining of transmissions dramatically reduces the terminal's power consumption while maintaining full control capability over multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the beacon a multi-functional hub that not only provides positioning services but also serves as a communication router for control information distribution. The beacon receives control information from the terminal and intelligently distributes it to multiple target devices, enabling the terminal to control multiple devices through a single transmission interface, thus reducing power consumption and simplifying operation
3Ease of operation
If a terminal individually transmits control information to multiple electronic devices, then each device can be controlled, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential control transmissions into a single parallel distribution process. Instead of the terminal transmitting to each device one by one (sequential, high latency), the terminal transmits once and the beacon distributes to multiple devices simultaneously (parallel, low latency), significantly reducing overall control latency
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon acts as an intermediary that receives control information once from the terminal and rapidly distributes it to multiple electronic devices through the mesh network. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for the terminal to maintain multiple simultaneous connections, reducing communication overhead and latency while maintaining full control capability
4Reliability
If beacon communication range is limited, then security is improved, but area coverage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the beacon network from single-hop limited range communication to multi-hop mesh network communication. Control information can traverse multiple devices in the network to reach distant targets, effectively expanding the coverage area in three-dimensional space while maintaining security through authenticated relay nodes. The mesh network topology adds spatial dimensions to the communication range without compromising the security benefits of limited direct beacon range
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor network and Internet of Things (IoT) as applied to intelligent services based technologies such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.An apparatus and method for controlling an electronic device through a mesh network of such electronic devices are provided. In a method for controlling an electronic device, a terminal transmits to the electronic device, a terminal identifier for authenticating the terminal and information for authenticating a user of the terminal. If authentication of the terminal is successfully completed, the terminal transmits control information containing at least one service identifier classified according to service types to the electronic device. The control information is transmitted to another electronic device, based on the service identifier, through a network in which the electronic device is connected to another electronic device.