IoT Device Pre-Enrollment via Barcode Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in registering WiFi-enabled IoT devices due to issues like forgotten WiFi credentials and low coverage, which prevents OEMs from sending devices pre-configured for connection to multiple WiFi networks, and requires manual setup within the network's coverage area.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for pre-enrollment and network pre-configuration of IoT devices using an IoT platform with an IoT hub and service that allows devices to be paired and configured using barcodes or QR codes, enabling secure key exchange and automatic network registration without requiring manual setup within the network's coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual WiFi registration is used, then devices can connect to networks, but users must be physically present within network coverage and remember credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures IoT devices with multiple WiFi network credentials and SSIDs before shipment. The device stores these credentials in advance and can automatically select and connect to appropriate networks without requiring manual user input or physical presence near a specific access point during setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-configuration for multiple networks is implemented, then device versatility improves, but security key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based credential management service that acts as an intermediary. This service securely stores, manages, and distributes WiFi credentials to devices as needed, reducing the burden on device hardware and software to manage multiple credentials locally while enabling multi-network connectivity.
3Reliability
If registration requires physical presence in network coverage, then connection reliability is ensured, but user convenience and remote setup are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures devices with multiple WiFi network credentials and SSIDs before shipment. The device stores these credentials in advance and can automatically select and connect to appropriate networks without requiring manual user input or physical presence near a specific access point during setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for automatically provisioning a new IoT device. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) service comprising: an IoT database to store user account data and IoT devices associated with each user account; an application programming interface (API) exposed to one or more online retail services to allow the online retail services to submit data related to IoT device purchases to the IoT service; a first IoT device purchased from the online retail service by a first user associated with a first user account on the IoT service, wherein in response to the first user purchasing the first IoT device, the online retail service is to transmit first identification data to identify the first IoT device and second identification data to identify the first user account; and device provisioning circuitry and/or logic to automatically add the first IoT device to the first user account on the IoT database in response to receipt of the first and second identification data.