IoT Device Configuration via Proximity-Based Wireless Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices face challenges in secure and efficient configuration due to the need for user input and the 'chicken and egg' problem of requiring a user interface for network configuration, which increases costs and user effort, while 'headless' devices struggle without direct input mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Configuring IoT devices via a short-range wireless link, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, that reduces transmission power to ensure secure, proximity-based configuration without user input, using methods like Diffie Hellman key exchange for security and allowing configuration of secondary wireless networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user interface (display and input mechanism) is added to enable initial network configuration, then the device can be configured remotely over a network, but the cost of the device increases due to additional hardware and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the IoT device itself and relocates it to the user's mobile device. The IoT device only needs to provide a minimal configuration interface that can be accessed remotely, while the complex input and display functions are performed on the user's existing mobile device, eliminating the need for expensive display and input hardware in the IoT device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the IoT device. The mobile device acts as a mediator that provides the user interface capabilities (display, keyboard, camera) that the IoT device lacks, allowing configuration without requiring these components to be built into the IoT device itself.
2Ease of operation
If a user interface is provided for configuration, then the device can be configured, but the configuration process becomes slow and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the configuration process to be self-service by allowing the IoT device to generate and transmit its own configuration data (such as network credentials) automatically. The mobile device can capture this information using its camera or receive it through automated protocols, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing configuration time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The IoT device performs preliminary actions by pre-generating configuration data and making it available for capture before the user needs to configure it. The device prepares its network credentials and other configuration information in advance, so when the user initiates configuration, the data is already ready to be transferred automatically.
3Device complexity
If headless IoT devices with limited or no direct user input and output mechanisms are used, then device cost is reduced, but it becomes difficult to configure the device to operate on the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the user's mobile device as an intermediary that bridges the gap between headless IoT devices and configuration needs. The mobile device provides the necessary user interface capabilities and communicates with the IoT device through automated protocols, enabling configuration of headless devices without requiring the IoT device to have its own display or input mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical user interface components (physical keyboards, displays, buttons) with electronic/digital alternatives. Configuration is performed through software-based interfaces on the mobile device and automated data exchange protocols, eliminating the need for physical input/output mechanisms in the IoT device while maintaining configurability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces user effort and secures the configuration process by ensuring physical proximity, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks and enabling efficient, secure setup of IoT devices without the need for extensive user input.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless connection type between the IoT device and the mobile device is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Implementation Method 2
using methods like Diffie Hellman key exchange for security
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, and machine readable mediums for secure, low end-user effort computing device configuration. In some examples the IoT device is configured via a user's computing device over a short range wireless link of a first type. This short range wireless communication may use a connection establishment that does not require end-user input. For example, the end user will not have to enter, or confirm a PIN number or other authentication information such as usernames and/or passwords. This allows configuration to involve less user input. In some examples, to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, the power of a transmitter in the IoT device that transmits the short range wireless link is reduced during a configuration procedure so that the range of the transmissions to and from the user's computing device are reduced to a short distance.