IoT Shelf Tag Relay via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in efficiently managing and updating IoT devices, particularly in scenarios where devices are out of range from the hub, and in ensuring secure communication and data exchange without formal pairing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an IoT platform that allows IoT devices to connect with intermediary mobile devices to transmit data when out of range of the hub, and employs secure communication techniques using public/private key pairs and symmetric key exchange for encryption, enabling secure data exchange without formal pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IoT devices are out of range from the hub, then direct communication is lost, but data management and updates become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the hub and IoT devices that are out of range. The mobile device discovers out-of-range devices, establishes wireless connections, and relays data and commands between the hub and these devices, enabling continued data management and updates despite physical distance constraints.
2Reliability
If formal pairing is required for secure communication, then security is improved, but device complexity and pairing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by pre-generating and storing public/private key pairs in the IoT devices before deployment. When a device needs to communicate, it can immediately use its pre-existing keys for encryption and authentication without requiring a time-consuming pairing process, thus maintaining security while reducing complexity and setup time.
3Reliability
If IoT devices continuously monitor for hub connection, then connection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic connection attempts instead of continuous monitoring. The IoT device enters a low-power state and periodically wakes up to check for hub availability or incoming messages. This approach maintains connection reliability by regularly attempting to re-establish communication while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for Internet of Things (IoT) shelf tags. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: a shelf tag IoT device comprising a local wireless communication interface to establish a local wireless communication link with one or more IoT hubs or client devices, the shelf tag IoT device further comprising a secure communication module to establish a secure communication channel with an IoT service over the Internet using the local wireless communication link; a low power display coupled to the shelf tag IoT device to display product information related to retail products placed on shelves at a retail location; a products database maintained on the IoT service and/or an external retail service, the products database to store an association between each IoT device and each of a plurality of products sold by a retailer; shelf tag management logic executed on the IoT service and/or the external retail service and configured to push pricing updates for products to each respective shelf tag IoT device upon detecting a change in price for the products associated with the shelf tag IoT devices.