IoT Device Provisioning via Sub-OBT Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IoT systems, when only one device can provision other devices, and it is not available, new devices cannot be provisioned, leading to user experience issues, especially in multi-user households where multiple devices need to communicate and access each other.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where multiple devices, including a main-onboarding tool (main-OBT) and sub-onboarding tools (sub-OBTs), can provision new devices by configuring device owner IDs and device configuration resources, allowing devices with the same owner ID to communicate and access each other's resources, even if provisioned by different OBTs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only one device can provision other devices, then the provisioning function is simplified, but the system reliability deteriorates when the single provisioning device is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single provisioning function into multiple segments by introducing both main-OBT and sub-OBT roles. Multiple devices can now perform provisioning functions independently, ensuring system reliability when one device is unavailable. The segmentation allows distributed provisioning capability across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling both main-OBT and sub-OBT to perform provisioning operations. Devices with sub-OBT capability can autonomously provision other devices, making the provisioning function universal rather than restricted to a single specialized device.
2Reliability
If multiple devices can provision other devices, then the system reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning mechanism is segmented into hierarchical roles (main-OBT and sub-OBT) with clearly defined responsibilities. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing multiple provisioning-capable devices into a structured framework where each role has specific functions and interaction protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the main-OBT that coordinates between sub-OBTs and other devices. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by providing a centralized coordination point while still allowing distributed provisioning capability.
3Reliability
If devices with different owner IDs communicate, then device isolation is maintained, but the adaptability deteriorates in multi-user households
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling devices with different owner IDs to communicate and access resources through the provisioning mechanism. The system maintains adaptability in multi-user households while preserving isolation through controlled access rights managed by the main-OBT and sub-OBT.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for provisioning an internet of things device and a device are provided. The method includes discovering, by a first device, an unprovisioned second device, and configuring, by the first device, a device owner identity (ID) of the second device, where the first device is a sub-onboarding tool (sub-OBT), the configured device owner ID of the second device is the same as a device owner ID of the first device, and devices with the same device owner ID are able to communicate mutually.