Wireless Luminaire Configuration via Directional Optical Signal Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaire configuration methods lack security, particularly in outdoor settings where multiple luminaires are within wireless communication range, making it difficult to ensure secure connections and prevent eavesdropping.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire configuration method using a directional optical signal with embedded source information to establish a secure wireless communication link, where only authorized signal sources can initiate communication, utilizing a directional signal detector and controller to authenticate and encrypt the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless communication module is used for luminaire configuration, then the need for network cables is eliminated and installation is simplified, but security concerns arise because multiple luminaires can be within wireless range making it difficult to ensure secure connections and prevent eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration process is segmented into two distinct phases: first, a secure pairing phase where a temporary secure connection is established between the commissioning device and target luminaire, and second, a production phase where the stored pairing information enables secure connection without requiring the temporary connection to be active. This segmentation allows security to be established upfront while maintaining ease of operation during production deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
Pairing information is established in advance during a commissioning phase before the actual configuration operations. The commissioning device stores pairing information with the target luminaire during this preliminary secure connection, and this pre-established pairing information is then reused for subsequent configuration operations, eliminating the need for repeated secure connection establishment while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If broadcasting is used for luminaire identification, then user control is enabled, but security is compromised because other devices can receive and eavesdrop on the broadcast signals
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful broadcasting function is extracted and replaced with a targeted unidirectional communication approach. Instead of broadcasting luminaire identification to all devices, the system uses a signal detector to receive directional signals from a commissioning device, establishing a point-to-point communication channel that eliminates the eavesdropping risk inherent in broadcasting while maintaining user control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A pairing information mechanism acts as an intermediary between the commissioning device and luminaire. The pairing information, stored securely in both devices, mediates the authentication process, allowing the commissioning device to identify and control the target luminaire without broadcasting identification information that could be intercepted by other devices.
3Productivity
If a temporary connection is established for configuration, then luminaires can be added to the network, but the process requires multiple steps including opening network, adding luminaires, and closing network which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The network opening and authentication steps are performed in advance during the pairing phase. The commissioning device stores pairing information with the target luminaire during this preliminary connection, and this pre-established pairing information is then reused for subsequent configuration operations, eliminating the need to repeatedly open and close network connections and reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stored pairing information to automatically authenticate and establish connections without requiring manual network management steps. The commissioning device and luminaire use their pre-stored pairing information to self-authenticate and establish secure connections, eliminating the need for manual network opening, adding, and closing steps that increase process complexity.
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 ensures secure communication by allowing only intended luminaires to receive and respond to directional signals, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping, thereby enhancing security in multi-luminaire environments.
Implementation Method 1
a signal detector (11) adapted to detect a directional signal (31)
Data Source
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AI summary
A luminaire (10) is disclosed comprising a wireless communication module (13) for configuring the luminaire; an optical signal detector (11) for detecting a directional optical signal (31) comprising source information included in the directional signal by a signal source (20) of the directional signal; and a controller (15) for controlling the wireless communication module. The controller is adapted to decode the source information of the coded directional optical signal to extract an identification code and a cryptographic key; to enable the wireless communication module such as to establish a wireless communication link (33) between the wireless communication module and the signal source if the extracted code matches a reference code; and to encrypt data sent over the wireless communication link (33) in accordance with said cryptographic key. A method for communicating with such a luminaire, a computer program product for implementing such a method and a mobile communications device comprising the computer program product are also disclosed.