Luminaire Network Security via Visible Light Verification Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless luminaire network security is vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access due to reliance on username-password schemes, which can be compromised by external devices or human error, posing risks from sophisticated attacks and inadvertent harm.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a visible light communication (VLC) verification protocol using a network of luminaires to authenticate and authorize mobile devices, where each luminaire broadcasts a unique verification code that only authorized devices can detect, enhancing security by requiring physical presence and reducing the risk of external interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If username-password authentication is used for wireless luminaire network control, then ease of operation is improved, but network security deteriorates due to interception and unauthorized access risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces luminaire verification codes as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the user and the luminaire network. Instead of direct username-password authentication over wireless channels, the system uses visually transmitted verification codes from luminaires to mobile devices, creating a secure intermediary layer that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional electronic wireless authentication system with an optical verification system. By using visible light communication to transmit verification codes from luminaires to mobile devices, the system substitutes the vulnerable wireless electronic authentication mechanism with a more secure optical-based verification process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cryptographic encryption is implemented for wireless communications, then network security is improved, but vulnerability to sophisticated attacks and human error persists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidattacks and human error

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification by requiring users to physically locate and visually verify luminaire-specific codes before gaining access. This preliminary optical verification step occurs before any wireless communication or cryptographic authentication, preventing unauthorized devices from even attempting to connect to the luminaire network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the authentication process into distinct phases: optical verification of luminaire identity through visible light codes, followed by separate wireless authentication. This segmentation isolates the cryptographic communication from the initial verification step, reducing the attack surface for sophisticated hacking attempts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If physical presence verification is required for authorization, then network security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional verification steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire automatically performs the verification function by emitting its own unique code through visible light communication. The mobile device's camera captures and processes this code without requiring manual intervention or additional verification steps from the user, making the physical presence requirement seamless and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach significantly enhances network security by ensuring only authorized personnel can control the luminaire network, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access and accidental harm, while being resistant to interception and external attacks.

Implementation Method 1

the RF node controls the optical wireless communication interface to transmit over a visible light communication (VLC) communication band, the verification code

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light communication (VLC): Light

Data Source

PatentUS11463876B2Physical verification and authorization for wireless control of a network

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 ABL IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

A mobile device logs in to an authorization server, via a mobile device network communication interface, over a secondary network. The mobile device receives, via an image sensor, over a light communication band, a respective verification code. In response to logging in to the authorization server and receiving the respective verification code, the mobile device transmits, via the mobile device network communication interface over the secondary network, the respective verification code to the authorization server. In response to transmitting the respective verification code to the authorization server, the mobile device obtains, via the mobile device network communication interface over the secondary network, an authentication approval to control a plurality of RF nodes over a local wireless communication network.